Musee Memoires 39-45

About

Musée Mémoire 39‑45 invites visitors to step back in time to the heart of World War II, set against the dramatic backdrop of the German command blockhouse near Pointe Saint‑Mathieu, in Brittany. Spread across five levels, the museum offers a compelling narrative of war‑time life in Brittany. Guided tours through the blockhouse let you walk the very walls where soldiers once stood, while themed galleries trace the broader story of the war—from the Battle of Brest to the construction of the Everettien batteries and the enduring history of the Atlantic Wall. The exhibit is richly illustrated with thousands of objects, documents, and photographs collected over two decades by the museum’s founders, Aurélien and Clément Coquil. Their passion for preserving personal accounts brings history to life, making the experience both educational and emotionally resonant. Visitors can also enjoy sweeping panoramic views from the blockhouse’s towers, looking out over the harbor at Brest and the surrounding coastline, a perfect way to end a day of learning about this pivotal period of French history.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes