La Recouvrance tall ship - black metal electric post under blue sky and white clouds during daytime
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La Recouvrance tall ship

4.4
·173 reviews·Brest, France

Step aboard La Recouvrance, a stunning 18th-century French naval tall ship, for a unique historical maritime journey in Brest.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Best chance for good weather

CrowdMedium
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La Recouvrance tall ship - black metal electric post under blue sky and white clouds during daytime

La Recouvrance tall ship

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Best chance for good weather

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step aboard La Recouvrance, a stunning 18th-century French naval tall ship, for a unique historical maritime journey in Brest.

4.4
(173 reviews)

"Reviews are mixed, with some calling it 'Top Class' and others finding it boring and poor value. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Learn Basic French Phrases

Crew primarily speaks French. Knowing a few phrases can enhance interaction.

Pack Your Own Snacks

No food or drinks are provided or sold onboard. Bring your own to enjoy.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

La Recouvrance Tall Ship

La Recouvrance Tall Ship

Step aboard a meticulously reconstructed 18th-century French naval vessel. Experience maritime history firsthand.

Brest Harbor Views

Brest Harbor Views

Enjoy unique perspectives of Brest's naval base and coastline from the water. A different way to see the city.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Experience

This isn't a typical tourist cruise. Expect a focus on the ship's history and sailing experience, not entertainment. Crew interaction may be limited, especially for non-French speakers. Reddit

Manage Expectations for Value

Reviews suggest the experience may not align with the price. Food, drinks, and entertainment are not included, and children may find it less engaging. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Best chance for good weather
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More frequent departures
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Learn Basic French Phrases

Crew primarily speaks French. Knowing a few phrases can enhance interaction. Reddit

Pack Your Own Snacks

No food or drinks are provided or sold onboard. Bring your own to enjoy. Reddit

Dress for the Weather

Be prepared for rain or wind. Shelter below deck may be restricted. Reddit

Manage Expectations

This is a historical sailing experience, not a party cruise. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Learn Basic French Phrases

Crew primarily speaks French. Knowing a few phrases can enhance interaction. Reddit

Pack Your Own Snacks

No food or drinks are provided or sold onboard. Bring your own to enjoy. Reddit

Dress for the Weather

Be prepared for rain or wind. Shelter below deck may be restricted. Reddit

Manage Expectations

This is a historical sailing experience, not a party cruise. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(173 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Reviews for La Recouvrance are sharply divided. While some praise its 'Top Class' nature, many others describe the experience as boring, uninteresting, and poor value for money, citing limited crew interaction, lack of amenities, and a predominantly French-speaking environment. Reddit

"Do not book this boattrip! Too bad I can't rate it ZERO stars for this very bad experience. I have been on numerous international boattrips and this is the most boring and uninteresting one I have ever been on. The crew only speaks French to the international guests and does not, at least, ask if people want an English introduction. When it rained we were told we could not leave below for shelter. For the high price there is NOTHING you get in terms of added value, no included water, tea of coffee or food, or to buy! For children there are no toys, pens to draw, etc, resluting in a boring experience, they can only sit still for hours. There is no one to narrate the guests about the history of the Brest coastline or about interesting sights, as there are none. The crew where only looking after themselves. I hope an empathetic person takes control of the ship who knows what hospitality means and hires a whole new international crew. J'espère qu'une personne empathique prendra le contrôle du navire qui sait ce que signifie l'hospitalité et embauche un tout nouvel équipage international."

Guitarman X

"Small scruffy, staff dismissive
There is much better out there ..."

