I'm taking you today to discover another must-see in Brittany, let's go visit Roscoff. One of the most touristic villages in northern Brittany, Roscoff is part of the "Small towns of character", a label aimed at highlighting important towns that have lost most of their administrative functions over time.
Indeed, we will see in this article that Roscoff was once one of the most important ports in the region, and in particular, the main port for smuggling with the British Isles.
This past has left traces, such as a town center dotted with old stone houses, which give Roscoff a crazy charm.
In this article, I will introduce you to how to visit Roscoff, what to do and what to see in the city, but also around Roscoff. We will also talk about accommodation and try to answer the question "Where to sleep in Roscoff?" ".
- Visit Roscoff: What to do in Roscoff?
- Where to sleep in Roscoff?
- What to see around Roscoff?
- My opinion on my visit to Roscoff
Visit Roscoff: What to do in Roscoff?
Let's start this article with the things to do and see in Roscoff. They are numerous and almost all grouped around the historic center of the city.
What to do in Roscoff?- The old port, its quays and its lighthouse
- Visit Roscoff and its old houses
- Church of Our Lady of Croaz-Batz
- Chapel of St. Barbara
- Marina of Bloscon
- Exotic garden of Roscoff
- House of Johnnies and Roscoff onion
- Roscoff Thalassotherapy Center
The old port, its quays and its lighthouse
First stop of this visit to Roscoff, the old port. It is here that a large part of the history of Roscoff took place. The port is bounded by 3 quays: the Quai Tristan Corbière, the Quai Charles de Gaule and the Quai d'Auxerre.
The history of the port of Roscoff
The port of Roscoff has played a key role in the history of the city. The history of the port begins in the XNUMXth century, when it was still located in the Aber, before being moved to Anse du Quellen. It is then a port frequented by sailors practicing cabotage. These then transported goods from Spain and Portugal to northern Europe and sometimes even to Newfoundland, and stopped at Roscoff.
This trade was flourishing until the beginning of the XNUMXth century, when wars and insecurity on the seas pushed shipowners to abandon trade to become privateers and, later, buccaneers.
It was then that a very particular type of merchandise invaded the port of Roscoff. Wines, spirits and other highly taxed goods became the main commodities passing through the port of Roscoff. Roscoff then became the main smuggling port with England.
This "prohibited" traffic, but unofficially tolerated by Colbert, continued until the end of the XNUMXth century and until the signing of various agreements between France and England aimed at lowering customs duties.
After a decline in port traffic, the latter saw new development opportunities in 1828 with the arrival of "Johnnies": onion traders from Roscoff who left each summer for England to sell their commodity.
In the middle of the XNUMXth century, major expansion works of the port were carried out in order to accommodate many pleasure boats today.
Around the 1970s, a new deep-water port was built, not far from the old port, the port of Bloscon, which we will discuss below.
The old port is now a tourist hotspot in Roscoff. You will find several car parks, the Roscoff tourist office, the Roscoff lighthouse and the Roscoff nautical center.
The history of the Roscoff lighthouse is amazing, it begins in 1880 when it was only a "fire". Over the years, it was equipped with a lantern, then raised. But considered insufficient, it was in 1914 that the construction of the current lighthouse began.
Many times stopped in its construction, it was not until 1934 that it finally entered service.
While strolling along the port, you will be able to contemplate the old residences of the quays, old fortifications and cannons.
Now going up the quai d'Auxerre, then that of Charles de Gaulle, to direct us towards the historic center of Roscoff.
Visit Roscoff and its old houses
The historic center of Roscoff, with its beautiful residences, begins on rue de l'Amiral Reveillère. At the entrance to the street, you cannot miss the most famous of the Roscoff houses: the so-called “Marie-Stuart” house. Legend has it that the young queen would have stayed there, but several studies tend to prove that the construction of the house is after the arrival of the Queen in 1548.
Nevertheless, the queen landed in Roscoff in 1548, at the very location of this house, where an old chapel was located at the time.
Go up the rue de l'Amiral-Réveillère to the Notre-Dame-de-Croaz-Batz church, certainly the most beautiful street in Roscoff.
Church of Our Lady of Croaz-Batz
Built from 1520, the Notre-Dame-de-Croaz-Batz church was completed in 1701. It is the main religious building in the town. The church was financed by a group of wealthy merchants and shipowners from the city. Originality of the church: stone vessels appear there. Carved in stone, these vessels bear witness to the city's rich past.
Another originality of this Gothic church: its magnificent bell tower which, for its part, is in the Renaissance style. Do not hesitate to go inside and admire the altar of the Sacred Heart, its bas reliefs or its altarpiece.
Step-by-step tour of Roscoff
To visit Roscoff without missing one of the city's points of interest, I advise you to follow the “Step by step” circuit. This circuit, created by the Roscoff tourist office, takes you through the city passing by more than 31 points of interest, indicated by explanatory panels.
