Living in Brest
A quick guide for international students
DROIT
ÉCONOMIE
& GESTION
This presentation was done by the students
of the Masters of Applied Economics.
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Bienvenue, welcome, bienvenido, willkommen, degemer mat !
“We are delighted to present you Brest and its region.
It will be a pleasure for all the students to welcome you at of the
faculty of Law and Economics.
The guide ‘Living in Brest’ aims at making your stay easier and at
informing you about the local student life. We hope you'll find it
useful and that you will enjoy your stay in Brittany!”
Location of the Faculty of Law and Economics
UFR Droit et Sciences Économiques
12, rue de Kergoat
CS 93837
29238 Brest cedex 3
T +33 (0)2 98 01 60 97
F +33 (0)2 98 01 65 90
Scolarité-licenceDEGAES@univ-brest.fr??
www.univ-brest.fr/ufr-droit-economie
Getting here:
BY AIR
The nearest airport is Aéroport Brest Bretagne in Guipavas – a 20-minute drive from the city
centre.
For information on flights and shuttle services visit: www.brest.aeroport.fr
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 32 86 00 / Fax: +33 (0)2 98 32 86 03 / Email: info@brest.aeroport.fr
PARIS AIRPORTS
www.adp.fr (Website available in ten languages)
BY TRAIN
TGV (high speed train)
From Paris, the journey takes approximately 5 hours. TGV trains to Brittany depart from the
station Gare Montparnasse and arrive at Gare routière de Brest (Brest city centre).
BY BUS AND COACH
The bus and coach station in Brest is located in the city centre, on the same site as the train
station.
For local travel, further information is available at www.viaoo29.fr
Or
Gare routière de Brest, 2 place 19ème RI - 29200 Brest
Tel.:+33 (0) 810 810 029
For more detailed information, please refer to the “Transport” section of our guide.
Get yourself ready
Guidelines before departure:
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Apply for ERASMUS grants and other financial support
Prepare your ‘Learning Agreement’ with your ERASMUS tutor
Book a flight
Find accommodation
Pack clothes for when it rains
Bring some passport size photographs
Make an appointment with your coordinator for after your arrival
Join the Facebook ERASMUS group to get in touch with people
A selection of websites to help you prepare your trip:
Ministry of Higher Education and Research
www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr
www.education.gouv.fr
www.etudiant.gouv.fr
Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs
www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/ (Administrative procedures in France)
www.service-public.fr
L’étudiant (website dedicated to students and student life)
www.letudiant.fr
CNOUS: (National Student Welfare Centre)
www.cnous.fr
European Youth Portal
http://europa.eu/youth/
The Faculty is center-located. You can study and enjoy the city or the harbour
at the same time!
The weather forecast in Brest.
22°25°C
Sun and afternoon
wind
Sea water: 18°C
13hrs of daylight
9°13°C
Rain and cloud
Possible storms
Sea water: 13°C
10hrs of daylight
7°10°C
Sun, rain, snow
Heavy storms
Sea water: 9°C
8hrs of daylight
15°20°C
Sunny, some clouds,
small waves
Sea water: 16°C
14hrs of daylight
In autumn and winter, always keep a jacket with you as the weather can change quickly.
In spring, evenings are quite fresh and there can be a cold wind.
In summer, the weather is always nice!
Housing and accommodation
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In Brest, the two most popular options for low-cost temporary accommodation are:
1. Centre de Keraudren
Somebody is available 24 hours to take your call. It is strongly advised to phone beforehand to enquire about
availability or to book a room. Opening hours are from 07.30 to 07.00. The center offers single or shared rooms
(2 to 4 persons) with prices per person starting from €18 for a shared room and €32.50 for a single room.
Contact details:
Centre de Keraudren
110 Rue Ernestine de Trémaudan
29200 Brest
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 34 66 34
E-mail: accueil@centrekeraudren.com
Website: http://www.centrekeraudren.com/
2. Brest Youth Hostel
Reception opening times: 17.00 to 20.00
Contact details:
Auberge de Jeunesse de Brest
5, rue Kerbriant
29200 Brest
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 41 82 66
Website: http://aj-brest.pagesperso-orange.fr/
CLOUS (Local Student Welfare Centre)
This is a public service run by the French government in conjunction with Universities. In Brest, CLOUS is
responsible for managing the three student halls of residence (Lanrédec, Bouguen and Kergoat) and all
accommodation applications.
