Roscoff is a small port town in the Finistère region of Brittany, about 28 kilometers/17 miles northwest of Morlaix (map).

Brittany Ferries provides regular service between Roscoff and Cork, Ireland (about 14 hours) and between Roscoff and Plymouth, England (about 10.5 hours).

But take some time to look around Roscoff and enjoy its beautiful setting. The Tourist Information Office, located on the Quai d'Auxerre (map), just next to the Phare (Lighthouse) has maps and helpful brochures that outline walking tours in the town.

View of the town of Roscoff at very low tide, with all the boats beached. The Tourist Office is next to the lighthouse on the left.

Sights include several churches, the old fortifications and canons of Roscoff, the Vieux Port (Old Port), some beautiful old homes, the lovely Chapelle Sainte-Barbe (built in 1619), and the Maison des Johnnies. The Onion Johnnies were Breton farmers and workers who sold the region's pink onions door to door in Britain, particularly in Wales. Riding their bikes and striped Breton marinières, they were well known in Great Britain. Though few remain today, the region is still known for its red onions, and there's an onion festival every summer!

The lovely Chapelle Sainte-Barbe. There are beautiful views of Roscoff and the coast from this hill.

If you're near the ferry port, you're also not far from the Port de Plaisance de Roscoff, the marina. There are a couple of small restaurants where you can enjoy an outdoor lunch and watch the small boat activity—or as on the day we were there, watch the fog roll in and out! We had a great fresh seafood lunch at La Hule in the marina area.

Excursions from Roscoff

There are several excursions that you can make from Roscoff. We had planned to take the small boat over to the Île de Batz, a small island just off the coast, but unfortunately the day we were there the dock on the island was being repaired, and there were no boats.

Normally it's just a 15 minute boat ride, and once there you have many opportunities for hiking, enjoying the beach, and visiting a botanical garden. There are a few places to stay overnight, and also possibilities for camping, but you'll want to reserve in advance.

Boat tours also go from Roscoff to the Baix de Morlaix. This two-hour trip takes you past several islands, including le Château de taureau, and you'll see beautiful cliffs, waterfront homes, and lots of birds. A separate 3-hour excursion includes a visit to the Château.

You can easily drive to the nearby town of Saint-Pol-de-Léon, known for its cathedral and the Chapelle du Kreisker. More...

Carantec is a small spa town/beach resort with a long history. From here you can see a lot of islands, and even walk to one...but only at low tide! More...

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