What to See & Do in Roscoff
Sights
Thanks to the Gulf Stream the town benefits from a mild climate, and it is also shielded by the Ile de Batz, making it a perfect holiday destination all year round. The town’s tourist attractions include its tropical gardens, an aquarium, a beautiful church, and a stunning coastline.
Brittany’s sea is also renowned for its healing properties, and one of the region’s oldest thalassotherapy centres was opened in Roscoff in 1899 and is definitely worth visiting for a pampering treat.
Museum of the ‘Onion Johnnies’: Britain’s stereotypical image of Frenchmen wearing stripy t-shirts and carrying onions on wobbly bikes, began after visits to England by the men of Roscoff. Henri Olivier first took onions from Roscoff to England in 1828 and until the 1930s ‘Johnnies’ would load up their boats with local produce and sail to England, where they delivered their goods to local markets on their bicycles.
They used to carry up to 100 kilos, hence the wobbles, and some Johnnies would travel as far as Cornwall and Scotland for work. The Museum has recently opened to celebrate this lovely tradition.
Thalassotherapy: An excellent way to begin or end a holiday is to try a half-day “taster” course at the century-old Thalassotherapy Institute. Treatments include seawater and seaweed therapies, to stimulate healing and relaxation.
Jardin Exotique: The garden boasts over 3,000 species of tropical plants, from all over the world, including South Africa, Chile and Australia. It has spectacular rockeries, and it is worth climbing up the highest 18-metre high rock, to get a superb view of the bay of Morlaix, Roscoff, Carantec and the Château du Taureau.
Notre Dame de Croatz Batz: This beautifully restored church dominates the town’s skyline and is a fantastic example of 16th century gothic architecture. Its rows of bells resemble a tiered cake.
Ile de Batz: A 15-minute boat trip from the harbour will take you to the charming and car-free Ile de Batz, with its impressive lighthouse and lovely gardens, giving you a great view of the mainland.
Shops and Supermarkets: There are a number of hypermarkets on the outskirts of town, including the Géant Hypermarket and Champion Supermarket.
Eating Out
In Roscoff, you can savour delicious French cuisine, in particular seafood such as nutty-flavoured mussels, and traditional Breton crepes. Around the old port you’ll find many charming places to eat.
The Michelin-starred Temps de Vivre is a world-class restaurant housed in a beautiful 16th century building. Its chef is one of the most celebrated in Brittany and creates special dishes such as cabbage stuffed with crab and prawns. Its decor is charming and rustic, reflecting the history of the old Breton house.
Le Surcouf, situated between the church and the fishing port, is also very popular and specialises in excellent meat and fish dishes and well worth a visit.