CLOUS de Brest
2 avenue Le Gorgeu, 29219 Brest Cedex 2 (next to the University Restaurant ‘Armen’)
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 08.30 to 12.00 and 13.30 to 16.30
Contact details
2 avenue Le Gorgeu, 29219 Brest Cedex 2 (next to the University Restaurant ‘Armen’)
Tel: +33 (0)2 98 03 38 78
Fax: +33 (0)2 98 47 13 78
Email: clous@crous-rennes.fr
CNOUS/CROUS network website: www.lokaviz.fr
CAF Finistère (Family Allowance/Housing benefit (APL, ALS) enquiries)
Contact details
1 Rue Portzmoguer
29200 Brest
Tel: +33 (0) 810 25 29 30
Website: http://www.caf.fr
Healthcare and wellbeing.
The University Medical Centre (SUMPPS)
An appointment is necessary for all medical consultations including:
- Health checks
- Medical certificates
- Vaccinations
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The social service department
Social workers are available at the Brest and Quimper Medical Centres to help students seeking advice and
information, or who are experiencing personal difficulties. Services include:
- information and assistance on possible financial help for studies
- support during difficult times (family, study problems, etc.)
- information on student-specific legislation
Students with disabilities or health problems can benefit from assistance for the organization of their
studies and exams.
Contact:
SUMPPS BREST
CENTRE DE SANTE
13, rue de Lanredec
29238 Brest cedex 3
Tel.: +33(0)2 98 01 82 88
Fax: +33(0)2 98 01 82 90
Opening hours
Monday
08.3017.45
Tuesday
08.3017.45
Wednesday 08.3016.30
Thursday
08.3017.30
Friday
08.3016.00
Banking
In France, if you are 18 years old and over and plan to stay in the country for at least 3 months,
you have the right to open a bank account.
You can make an appointment with any bank, but please note that the following documents are
necessary:
3 required documents
Account request is granted
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ID or passport
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Residence permit
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Proof of residence
(i.e. a document stating your French
address such as a rent receipt or
electricity/gas bill).
Checking delay
2
Account request is refused
Contact Banque de France who
will find another bank for you
1
 No charge to open the account
 Possible initial credit to pay in (around €15)
 Bank card and cheque book (cost around €5
per month)
 Current + saving accounts available
Closing the account
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Inform the bank by recorded delivery letter
Make sure the account is not in debt
Closing your account is free of charge . . .
But the bank can ask for €20 or €25 to
remain in the account to cover any fees
Living costs
The cost of living in Brest is quite low compared to most French cities. This is mainly due to property rental
prices (for instance, rent is generally 3 times lower here than in Paris).
To live comfortably in Brest, you will need a budget of around €550 to €650.
Accomodation
-Student accomodation (monthly)
-Private accomodation (monthly)
-Deposit (returnable)
-House insurance (annual)
€200
€300
One month’s rent
€50
Food and Eating Out
€200
(You can buy a three-course meal at the university restaurants
for just over €3)
Transport
(Bibus bus and tram network)
€27
Leisure activities
€70
Miscellaneous
(Clothes, phone, utility bills, etc.)
€50
Mobile phone
You have three options:
Pay as you go
• Pay a fixed amount
each month
• Get a certain amount
of minutes and texts
Mobicarte
• Get a free SIM card
• Top up with credit
whenever you need to
Pay Monthly
•Pay a fixed amount
each month
• Receive a bill for your
calls at the end of each
month
Please note that the following documents must be provided (with the exception of Mobicarte
 only proof of identify is required)
Proof of identity
 Bank details
 A cancelled cheque or a valid bank card
Usually, Pay Monthly contracts are for a minimum of 12 months. Pay as you go or Pay
Monthly plans, sometimes offer good deals on buying a mobile phone In general, it is free to
terminate your contract and you can keep your phone when you return to your country.
NB: Most operators propose combined offers for internet + mobile phone + cable TV
You will find a few international calling shops in Brest
Post office:
Every French town has at least one post office. The main branch in Brest can be found at the following
address:
La Poste Brest-centre
90 Rue De Siam
29200 Brest
Website: http://www.laposte.fr/
Post offices also offer banking, telephone and money transfer services.
Transport
Public transport outside Brest:
Bus and tram network
Travelling around Finistère:
By coach
A single journey on any one of the
network’s 39 lines costs €2 (with the
exception of the Quimper-Brest line)
The Brest area has 13 different bus
lines and a new tramway that opened
in 2012.
