Tour Tanguy

About the museum

The Tour Tanguy dates from the 14th century and stands on a rock on the bank of the Penfeld, opposite Brest Castle. A defensive structure linked to the siege of 1386–1387, it takes its name from the Chastel family, whose coat of arms is carved above the door; the lords dispensed justice here until around 1580.

Left to decline, it was bought back in the 18th century and converted into a dwelling in the 19th century: the architect Barillé opened new windows and added a kiosk in the Chinese style. A fire during the fighting of 1944 destroyed that section. The City of Brest became its owner in 1954.

In 1959 the city commissioned the painter and ceramicist Jim-E. Sévellec to create dioramas on Brest’s past. The Old Brest Museum opened in 1962, with a third room added in 1964. A corner turret (poivrière) and battlements were added in 1971 to restore the tower’s medieval silhouette.

The tower was renovated in 2022 and its route redesigned. It now houses 14 dioramas showing the history of Brest before 1939 and the daily life of its residents, from naval battles to the streets of old Brest. The top floor offers views over the roadstead, the castle and the Penfeld.

Highlights

• 14 dioramas by Jim-E. Sévellec on the history of Brest before 1939
• Scenes from the 1686 Siamese embassy, the streets of old Brest and a naval battle
• Views of the roadstead, the castle and the Penfeld from the upper windows
• 14th-century medieval tower at the foot of the Recouvrance bridge

Permanent exhibition

• Dioramas de l'histoire de Brest – Fourteen painted models trace the history of Brest and the lives of its residents from the Middle Ages to the interwar years.

Founded

1962

Operated by

Ville de Brest

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Self-guided visits are free and need no booking. Guided tours are organised occasionally by the tourist office; register on +33 2 98 44 24 96.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The tower is accessible to people with visual, hearing or psychological disabilities, but not to people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The tourist office recommends the visit with children, especially on rainy days. The dioramas make the history easy to follow. The tower is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Getting there & parking

Entrance via Square Pierre-Péron, at the foot of the Recouvrance bridge, on the bank of the Penfeld.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit