Richelieu gave the order to build the port of Brest in 1631. Half a century later, Colbert developed its installations on the banks of the Penfeld, the deep-sided and winding estuary of which perfectly protected the small ships of that time from storms, creating a vast harbour where the arsenal and naval base were set up. In the late 19C a sea wall was built, creating a vast harbour. Destroyed by bomb attacks, it was rebuilt after the Second World War. Fans of all things naval can go around the arsenal provided they can show ID.