More information about these services
is available from:
Bibus accueil
33 Boulevard Clémenceau
29200 Brest
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 80 30 30
www.bibus.fr
Further information is available at
www.viaoo29.fr
Or
Gare routière de Brest
2 place 19ème RI - 29200 Brest
Tel.:+33 (0) 810 810 029
By train
Visit www.ter-sncf.com/bretagne for
regional travel information and
www.voyages-sncf.com for national travel.
By air
Brest’s nearest airport is Guipavas (20
minutes from the city centre).
Visit http://www.brest.aeroport.fr/
Driving licenses
If you do not have a driving license issued by a European member state, you
can still use your own national driving license in France, but you must carry it
with you at all times, along with your student card and resident permit.
If you have a driving license issued by a European member state, you need to
make sure you carry it with you at all times.
Full details on driving licenses (validity, legal aspects, etc.) can be found at
thttp://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/driving/validity/resident_en.
htm
For local information in Brest, contact:
Sous-Préfecture de Brest
Service des permis de conduire
3 rue Parmentier - 29200 Brest
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 00 97 45
French food
French breakfast:
The famous French breakfast, known overseas as a
“continental breakfast”, includes a hot drink (coffee,
tea, hot chocolate) accompanied by a tartine (bread
and butter, marmalade, honey or chocolate spread),
croissant, brioche or pain au chocolat.
French lunch and dinner:
In France, lunch and dinner are traditionally spent with family or friends. A
typical meal consists of a starter, a main dish (“le plat de résistance”), cheese,
a sweet dessert and coffee. It is a sociable time for getting together, talking and
relaxing.
Brittany’s traditional food
French gastronomy has a worldwide reputation, that includes a strong traditional and popular food
culture. This is thanks to the vast range of regional produce which has created a wealth of regional
dishes.
Some of Brittany’s famous dishes include “kig ha farz”, crêpes and gallettes (savoury and sweet
pancakes) and “kouign amann”.
Kig ha farz
Once considered food for
the poor, this dish is now
composed
of
bacon,
sausages, beef, potato,
cabbage, and carrots. It is
accompanied by a type of
buckwheat (farine de blé
noir) dough, which gives the
dish
its
specific
characteristic.
Galettes & Crêpes
According to the legend, the crêpe
was accidentally created when a
farmer
mistakenly
spilled
buckwheat porridge onto a roller
burning in the fireplace (hence its
ingredients of farine de blé noir,
salt, water and eggs). Once
prepared, the dough is cooked on a
“Bilig” and various ingredients can
be added (ham, scallops (coquilles
St Jacques), cheese, leek, etc).
This is a sweet pancake, where
the buckwheat flour of the galette
is replaced by wheat flour. Fillings
include fruit, chocolate, ice
cream, jam or just butter and
sugar.
Kouign amann
The Kouign-amann is made ​with
bread dough covered with sugar
and LOTS OF butter. Like the
buckwheat pancake, it would
have been invented by chance,
at a time when there were flour
shortages.
Eating at the university
1: Brest KERGOAT, 1 rue du Commandant Vibert, (lunch time and
evening meals)
2: Brest Cafétéria de l'IUT, Rue de Kergoat (opening hours: 09.00 to
16.00)
3: Brest - Cafétéria d'AES (opening hours: 08.00 to 17.00)
4: Brest Cafétéria de l'UFR Sciences, 6 avenue Le Gorgeu (opening
hours: 08.00 to 17.00)
5: BREST L'ARMEN, 2 bis, Av. Le Gorgeu (lunch times only)
6: Brest - Cafétéria de Médecine, 22 avenue Camille Desmoulins
(opening hours: 08.00 to 17.30)
7: BREST CENTRE Avenue Foch (lunch times only)
Historical sites
Oustanding natural sceneries
There are many islands you can visit all year
departing from Brest. For more information on how
to get to the islands, visit the following websites:
http://www.finist-mer.fr/
http://www.pennarbed.fr/fr/
Days out
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Océanopolis (Brest): a huge aquarium near Brest harbour. Here you
can discover many species of fish and marine mammals. The park, with
an area of 8,700 m², welcomes 400,000 visitors each year. It is a good
place for learning or just relaxing.
