Brest beware

[John_Silver]

Quick heads up, for anyone heading for Brest this week: the fete maritime is on. No vessels accepted at Le Chateau. You will be diverted to the old Moulin Blanc, upriver. Which has a quiet rustic charm, but is a long walk to the Quai de La Douane (if you were wanting to stamp in / out).

 

[LittleSister]

Chance would be a fine thing!

Hope you enjoy your stay despite the inconvenience.

 

[Poignard]

A few years since I was last there but there was a good bus service between Moulin Blanc and the town.

 

[John_Silver]

Think I’ve accidentally ‘discovered’ a bit of a gem, @LittleSister . Since Le Chateau was built, have stayed there. But Moulin seems much more of a friendly ‘locals’ kind of place.
Only downside is that it’s a long (non scenic) trek into town….or to see the Fete Maritime. But thanks to @Poignard that issue is resolved

 

[Sandy]

Some cracking looking vessels passing us returning to their home ports. Always nice to see.

 

[John_Silver]

There was an impressive turnout for the parade of sail. Even though it was drifting conditions. Much use of sweeps, even aboard some of the larger vessels. Keeping the old skills alive!

 

[DanRocksOn]

Just back from Brest. Moulin Blanc has great bus links to centre along with the tram. Did not to worry about check ins

 

[oldmanofthehills]

Quick heads up, for anyone heading for Brest this week: the fete maritime is on. No vessels accepted at Le Chateau. You will be diverted to the old Moulin Blanc, upriver. Which has a quiet rustic charm, but is a long walk to the Quai de La Douane (if you were wanting to stamp in / out).

I understand the preavis form sent to duane enables one to check in electronically. They return it as acknowledged I think.

Similarly on check out. How they keep tally on the 90 days in possibly several different ports I have no idea

 

[John_Silver]

I understand the preavis form sent to duane enables one to check in electronically. They return it as acknowledged I think.

Similarly on check out. How they keep tally on the 90 days in possibly several different ports I have no idea

BUT: For those of us who stamped in the ‘old way,’ because we arrived, in France, in April, before the ‘new way,’ came into being, a physical stamp out is needed.

AND: those wishing to carry on to another Schengen country (crossing Biscay, to Spain or Portugal, for which Brest is a good jumping off point, for example) still need a physical passport stamp. The PaF system only operating locally, in France.

Hence flag.

Brest maritime festival long over however. So crews arriving in Brest are free to choose their preferred method.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

Thankyou John for clarifying. I should have guessed a normal bureaucratic nightmare across borders

 

[lustyd]

It’s hardly a nightmare. Two systems, one standard and the other optional for cruisers staying local.