ITRS 2025

Roscoff

celine — 2024-11-14T08:58:05Z

A one-day optional field trip will be organised in Roscoff.

This all-day excursion includes:
– a 1-hour visit of the Station Biologique de Roscoff (SBR)
– a 1-hour visit of the historical town centre of Roscoff
– a sit-down 3-course lunch (alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased)
– a 3-hour boat cruise in the Bay of Morlaix, which contains a visit of the chateau du Taureau, an island fortress

Station Biologique de Roscoff :

Founded in 1872, the Station Biologique de Roscoff is a centre for research and higher education in marine biology and ecology. It is jointly run by the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the Sorbonne University (Paris). The visit will include the historical and research aquariums as well as the vintage library, time permitting.

Free time in Roscoff

Granted the ‘little town of character in Brittany' award for the heritage of its historical centre, its church, its old harbour with a lighthouse and its wealthy ship-owners villas.
You can choose between a stroll along the coastline, a visit to the historic town center or shopping in Roscoff's small boutiques. All within walking distance.

Boat cruise in the Bay of Morlaix

Embark on a 3hr guided cruise during which you'll be told about the stories of this pearl of the sea, with its many small islands and exceptional fauna. You'll also stop off at the Château du Taureau for a historical break with a guided tour and free time.
There are spectacular views of the bay from the boat and from the Fort. History is explained on the panels throughout the site in English and French. (nb: the fort does not have wheelchair access, as there are steps from the boat to the entrance, and in between all levels of the building.)

Transport

A coach will be leaving the centre of Brest around 8.15 am. Estimated time of return around 7pm. Travel time between Brest and Roscoff is 1hr.

This trip is limited to 30 participants.

Scuba Diving

celine — 2024-11-14T08:57:58Z

This excursion is now full.

For those of you wanting to get up close and personal with subtidal temperate reefs, we offer a full-day scuba diving excursion. This outing for 12 divers includes:
– transport to and from Brest city centre;
– two scuba dives with the Aber Wrac'h dive centre. ;
– a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by l'écailler des Abers

For peace of mind, and because of Brittany's tides and water temperature, we ask that all divers have a PADI Rescue Diver level or equivalent.

Aber Wrac'h Dive Centre

Located in the heart of the Abers: a stunning waterway or ria that flows into the Celtic Sea. The dive centre offers a multitude of dives, each more rich and varied than the last.
You will get to explore the local kelp and thongweed forests, where are many species can be found, including conger eels, pouting, torpedo rays, lobsters, large sea urchins, and even seals.

As for the underwater landscapes, there is no shortage of canyons, cliffs, caves and of course shipwrecks. The most famous is the Amoco Cadiz oil tanker, but there are many other more discreet but no less interesting shipwrecks.
The comfortable dive centre with hot showers and the boat, Tombraz, a 7.50-metre RIB, will be at your disposal for all your diving needs.

This trip is limited to 12 divers with a minimum PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent level.

Land of seaweed

celine — 2024-11-14T08:57:49Z

Departure from Brest by bus to Plouguerneau.

Meeting at the Ecomuseum of Seaweed and Algae for a guided tour. The museum is both historical and scientifically oriented. You will discover the history of seaweed harvesting, the evolution of the seaweed farmer's job as well as the numerous applications of seaweed (food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals...). At the end of the visit you will enjoy a tasting of organic seaweed tartar.

Lunch at the restaurant.

In the afternoon, boarding for a non-stop commented cruise on the Aber Wrac'h river from the port of Aber Wrac'h. Up the river to Paluden and out to the Stagadon Island with approach to the Virgin Island (duration 1h30). Return by bus to the Brest.

This trip is limited to 55 participants.

Crozon hike & cruise

celine — 2024-11-14T08:57:39Z

You will depart from Brest (The Quartz) by coach for Crozon Peninsula. The day starts with a hike around the pointe de Pen-Hir with your English-speaking guide, before heading to Camaret-sur Mer.

At lunchtime you will embark on “Le Brestoa” and enjoy local food (paté and rillettes from the charcutier du Faou, Plougastel strawberries, all accompanied by white wine, red wine and coffee). You will have the pleasure of tasting local products while admiring the rocky shore from the sea.

During this 3-hour private cruise you will discover the ports of Brest and the Bay of Roscanvel, with a journey through time where you will discover all the heritage of the military defense of Brest, from Vauban's fortifications in charge of defending the entrance of the Rade de Brest, to Trébéron Island and Long Island.
You will disembark at the port de Brest at 4:00pm.

This trip is limited to 55 participants.