Website: www.oceanopolis.com
Theme park La récré des trois curés (Milizac): located in Milizac near
Brest, this park hosts many fun attractions and received nearly 230,000
visitors in 2011. There is also a camp site near the park.
Website: www.larecredes3cures.fr
Zoo du Quinquis (Quimperlé): located in the département of Finistère in
Clohars-Carnoët, this 10-acre zoo is home to many different species. It is
open from April to October.
Website: www.parcanimalierduquinquis.com
Fungun (Brest): This paintballing centre is located in the Kergaradec commercial
zone in Brest. It is perfect for spending a fun and action-packed afternoon with
your friends. Enjoy! www.fungun-paintball.com
Le Master (Brest): This bowling alley is located near “boulevard de l’Europe”. It
also offers pool tables, live sporting events on a big-screen TV, various other games
and a bar. www.bowlinglemasterbrest.fr
Rïnkla stadium (Brest): Brest’s ice rink, situated next to the Faculty of Law and
Economics. The rink is 1,800m² and offers disco evenings three times a week and
occasional “bubble” evenings. www.rinkla-stadium.fr
ArBreizh (Brest): High ropes adventure centre (“acrobranche”). Open from April to
November, this tree top activity centre is located in the Kerouac wood in Brest. If
you’re looking for something a bit different, then ArBreizh offers an unforgettable
tree-climbing experience. www.arbreizh.com
Spadium (Brest): The centre for swimming, relaxation and well-being. The warm
water (31°C), sauna, solarium and Turkish baths all provide the perfect
environment for rest and relaxation. www.spadium.fr
Sport activities:
Contact the SUAPS (the university service for physical and sportive
activities). You will discover a great range of sport activities, indoor and
outdoor, for only 25 euros per year. (medical certificate complulsory)
Athletism
Combat sports
Dancing
Fitness
Outdoor sports
Sailing
Gym
Water sport
Tennis ...
And many other sports available ….
4, Rue du Bouguen
CS93837
29238 Brest Cedex3
Tél: 02.98.01.64.16
Courriel: http://www.univ-brest.fr/suaps
Mail: suaps@univ-brest.fr
Local sport team
Stade Brestois 29
•From 10 euros the match.
•The stadium is located in
Brest, 2 route de Quimper, next
to the Place Strasbourg
Albatros Ice Hockey Team
•Come and discover the fastest
collective sport worldwide and
support the local team !!
Rïnkla Stadium | Patinoire de BMO.
Place Napoléon III - BP 91039 - 29210
Brest Cedex 1
Tél : 02 98 03 01 30
And many others in all the city …
UBO Libraries & media centers:
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There are two university libraries: one on the Segalen campus
(Brest city centre) and the other one is at Bouguen, near the Faculty
of Law and Economics.
Visit our website for more information: http://ubodoc-scd.univbrest.fr/
Brest has a network of 11 public libraries.
See http://biblio.brest.fr for all library-related information
Cinema
For cinema lovers, Brest has both independent cinemas and a multiplex.
For cinema lovers, Brest has both independent cinemas and a multiplex.
“Le Celtic”: http://www.cinemasgaumontpathe.com/cinemas/cinema-brest-le-celtic/#2012-11-19
“Les Studios”: http://www.cine-studios.fr/horaires/
“Multiplex liberté”: http://www.multiplexeliberte.fr/films-a-l-affiche/
Restaurants in Brest:
If you are looking for local cuisine, you can go to one of the
many “crêperies” in Brest city centre to discover the large range
of pancake specialities.
Brest is a coastal city, so you may want to try seafood or
shellfish dishes in town or on the harbour.
Fancy something different than local cuisine? Brest is known for
its love of food and excellent gastronomy, so you will always be
spoilt for choice!
Pubs and Bars:
Studying is important when you are a student, but sometimes you need to unwind. Maybe over a
drink with your friends in one of the many bars downtown or at the port or harbour.
The city centre, but also the various harbours of Brest, offer a large choice of different bars and
pubs. If you’re looking for a typical atmosphere, Spanish or Irish for exemple, no doubt you’ll find it in
Brest!
Brest is also well-known for its traditional music but you will find in concert halls and in bars, an
amazing range of live music.
Music and street art:
Brittany is famous for its traditional music, but there are also some exciting
groups and artists on the music scene.