This step-by-step circuit measures 3,5 km, or about 2 hours of walking, from the Allée de Saint-Luc in the west of the city to the point of Bloscon in the east.
Go to the tourist office located on the old port to get a map.
Chapel of St. Barbara
Let's continue our route to the East this time, while following the coast towards the tip of Bloscon.
This is where the Sainte-Barbe chapel was built. A small chapel with white walls, surrounded by a garden on a small hill, which will make an ideal photo spot.
From this place, you can contemplate the island of Batz offshore, but also the old port and, on the other side, the marina of Bloscon.
Port of Bloscon
This port, built around 1970, was recently equipped in 2014 with a brand new ferry terminal. Indeed, the small town of Roscoff welcomes ferries allowing a direct connection to Plymouth, in England, to Cork and Rosslare in Ireland but also to Bilbao in Spain.
Besides the ferry port, you will also find the marina equipped with 625 rings.
Not far from the port is the Casino Tranchant Roscoff as well as the auction which can be visited.
Exotic garden of Roscoff
The exotic garden is one of the essential places to see during a visit to Roscoff. This garden, a real pride of the city, has been awarded the label of “Remarkable Garden”. It is home to nearly 3 species of subtropical plants from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
At the top of the rock overlooking the garden, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay of Morlaix and Carantec.
House of Johnnies and Roscoff onion
In the center of the town, located in a small house, is the Maison des Johnnies et de l'oignon de Roscoff. A house that traces the history of these men, the "Johnnies", who left each year in July for England to sell their onions.
Note that the Roscoff onion is, since 2009, a controlled designation of origin.
Roscoff Thalassotherapy Center
Impossible to talk about Roscoff without talking about thalassotherapy. You may not have known it, but it was in Roscoff that the concept of Thalassotherapy was born, in 1899 with the Rockroum Institute founded by a doctor from the region: Louis-Eugène Bagot.
Although the first center opened at the end of the XNUMXth century, Roscoff has already been known for several years for its climate, its iodized air and the purity of its water.
Even today, Roscoff is a mecca for thalassotherapy in France, with the Valdys Roscoff thalassotherapy centre.
Where to sleep in Roscoff?
Now let's move on to the practical part of our stay in Roscoff, the accommodation. Here you will find a selection of accommodation in Roscoff. The offer is wide and adapts to all budgets.
High-end accommodation where to sleep in Roscoff
Let's start with three top-of-the-range accommodations in the city, spacious rooms, sea views but also swimming pool, spa, etc...
Le Brittany & Spa
Located on the Pointe de Bloscon, not far from the Sainte-Barbe Chapel, Le Britanny is a top-of-the-range accommodation of the first choice. It offers spacious rooms with sea view as well as a swimming pool and wellness center equipped with a hammam. Services, Amenities, View See prices
The time to live
Located in the city center of Roscoff, not far from the Notre-Dame-De-Croaz-Batz church, this hotel is housed in an old stone house. Completely renovated, this hotel offers magnificent rooms with sea view. An ideal place to sleep in Roscoff in a unique and beautiful setting. Location, Decoration, Setting See prices
Golden Tulip Valdys Resort
Located on Rockroum beach, the Golden Tulip Valdys Resort is none other than one of the best places to stay in Roscoff. A top-of-the-range establishment giving access to the Thalassotherapy center and its services. The restaurant of the establishment is one of the very good addresses in the city. Location, Services, Calm See the rates
Other good places to stay in Roscoff
Now let's move on to more affordable accommodations. There are many hotels, bed and breakfasts or lodges in Roscoff and you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation in the town.
Hotel d'Angleterre
The Hotel d'Angleterre welcomes you in one of Roscoff's historic residences. With the appearance of a castle, the Hotel d'Angleterre offers well-equipped rooms with neat decoration. An ideal location for this hotel, 200m from the beach and the town center of Roscoff. Services, Location, Price See prices
At Janie's
You will fall under the charm of the original and neat decoration of this small hotel located on the seafront of Roscoff, facing the old port. A few steps from the city center, Chez Janie offers spacious rooms at a very reasonable price. Location, Decoration, Setting See prices
Ibis Roscoff
Located in the heart of the old town of Roscoff, the Ibis hotel will allow you to stay in the center of Roscoff at a very affordable price. Spacious rooms with neat decoration. Pitch, price See prices
Sleep on the island of Batz?Located just in front of Roscoff, the island of Batz, which we will talk about a little later, can, according to your desires, be a perfect place to sleep not far from Roscoff. The city remains very easily accessible in a few minutes by boat. You might also like the calm and the island side of the island of Batz.
Several accommodations are available on the island, including Rêves De Mer, a small holiday village offering accommodation in chalets or apartments.
What to see around Roscoff?
