Roscoff
Roscoff, an emblematic commune of the Finistèrestands proudly on the northern coast of the Brittany. This town is a treasure trove of historical and cultural heritage, having masterfully preserved its authenticity and maritime spirit.
It's a destination of choice for those looking to recharge their batteries, offering first-class thalassotherapy experiences, lush exotic gardens and breathtaking wild beaches. Roscoff invites you to explore its treasures, from thalassotherapy wellness breaks to the discovery of its exceptional gardens.
In this article, discover the major assets of Roscoff, which have earned it the status of a small town of character in Brittany. Immerse yourself in the world of thalassotherapy in Roscoff, a popular destination for wellness enthusiasts, offering treatments enriched with the virtues of seawater and seaweed.
Discover Roscoff's exotic and historic gardens, a verdant setting where plant species from the four corners of the world stand side by side, as well as monuments recounting the town's fascinating history. Finally, let us guide you through the charms of Roscoff, from its historic heart to its unspoilt beaches, via its dynamic port, the Isle of Batz and the maritime links to England and Ireland.
Roscoff thalasso, a must for wellness enthusiasts
Looking for an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation? The Roscoff thalasso, cradle of modern thalassotherapy, opens its doors to you. Initiated over 120 years ago by Dr. Louis Bagot, who brought to light the therapeutic benefits of seawater and seaweed, this destination has become a pillar of well-being in the heart of Brittany, offering cutting-edge treatments.
The birth of modern thalassotherapy
Thalassotherapy, or "care by the sea" in Greek, is a traditional method of exploiting the benefits of the sea (water, algae, sand, climate) to treat a variety of conditions. It was in Roscoff that Dr. Louis Bagot established the first thalassotherapy institute in France in 1899, following his observations of the curative properties of seawater on sailors. His treatments, based on heated seawater, seaweed and marine mud, targeted illnesses such as gout, rheumatism and tuberculosis, while emphasizing the virtues of the marine climate, a source of iodine and oxygen, to energize the body and strengthen the immune system.
Innovative care in the heart of Brittany
Thalasso Roscoff has established itself as a center of excellence, offering a range of treatments to suit every need and desire. Whether you're looking to relax, tone up, lose weight or simply get back into shape, a multitude of formulas await you. Benefit from tailor-made treatments delivered by experts, using Valdys brand products made from natural marine ingredients. Innovative treatments include cryotherapy, to reduce pain and inflammation, and light therapy, to balance mood and sleep.
A relaxing experience by the sea
The Roscoff thalasso is also a sublime setting facing the Isle of Batz. Stay at the 4-star Hotel Valdys - Beau Rivage, offering comfortable, elegant rooms, some with balcony and sea view. Savor the delights of the Fleur Marine restaurant, featuring refined cuisine made from local, seasonal produce. Enjoy the marine spa area, featuring a heated seawater pool, outdoor whirlpools, hammam, sauna, salt cabin, gym and relaxation room, with panoramic views over the bay. A sanctuary of peace where you can regenerate to the rhythm of the waves.
Roscoff's exotic and historic gardens
The town of Roscoff, with its lush gardens, transports you back in time and across continents. Whether you're interested in botany, history or simply the beauty of the landscape, Roscoff's gardens will meet all your expectations.
Discover with us three exceptional gardens that highlight the diversity and botanical richness of Roscoff and the surrounding area.
Roscoff Exotic and Botanical Garden
Opened in 1987 on the initiative of Daniel Person, a local hotelier, the Jardin Exotique et Botanique de Roscoff stands on an 18-metre promontory, offering a breathtaking view over Morlaix Bay. Covering 1.6 hectares, it is home to over 3,400 plant species from the southern hemisphere, including South Africa, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and Brazil, as well as Atlantic islands such as the Canaries, Madeira and the Azores. The collection, ranging from acacias to yuccas, agaves, cacti, echiums, eucalyptus, fuchsias, palms and passionflowers, will amaze you with its diversity. The garden is also renowned for its national collections of eucalyptus, tree ferns and South African bulbs.
The Georges Delaselle garden, an island setting
On the island of Batz, a short boat ride from Roscoff, the Georges Delaselle garden welcomes you to an exotic setting designed in 1897 by Georges Delaselle. This 2.5-hectare garden features over 2,500 species of plants from the four corners of the globe. You'll discover a variety of thematic zones, including the Mediterranean, Australian, South African, Mexican, Asian and Oceanic gardens, not to mention the majestic palm garden with its century-old specimens. The Georges Delaselle Garden is an invitation to travel, offering a festival of colors, fragrances and shapes.
