Description
One of France's most important naval bases and military arsenals, located in a vast and protected natural bay (Rade de Brest) in Brittany.
Year of Foundation or Oldest Source
Strategic location known since antiquity. Development as a major naval arsenal began under Richelieu and was consolidated by Colbert in the 17th century.
Country (State or Region)
France
Location
Brest, Finistère, Brittany.
Structuring
Extensive military-industrial complex with naval shipyards, docks (including construction and repair forms), fortifications (including the Château de Brest), and logistical and administrative support buildings. Considered a technologically advanced establishment in the modern era.
Notes
Main base of the French Atlantic fleet, essential for the projection of French naval power and for wars against England and other powers. Center for the construction and maintenance of Warships. Although primarily military, it had some marginal participation in the slave trade.
Sources
MARNOT, Bruno. Ports as Tools of European Expansion. Encyclopédie d'histoire numérique de l'Europe [online], 2020.; WIKIPEDIA. Traite négrière à Nantes. [s.d.].