Let's move away from the city of Roscoff, looking for things to do around the city. Ideally located in the tip of Brittany, you will not fail to find places of interest all around Roscoff.
What to do around Roscoff?- Visit the island of Batz
- Visit Saint-Pol-De-Leon
- Explore the bay of Morlaix
- To the West: Santec, Cléder, Plouescat and Tréflez
Visit the island of Batz
Located just opposite Roscoff, visiting the island of Batz is one of the essential activities to do when visiting Roscoff.
15 minutes by boat separate Roscoff from the island. No less than 20 trips are made daily in high season by shuttle companies. Count 9€ to get to the island. Tickets can be bought on site, at the level of the old port. Depending on the tide, the shuttles are taken either directly to the old port or at the end of the pier.
Once there, the island can be explored either on foot or by bike. The Ile de Batz is 4km long and 1km wide. You can stroll through the streets of the island and contemplate the pretty houses surrounded by flower gardens or enjoy the few beaches on the island.
- Church of the island of Batz:
The small church on the island, built in 1873, houses a small treasure: an oriental fabric, the "star of Saint Pol", which is said to have belonged to the same saint. Also don't miss the wooden statue of Saint Paul Aurelius. - Batz island lighthouse:
Classified as a historical monument since 2016, the lighthouse on the island of Batz measures 44m in height, it is one of the symbols of the island. - Snake Hole:
A mythical place on which Saint Pol Aurélien would have defeated, thanks to his stole, the dragon that ravaged the island. - Sainte-Anne Chapel:
Located on the very site of the former monastery founded by Saint Pol Aurélien, this Romanesque chapel is now in ruins. - Georges-Delaselle Garden:
You will find, in this magnificent garden, nearly 2 species of plants of all kinds, mainly from the southern hemisphere. - Beaches and coves:
Enjoy the magnificent beaches and coves of the island of Batz such as those of Sainte-Anne or Grève-Blanche.
Visit Saint-Pol-De-Leon
If you are wondering what to visit around Roscoff, a visit to Saint-Pol-De-Léon is obvious. This town, located about 5km south of Roscoff, is one of the region's must-sees.
Its city center, its beautiful old houses but also its cathedral are among the assets of Saint-Pol-De-Léon. One day will be enough to discover this charming little town.
- Chapelle du Kreisker :
Certainly the must-see number 1 in the city. This imposing chapel impresses in particular with the dimensions of its bell tower. 78m high for one of the most beautiful bell towers in the region. Also go inside and admire the magnificent stained glass windows. It is also possible to climb to the top of the bell tower to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city and its surroundings. - Rue du General-Leclerc:
The main street of Saint-Pol-De-Léon. On both sides you can admire the beautiful houses and their facades of wood and slate. - Former Saint-Paul-Aurélien cathedral:
The imposing cathedral sits in the middle of the city. Under restoration until 2020, the construction of the cathedral began in the 50th century and ended in the XNUMXth century. It is one of the most imposing buildings in the region with its two towers, XNUMXm high.
Explore the bay of Morlaix
We will not detail here the things to do in the bay of Morlaix, because we have an article specific to the visit of the Bay of Morlaix. But if your route takes you east of Roscoff, a few stops are to be expected until the town of Morlaix.
The bay of Morlaix is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in France: walk along the coast and discover Carantec, the tip of Pen-Al-Lann or even Locquénolé, before arriving in Morlaix.
Carantec
To the West: Santec, Cléder, Plouescat and Tréflez
Going west and along the coast you will come across several places, beaches, small villages, which are worth a look.
Pointe de Pen an Théven - Thibault Poriel Photographies
- Santec :
Located a few kilometers south-east of Roscoff, Santec is worth the detour especially for "Le Dossen", a 1,5 kilometer long fine sandy beach, bordered by the national forest.
Off Santec is the island of Sieck, accessible on foot at low tide. - Plougoulm :
Continue your road towards the West and cross Plougoulm. Take a look at the dunes of Theven Pen An Dour. - Cléder :
After Plougoulm, stop at Cléder and in particular at Amiets beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region: turquoise water bordered by a white sand beach! - Plouescat :
Plouescat is worth the stop in more ways than one. Discover the bay of Kernic, the tip of Pen an Théven and its turquoise water. Finally, take a portion of the GR 34 and discover the strange rocks of the Côte des Sables. - Tréflez :
End your visit to the Roscoff region with the dunes of Keremma. 6 kilometers of sand dunes between Kernic Cove and Goulven Bay.
My opinion on my visit to Roscoff
Roscoff is a city that I particularly appreciated during our stay in Brittany. Visiting Roscoff is one of the must-sees in the region and I strongly recommend that you spend at least one night there. This will allow you to enjoy the city, its many restaurants, but also to go for a short trip to the island of Batz, located very close to the city.
Roscoff is a city full of charm which I recommend without hesitation.
