The resort of Morgat is picturesquely situated between two rocky outcrops in the Douarnenez Bay on the Crozon peninsula of western Brittany (it falls within the commune of Crozon, slightly to the north of Morgat).
After several centuries as a quiet sardine fishing port, Morgat discovered tourism and was developed as a beach resort just over 100 years ago.
Explore Morgat
It was the early years of Morgat as a resort, at the end of the 19th century, that played an important role in the resort we see today, with some fine villas dating from that period to be seen along the 'Boulevard of the Beach', along with numerous cafes, beach shops and more recent buildings.
The beach itself - the main reason that people come to Morgat - is a long sandy beach that is very popular. This section of the coast is protected by the bay from the forces of the Atlantic, hence much calmer than some of the beaches of western Finistere. There is another beach at nearby Portzic which is very popular with families.
The resort is now very well established, with numerous cafes and restaurants and a wide range of activities available both on and off the beach. The scenery of the coast also attracts a good number of artists to the town and you will see several art galleries as you explore.
The most notable buildings in Morgat are the Grand Hotel and the Villa Kerbruck. Villa Kerbruck is a single storey house that was designed by Gustave Eiffel, and very unusual in being constructed using iron sheets cladding an iron framework.
The port is still here in Morgat, with fishing having almost completely given way to a large pleasure port, and is pleasant to amble around if you can drag the children away from Morgat beach.
During the summer there are also extra markets organised in the town including the popular evening markets each Tuesday in July and August.
Local excursions
Boat trips are popular along the coast from Morgat, to see the attractive rocky coastline and in particular the 'Grottes de Morgat', picturesque caves in the rocks that are entered by boat at sea level.
There is also a nice coastal walk that follows the cliffs towards the south of Morgat and continues to Cap de la Chevre, also with lovely views.
There are various beaches and villages to discover in this wild region of western Finistere - see Crozon Peninsula guide for details.
See more seaside resorts in France. You can find more travel ideas in the Finistere guide and the Brittany guide.
Arrange a visit to Morgat
Hotels in Morgat
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Map of Morgat and places nearby
Visit near Morgat with France This Way reviews
Crozon
The Crozon peninsula in western Brittany has an ideal combination of villages, coastline and beaches
Crozon guide
Camaret
The pleasure port, local beaches, historic monuments and prehistoric standing stones nearby all make Camaret a popular Brittany destination
Camaret guide
Douarnenez
Tourism based around the beaches and pleasure port have largely overtaken fishing as the principal industry at Douarnenez
Douarnenez guide
Armorique Regional Park
The Armorique regional park is a lovely way to enjoy the countryside of Brittany both on and away from the coast
Armorique Regional Park guide
Pont-Croix
The Collegiale Church of Notre-Dame de Roscudon and the narow surrounding streets are the highlight of your visit to Pont-Croix
Pont-Croix guide
Audierne
The picturesque harbour area and the proximity of beaches combine to endure the popularity of Audierne
Audierne guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Finistere
Address: Crozon, Châteaulin, Brittany, 29160, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 48.22615934, longitude -4.5026779
Plan your visit to Morgat, Finistere
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Camaret-sur-Mer tour dorée (Vauban fortifications): heritage site (9 km)
- Pointe de Penhir: site of natural beauty (9 km)
- Baie de Douarnenez: site of natural beauty (9 km)
- Argol: enclos-paroissial (14 km)
- Conservatoire botanique du Stangalac'h: remarkable garden (18 km)
- Brest: ville fleurie 4* (18 km)
- Océanopolis: aquarium (19 km)
- Plougastel-Daoulas: enclos-paroissial (19 km)
- Menez-Hom: site of natural beauty (20 km)
- Armorique: regional natural parc (20 km)
- Saint-Renan: recommended detour (24 km)
- Presqu'île de Kermorvan: site of natural beauty (26 km)
Market days in Morgat, France
Regular market(s) are held in Morgat each Monday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Morgat (Francais)