The Bay of Morlaix - Roscoff
The Bay of Morlaix on the north coast of Finistère, between the English Channel and the Monts d’Arrée, has a beautiful coastline dotted with islands and islets featuring an impressive array of heritage buildings.
Discover the beautiful Bay of Morlaix
Families love the many beaches around the bay and anglers enjoy fishing in the sea or in the Morlaix River, the Penzé and the Dourduff. The GR34 hiking path is a great place for walkers to admire boats and kayaks coming and going to and from the countless islands in the bay.
At the head of the Bay lies the town of Morlaix, a really lovely place to visit with numerous steep alleyways and beautiful timber-framed houses. The 15th century church, the esplanade with magnificent views over the town and the viaduct are all well seeing and the marina on the outskirts of the town is a great place for a stroll.
The Bay of Morlaix has some charming seaside resorts including Plouezoc’h, Carantec, Plougasnou and Saint Pol de Léon. From Carantec at low tide you can walk across to Ile Callot, a little island with superb scenery and amazing views of the bay from its northern tip. Plouezoc’h is the site of the largest cairn (tumulus) in Europe dating from the Neolithic period. The character town of Saint Pol de Léon, once the seat of the Bishop of Léon, is easily recognizable by the twin spires of its cathedral which can be seen from all around the bay. Dating from the 13th century, the interior features architectural treasures like the 70 choir stalls in carved oak. Another heritage site not to miss is the Château du Taureau, an island fortification built by Vauban which is the symbol of the bay. Another island to admire, this time from the mainland at the Pointe de Penn-Al-Lann, is Ile Louët, easily recognized by its lighthouse. The lighthouse keeper’s cottage with its tiny garden is the only house on the island.
The privateer port of Roscoff
There is no shortage of things to do in and around the Bay of Morlaix including sailing, surfing and kayaking. Inland from the bay, why not follow the ‘circuit des enclos paroissiaux discovery route’. These church closes are unique in France and comprise a church and bell tower, ossuary, calvary, cemetery and triumphal gateway all within a stone wall enclosure. They are unique, not only to the region, but also in the exceptionally monumental size of the churches and their annexes. These architectural gems, which were the work of local craftsmen, bear witness to the economic prosperity of the golden age of Brittany (15th – 17th centuries), particularly in areas of major production of hemp and flax. Examples can be seen at Berven, Lampaul Guimillau, Guimillau, Commana, Sizun, Locmélar, Saint-Servais and Bodilis.
It is impossible to talk about the Bay of Morlaix without mentioning the privateer port of Roscoff, a character town with superb 15th century houses and important regular links with the British Isles via car ferries. Roscoff is a seaside resort with numerous beaches, ideal for a holiday with family or friends. It was also the birthplace of thalassotherapy (seawater therapy) in 1899 and its heated seawater swimming pool is still open to everyone. After a day at the Thalassotherapy centre, make the most of the Casino and its slot machines. Roscoff has botanical gardens covering 1.5 hectares which are classified a "Jardin Remarquable"with plant collections mainly from the southern hemisphere (proteas, eucalyptus, callistemon) as well as a glasshouse with cacti and succulents.
Escape to the Ile de Batz
During your stay, don’t miss a trip to the Ile de Batz, a 15-minute crossing from Roscoff. The island, which is still farmed, is little haven of peace with unspoilt beaches and scenery. Its Georges-Delaselle garden has a wonderful collection of over 1500 plant species from around the world.
« Between you and me, my firm favourite is a day out on the Ile de Batz with its peaceful walks, unspoilt beaches and friendly inhabitants. The icing on the cake is to stay overnight and watch the sun setting over Roscoff. But keep that to yourself… »
Continue on towards the Brest Approaches to discover the Côte des Légendes and the Pays des Abers.
The Bay of Morlaix is easy to get to by road (RN12, exit Morlaix), by train (TGV railway station at Morlaix) and by air (Morlaix-Ploujean Airport) with regular flights from Paris."
