Le Continental ★★★★

Finistère means the end of the earth, and that’s where you’ll find Brest, an old historic city and port nestled on the edge of the world in one of France’s most beautiful natural harbours. Brest has attractions both ancient and modern, from its old chateau to Oceanopolis, the state-of-the-art aquarium and seal clinic. Hotel le Continental is perfectly located in the centre of Brest. It was built in 1913 and refurbished after the war, and is full of Art Deco charm. A feeling of calm washes over you when you enter the elegant, airy reception with its high ceilings, comfortable armchairs and period features. Touches of stained glass add exoticism and colour. The staff could not have been more welcoming.

The hotel has 73 large comfortable rooms. Decor is simple, and they are furnished with oak Art-Deco furniture and fabrics in shades of chocolate, caramel and cream. They are fully equipped with modern comforts so after a long day sight-seeing you can relax on your private terrace, or revive yourself by switching on your Nespresso machine and catching up with the news via Wi-Fi or on the flat screen TV (with satellite channels). The bathrooms are luxuriously large too.

Enjoy the hotel’s buffet breakfast before heading out to see the sights. The hotel is just a short walk to Jardin Kennedy, a wonderfully calm green haven in the heart of the old town. It’s also close to the Château de Brest and the enormous Rue de Siam store where you can buy all kinds of furniture and art from the Far East. Admire the Pont d’Iroise Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge crossing the river Elorn, from Albert Louppe bridge which is pedestrianised. Stroll along the lively Commandant –Malbert quay and take in the atmosphere. The Château de Brest Castle Museum is a must, and offers great views of the harbour from the ramparts. All that walking and sea air is sure to have sharpened your appetite, and you can’t be in Brest without stopping for a succulent crepe, complete with crisp frilled edges. Try L’Auberge de la Crêpe on rue Jean Jaures, and pair it with a chilled local cider for a match made in heaven.

Pop in to the bar in the hotel’s stunning lobby area on your way out for the evening. Sip a local Muscadet as an aperitif in the elegant and spacious art deco surroundings before heading out to one of the restaurants in Brest. The cuisine of Brittany is rich and varied, particularly in Finistère. The cold waters around the coast are filled with oysters, sardines and langoustines, while the rolling fields inland produce delicious cider. A restaurant like Ma Petite Folie in an old lobster fishing boat beached at Moulin Blanc is an ideal location to round off a perfect day in this seaward-looking, future-facing old city.