For concerts in bars:
http://www.barsinbreizh.com/2012/10/01/barsn-brest-2526-octobre-2012/
For concerts in larger venues:
http://www.infoconcert.com/ville/brest-1249/concerts.html
Or, go directly to the music venue websites:
La Carène: http://www.lacarene.fr/index.php?id=9
Le Vauban: http://cabaretvauban.com/le-programme/
Penfeld: http://www.penfeld.com/agenda/
Mac Orlan: http://www.brest.fr/culture/theatredansearts-de-la-rue/la-salle-mac-orlan.html
Le Fourneau (street art): http://www.lefourneau.com/
Brest Auditoriums
La Penfeld
Exhibition, congress and show hall
Route de Brest, 29820 Guilers.
Tel. +33 (0)2 98 47 88 00; Website: www.penfeld.com
Bus service: Line no. 23 (www.bibus.fr)
La Carène
Contemporary music venue
30 rue Jean-Marie Le Bris, 29200 Brest,
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 46 66 00; Website: www.lacarene.fr
Bus service: Lines no. 5 or 15, just a 10-minute walk from Brest city centre
Le Vauban
Live music and acts
17 avenue Clemenceau, 29200 Brest
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 46 06 88; Website: www.cabaret-vauban.com
Brest city centre
Le Quartz
Cultural centre (theatre, exhibitions, conferences, dance, cinema, music)
60 rue du château, 29200 Brest
Tel.: +33 (0)2 98 33 70 70; Website: http://www.lequartz.com
Brest city centre
L’Alizée
Show hall
90 rue commandant Challe, 29440 Guipavas, Tel.:+33 (0)2 98 84 87 14, Website: http://alize.mairie-guipavas.fr
Bus service: Line no. 12
Brittany: the land of music festivals
Les jeudis du
Port
BREST
Fête du Bruit
LANDERNEAU
Bout du Monde
CROZON-MORGAT
Les Vieilles
Charrues
CARHAIX
Cornouaille
QUIMPER
Festival
Interceltique
LORIENT
TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS
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Cornouaille Quimper (Quimper) 23 to 28 July 2013: www.festival-cornouaille.com/
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This event brings together Breton cultures for six days at the heart of historic Quimper and every year welcomes 200,000 visitors. It is
the opportunity to discover the Breton culture and identity in all its diversity (music, dance, theatre, competition, Breton language)
through 150 shows, entertainment or animations, most of which is free of charge. More than 60 Breton groups playing traditional
instruments (circles, bagadoù) participate in the “Kemper in party” (main parade) that livens up the city of Quimper.
Festival Interceltique (Lorient) Beginning of August: www.festival-interceltique.com/
Situated in the very heart of the city of Lorient, this festival is a celebration of the Celtic world and welcomes 800,000 visitors and 4,500
Celtic artists. The Festival Interceltique aims to promote live traditional cultures, through creations and the multiple fusion of different
Celtic musical genres. The French channel France 3 provides live TV and radio coverage of the big parade.
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Gouelioù Breizh is a federation that includes 50 parties and festivals that take place throughout five départements of historic Brittany,
all of which promote the various artistic expressions of the Breton culture. http://www.gouelioubreizh.com/
MODERN FESTIVALS
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Les jeudis du port, (Brest) Every Thursday in August: www.brest.fr/culture/tous-les-ans-a-brest/les-jeudis-du-port.html
Live music and street entertainment. One of the summer’s most anticipated events that takes place in a lively and friendly atmosphere
and creates a buzz throughout the city. Performances are free of charge.
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Festival du Bout du Monde (Crozon) 2 to 4 August 2013: www.festivalduboutdumonde.com/
This 3-day series of concerts brings together world music and mixed musical genres, with an eclectic combination of recognized artists
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and new singers and groups. This music festival takes place in the Crozon Peninsula (a site of exceptional natural beauty), just a stone’s
throw away from the sea.
Festival des Vieilles Charrues (Carhaix) 18 to 21 July 2013: www.vieillescharrues.asso.fr/
One of the largest music festivals in Europe. It takes place over four days on the third weekend of July. Every summer, around 200,000
festival goers attend this very popular event, which has an impressive line-up of regional, national and international artists.
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Fête du Bruit (Landerneau) 15 to 18 August 2013: www.festival-fetedubruit.com/
Contemporary music event taking place in the summer – loved by locals and visitors alike, it adds to the appeal of the municipality. It is
a family-friendly festival that is increasing in popularity every year. It is also strongly committed to sustainable development and
solidarity.