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Roscoff

Visit Roscoff (Brittany, France)

Situated on the north-west coast of Brittany, Roscoff is best known for being an arrival point for cross-channel ferries arriving from Plymouth. As a result, many people are unaware of the attractive old town that is just minutes away from them, as they immediately set off for their final destination.

But if you allow a little extra time, Roscoff itself is a pleasure to visit and well worth the detour which is listed as a 'Brittany city of character'

Exploring Roscoff

The original centre of Roscoff is based around the traditional fishing harbour, most lively when the markets are in full swing along the waterfront.

The centre also has some very pleasant cobbled streets to explore and some interesting and attractive historical buildings to discover, in the traditional granite stone of the region.

Much of the historical centre dates back to the 16th century and there are many small decorative architectural features to admire as you stroll through the town

The most important monument in Roscoff is the 16th century Church of Notre-Dame de Croaz-Batz in the centre of the town, instantly recognisable with its decorative renaissance style  belltower that dominates the skyline and includes several interesting features.

The walls of the church also incorporate various carvings of ships and a large sundial. There is also an ancient ossuary next to the church, in itself an interesting building.

The small Chapel of Sainte-Barbe is also worth a visit, on a pretty section of headland nearby.

The best way to explore the town is to pickup the leaflet from Roscoff Tourist Office that highlights about 20 notable features - each also has an explanatory plaque when you arrive.

Botanic gardens

Another surprise in Roscoff is the Exotic Gardens. These are extensive and most unexpected in northern France with many beautiful plants and flowers here that are more commonly seen in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world such as South Africa.

We visited in June and there were a very wide range of unusual flowers to be seen.

The raised rocky section of the gardens also has nice views across Morlaix Bay, and a visit is a lovely way to pass a couple of hours.

Roscoff onions

Roscoff is also famous for the onions grown nearby, which have even received the prestigious 'AOC' (appellation d'origine controllée) to prevent other onions claiming to be Roscoff onions. The high quality of the onions is attributed to the combination of ideal soil and weather conditions.

This tradition is celebrated both at the 'Maison des Johnnies' which tells the story of the onion and the people who travelled to England to sell them - the origin of the famous image of French people cycling around selling strings of onions.

There is also an annual 'Fete de l'oignon de Roscoff' held in August where you have the chance to sample such treats as the local onion tart.

Attractions nearby

Roscoff is also a departure point for visitors travelling to Ile de Batz, an attractive island just off the coast to the north-west from here.

Photos taken within 10 km

Address: Roscoff, Saint-Pol-de-Léon, Morlaix, Finistere, Brittany, 29680 || GPS: latitude 48.727222, longitude -3.984444

Map of Roscoff & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Locquirec 25km; Landerneau 36km; Tregastel 37km; Guerlesquin 37km; Lannion 39km; Perros-Guirec 41km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Roscoff.
See Brittany and Finistere (the region and department for Roscoff) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Roscoff, France

• Jardin exotique - remarkable garden
• Jardin Delasselle - remarkable garden (3km)
• Cairn de Barnenez - national monument (15km)
• Saint Thégonnec - enclos-paroissial (23km)
• Bodilis - enclos-paroissial (24km)
• Lampaul-Guimiliau - enclos-paroissial (26km)
• Guimiliau - enclos-paroissial (27km)
• Plougonven - enclos-paroissial (30km)
• Locmelar - enclos-paroissial (31km)
• Plouneour-Ménez - enclos-paroissial (32km)

Market days in Roscoff: Regular market(s) are held in Roscoff each Wednesday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Roscoff (Francais)