Tracy Masters

"Top"

Concir Brst

What People Like

Authentic tall ship experience
Historical reconstruction

What People Dislike

Poor value for money
Limited crew interaction
Lack of amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

La Recouvrance is typically docked in Brest's harbor. Access is usually via the port area. Check local transport options for reaching the specific quay. Reddit

Parking availability can vary in port areas. It's advisable to check for public parking lots or garages near the docking location in Brest. Reddit

Brest has a tram and bus network. Research routes that go near the port or the ship's usual berth for convenient access. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets are usually available for purchase online through the official La Recouvrance website or at the port on the day of departure, if available. Reddit

Ticket prices can vary. Reviews suggest it's a significant cost, and some visitors feel it doesn't offer good value for money. Reddit

Information on discounts is not widely available. However, one review noted a lack of child-friendly amenities, suggesting it might not be ideal for younger children. Reddit

Departure times and tour durations vary. It's essential to check the official schedule for specific sailing times and availability. Reddit

Information on private bookings is best obtained directly from the La Recouvrance organization. They may offer charter options for special events. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Trip durations can vary, but reviews suggest they can be quite long, with some passengers finding them boring. Reddit

Unfortunately, reviews indicate a lack of entertainment for children, such as toys or drawing materials, making it potentially boring for them. Reddit

Feedback on the crew is mixed. Some reviews mention a lack of engagement with international guests and a focus on their own needs. Reddit

While not explicitly forbidden, the overall experience might not be very photogenic due to the lack of engaging activities. Focus on the ship's structure and harbor views. Reddit

Reviews suggest there is little to no narration about the history of the Brest coastline or interesting sights, making it an uninformative experience for some. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, food and drinks are not provided or available for purchase on board. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own provisions. Reddit

Yes, it is recommended to bring your own food and drinks as there are no facilities for purchasing them on the ship. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the impressive rigging, wooden details of the ship, and the scenic views of Brest harbor and its naval base. Reddit

Capturing the ship in motion can be challenging from onboard due to limited movement and potential restrictions. Consider photos from shore if possible. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

La Recouvrance may not be the ideal choice for families with young children. Reviews consistently point out a lack of child-focused activities, such as toys or drawing materials, which can lead to boredom during the voyage. Reddit The emphasis is on historical sailing, which might not hold the attention of younger passengers for extended periods. If you do bring children, be sure to pack plenty of their own entertainment and snacks. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Based on reviews, La Recouvrance might not be the most budget-friendly option when considering the overall value. The ticket price is noted as high, with no included amenities like food or drinks. Reddit If you're looking for a cost-effective way to experience Brest's maritime heritage, exploring the city's museums or other harbor activities might offer better value. Reddit

🌍 International Visitors

For visitors who do not speak French, communication can be a significant challenge on La Recouvrance. Reviews highlight that the crew primarily speaks French and may not offer explanations in English. Reddit It's highly recommended to learn some basic French phrases or travel with someone who can translate to make the experience more enjoyable and understandable. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Reconstruction of La Recouvrance

La Recouvrance is a faithful reconstruction of an 18th-century French naval vessel, specifically a corvette designed for speed and maneuverability. The original ship was built in Brest in 1795. The reconstruction project aimed to preserve maritime heritage and provide a tangible link to France's naval past. This meticulous process involved extensive research into historical ship designs and construction techniques, ensuring authenticity in every detail. The ship serves as a floating museum and a testament to the craftsmanship of that era. Reddit

Visitors can explore the decks and imagine life aboard a ship from centuries ago. The intricate woodwork, the towering masts, and the impressive sail plan offer a glimpse into the challenges and realities of seafaring in the Age of Sail. While the ship itself is the main attraction, its presence in Brest, a city with a rich naval history, adds another layer of significance to the experience. Reddit

Understanding the Sailing Experience

A trip on La Recouvrance is intended to be an authentic sailing experience, rather than a typical tourist cruise. This means the focus is on the mechanics of sailing and the historical context of such vessels. Unlike modern passenger ships, amenities are minimal, and the crew's primary role is the operation and maintenance of the ship. Reddit

Travelers should be prepared for a more passive experience, with limited onboard entertainment or narration. The crew's communication may be primarily in French, which can be a barrier for international visitors. It's advisable to manage expectations regarding onboard services and interactive elements, as the experience is centered around the ship's historical function. Reddit

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