9 historic sites converted into trendy spots

A new look for a new life. Former shipyards, hospitals and a prison have been given a new life by being converted into unusual, innovative, cultural and trendy (third) places. Visit them to discover how Breton heritage is constantly being reinvented. Demonstration in five lessons!

In the blink of an eye

1. Hôtel-Dieu in Rennes

Climbing and bistronomy

Go through the gates of Hôtel-Dieu (former hospital) in the historic centre of Rennes and discover “the place to be” in the Breton capital! The former maternity hospital, the centre of an urban renovation project, is now a popular and atypical venue. Two companies, The Roof Rennes and the Origines bistro, share the spot and combine sports, cultural and gourmet activities. Try bouldering, yoga or slacklining. Eat good, local and seasonal products around the old cloister. You can also just enjoy the spot and a little concert, sipping a beer brewed in the former operating theatre. Another third place in Rennes not to miss : the Ateliers du Vent on the site of the former Amora factory. There is always something going on here, such as exhibitions, an open stage, market cuisine, etc.

The Roof Origines

Where to sleep:

Castel Jolly

©Guingamp, Prison - Centre d'Art GwinZegal Office de Tourisme Guingamp - Baie de Paimpol Reportage 2019|Alexandre Lamoureux

2. Centre d’art Gwin Zegal in Guingamp

A centre of photographic art in a prison

It housed prisoners for more than a century. Today, the four walls of Guingamp Prison plunge you into photographic art. The Gwin Zegal art centre has taken over one of the central courtyards around which the cells were once arranged. Avant-garde at the time, this Breton prison is the only one in Europe with this “Pennsylvania” style architecture. Discover the exhibition of the moment, on your own or as part of a guided tour. Talk to the artists in residence, experiment with photography during workshops on staged, animated, black and white images, etc. Who knows, this former place of confinement might just open you up to a new passion!

Centre d’art Gwin Zegal

Where to sleep:

La Demeure

Ideas

The inratables of the summer, the place to be to treat yourself to a seafood platter, the best views on the GR®34, the best spots to start surfing… in short, all the good...

3. The SEW in Morlaix

A factory converted into a cultural venue

It’s got a happy, multi-faceted vibe and it’s open all year: SEW is a new cultural venue in Morlaix harbour! What’s there? A performance hall, three cinemas, a vast courtyard in which to chat and put the world to rights, a bar/restaurant, a bookshop, etc. Just short of three centuries after its creation, the former tobacco factory, Armenians of this town of art and history in north Finistère, has been completely transformed. The performing arts now have pride of place in the listed buildings, with concerts, cinema, festivals, a café, etc. A happy and friendly place to share!

The SEW

Where to sleep:

La Maison des Vignes

©2ad05355 0e0a 4810 8e6f 671fbb064f46|Alice Gélébart

©Fd827029 A5fc 43ac 8600 Fabadb51bf85 1|Alice Gélébart

4. The PAM in Brest

A happy transformation

It’s a real living environment. A place tailored to your every want, a venue for creation and sharing. The PAM, Brest’s legendary former printing house, has wiped off its inky fingers. Exit the presses and cast-iron letters! Without leaving the past completely behind, it has bounced back and turned itself into a welcoming third place. More than 3,000 m² and a whole boatload of activities to choose from: at the PAM, you can enjoy a bite to eat, take a break, get down to work in its coworking area, or dance if you have a mind to. In the shops on the ground floor, you can indulge in a spot of responsible, socially-conscious shopping, with a wide selection of books, creators’ works, plants, flowers and so on to choose from. There are artists’ studios too, along with a permanent exhibition and workshops for adults and children alike. An absolute must!

La PAM

Where to sleep:

Hôtel Le Conti

5. The Ateliers des Capucins in Brest

An assortment of activities

Once a convent and then a shipbuilding centre, Ateliers des Capucins is a true melting pot in Brest. At the heart of the Recouvrance district, you’ll see skaters, artists, start-up firms, young families, etc., all mingling. Here, you can walk into a concept store, have a canvas made, brew your own beer, climb on the largest climbing wall in the west. And if you’re feeling hungry? Take a rest in the food court and enjoy the wonderful views of the city and the bay. On the ground floor, there are some machines that testify to the industrial past of the site. In 2021, these workshops will host a new space dedicated to the discovery of the oceans, called 70.8. The figurehead will be the Canot de l’Empereur, another gem of Brest heritage.

Ateliers des Capucins

Where to sleep:

Le Vauban

©Plouharnel Hello Rivages Cuisine|Julie Rousselet

©Plouharnel Hello Rivages Exterieur|Julie Rousselet

6. Hello Rivages in Plouharnel

The best of all possible journeys

For an aperitif, lunch or afternoon tea. For relaxing and enjoying your surroundings. For brunch every Saturday in the summer… 4 km from Carnac, after a bracing walk or a watersports session, you’re simply going to love taking the weight off at Hello Rivages, a restaurant-tearoom-bric-a-brac shop tucked away in the former railway station waiting room. Where are you going to sit? In the delightful garden? On the terrace? Inside, with its colourful, cosy recycled decor? One thing’s certain: the welcome is warm and the cuisine local. Reasoned. Varied. And you know what? It’s open all year round!

Hello Rivages

Where to sleep :

Villa Mane Lann

7. Loko in Auray

A cultural melting-pot

If you’re ever in Auray’s station district, a stop-off at Le Loko is highly recommended. The former passenger building (which dates back to 1862 and has even recovered its original façade alternating bricks and tufa stone) houses a vibrant intergenerational third place. There are two distinct worlds on either side of its central bar. On one side, a “bouillon” restaurant serves typically French dishes prepared from local products and enjoyed seated at communal tables. On the other, the salon, famed for its “upcycled ambience”, provides a venue for concerts, karaoke, blind tests, DJ sets, creative workshops, children’s activities and more besides. It’s a place where you can eat well, sing away and enjoy yourself seven days a week, so hop on a train and come and see for yourself!

Loko

Where to sleep:

Le Petit Clos de St Goustan

8. The Traverse in Vannes

Diagonal culture

On the port of Vannes’ left bank, culture takes the tra(ns)versal path less travelled! The DDE’s former premises now house a third place where art permeates and spreads as it wishes. You come here to enjoy a drink on the terrace, with views of the port, or at the bar, or drop in for a rock concert, jazz jam session, DJ set or magic show. You’ll also love chilling out in the “upcycled boudoir” decor of the venue’s “reading café” while indulging in a novel, cup of tea or glass of selected wine. Feeling a bit peckish? So treat yourself to a spot of no-nonsense local cuisine after taking in an urban art exhibition or (re)seeing one of the 7th art’s great classics (in the comfort of a genuine cinema seat!). On the 2nd floor, all sorts of artists in residence are busy exploring, researching and daring to do. So when are you coming?

The Traverse

Where to sleep:

La Villa Garenne

9. The Garage in Saint-Nazaire

A creative garage

As the name suggests, Le Garage, close to the indoor markets of Saint-Nazaire, is a former car garage. The Pinault family sold the famous SIMCA here for nearly 30 years. Today, the “garage workers” are modellers, record dealers, photographers, Web designers, etc. Around ten creative people, in the broadest sense of the word, occupy this 550 sq. m building, which has become a cultural, artistic and innovative hub. Although private, it is open to the general public. Don’t hesitate to enter and discover the residents at work in their boutique, workshop or office. The central room hosts a variety of events: vinyl fair, sales of local creators, exhibitions, happenings, zero-waste cocktail events, Sunday bookshop, etc. View the online programme!

The Garage

Where to sleep:

La Compagnie des Cinq Mondes