Between nature and history: the kitchen garden at Château de Roscoff
At the heart of the 17th-century château de Roscoff, owned by the de Kergariou family since 1789, lies a magnificent historic garden. Spread over 3 hectares, the château's kitchen garden offers a rich variety of vegetables, fruit and flowers grown according to the principles of organic agriculture. The formal garden, with its parterres of pruned boxwood, basins, statues and fountains, sits harmoniously alongside the English garden, a romantic haven of trees, shrubs, perennials and roses. The Château de Roscoff kitchen garden is a true testament to the know-how and passion of its owners, combining history and nature.
Explore Roscoff: from the old town to the wild beaches
Roscoff, a town of well-being and character, has preserved its authenticity and charm through the centuries. Whether you're passionate about architecture, culture or adventure, Roscoff will satisfy your desire for discovery. We invite you to explore three fascinating facets of this town: the old town, its idyllic beaches and the organic resort.
A town full of character: churches, old houses and narrow streets
Founded in the 6th century by Irish monks, Roscoff flourished thanks to maritime trade with England and Spain, reaching its apogee in the 16th and 17th centuries. The town has witnessed many important historical events and has preserved a rich architectural heritage. Stroll along its cobbled streets, admire the granite houses, some of which are listed historic monuments, and discover the Gothic and Baroque style of their facades. Visit the 16th-century church of Notre-Dame de Croaz Batz, the old port and the chapel of Sainte-Barbe, with its breathtaking views over the Bay of Morlaix.
The beaches of Roscoff: between relaxation and water activities
Roscoff, a seaside town par excellence, offers fine sandy beaches where you can relax and swim. Roc'h Kroum beach, the town's main beach, is supervised in summer and accessible to people with reduced mobility. Enjoy the view of Batz Island and the magnificent sunsets over the sea. For water sports enthusiasts, Roscoff offers sailing, kayaking, paddling, surfing, kitesurfing, diving, fishing and hiking. The Roscoff nautical center, open all year round, offers courses, rentals and introductory courses for all levels.
Roscoff Biological Station: a marine research and exploration center
A city of science, Roscoff is home to the Station Biologique, founded in 1872 and now a renowned research and teaching center in marine biology and ecology, affiliated with the CNRS and Sorbonne University. Open to the public, the station invites visitors to discover its aquarium, museum and botanical garden, offering a glimpse of marine diversity. Over 200 marine species are on display, while the museum recounts the station's history and activities. The botanical garden exhibits over 200 plant species, enriching the visitor's experience.
Conclusion
Roscoff, this charming Breton town, has it all. Whether you're looking for relaxation, nature, cultural richness or scientific discoveries, Roscoff has what you're looking for. It offers you the opportunity to recharge your batteries with its thalassotherapy, marvel at its exotic gardens and escape to its unspoilt beaches.
The town is also an open book on history and culture, with its centuries-old churches, historic mansions and picturesque alleyways. It invites you to immerse yourself in the marine world through its renowned biological station, captivating aquarium, enriching museum and exceptional botanical garden.
Don't delay in discovering Roscoff, this jewel of Brittany, which promises memorable experiences. Plan your trip today by visiting the Roscoff Tourist Office website, where you'll find tailor-made offers to suit your preferences and budget.
In Roscoff, moments of serenity, escape and happiness await you.
FAQ
Is Roscoff a beautiful town?
Roscoff charms with its unique atmosphere, combining an iodized climate, seductive beaches, homes full of character and a wealth of history. However, some may find it less dynamic, criticize its limited transportation offer, point out the high cost of real estate or mention a certain nocturnal noise pollution.
Where to walk in Roscoff?
Roscoff offers a wide range of walks to suit all tastes. For lovers of nature and maritime panoramas, the "sentier des douaniers" offers magnificent views of the Isle of Batz, the Château du Taureau and Morlaix Bay. The exotic botanical garden, with over 3,500 species of plants, some of them rare and unusual, promises a wonderful escape. History and heritage buffs will appreciate the 16th-century Chapelle Sainte-Barbe, perched above the harbor, and the Maison des Johnnies et de l'oignon de Roscoff, celebrating the history of Breton onion merchants. For a complete change of scenery, the island of Batz, accessible in 15 minutes by boat, offers a lighthouse, Georges Delaselle garden, beaches and coves to discover.
Which sea does Roscoff border?
The English Channel washes the coast of Roscoff, located on the north coast of Brittany, between Morlaix Bay and the Abers of Finistère.
Why the name Roscoff?
The name Roscoff has its roots in the Breton "ros", meaning promontory, and "coff", probably a proper noun. Interestingly, the final consonant -ff is silent in Breton, hence the Breton spelling: Rosko.
