Roscoff Travel Guide

City Coastal port town in Brittany, northwestern France

Roscoff remains a working Breton port where onion traders and ferry passengers pass through; visitors come for seafood restaurants on the quay, thalassotherapy spas, narrow granite lanes, and boat trips along the Channel coast.

Costs

Moderate - $110/day

Ferry travellers find midrange prices; seafood can push dining costs up.

Safety

Very safe, tourist-oriented

Low crime; English widely understood among tourist businesses.

Best Time

May-September

Summer is best for boat trips, markets and coastal walks.

In This Guide

Why Visit Roscoff?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

3,772

Infrastructure & Convenience

Regular ferries to the UK/Ireland, compact centre and good tourist facilities.

Popularity

Attracts British visitors, day-trippers, spa guests and seafood lovers.

Known For

Onions of Roscoff (Onion Johnnies), thalassotherapy spas, ferry port, old harbour, seafood markets, granite architecture, botanical gardens, coastal walks

Roscoff was a base for the Breton 'Onion Johnnies' who cycled onions to British markets in the 19th-20th centuries.

Why Visit Roscoff? #

A historic Breton port, it draws food-minded travelers for its onion-growing tradition and lively seafood scene. Sample the famed Oignon de Roscoff, enjoy fresh shellfish along the harbour and take a ferry or boat trip to the nearby Île de Batz. Thalassotherapy centers and maritime museums underline the town’s long relationship with the sea, while narrow streets and historic houses reward slow exploration.

Top Things to Do in Roscoff

All Attractions ›

Barnenez

Massive Neolithic burial mound in Brittany

Archaeological Site

Molène

Small island in Brittany, part of Molène archipelago

Island

Monts d'Arrée

Rugged moorland hills in western Brittany

Mountains

Saint-Pol-de-Léon Cathedral

Medieval cathedral in Brittany, northwestern France

Church

Don't Miss

Île de Batz ferry and island - Short ferry to Île de Batz for gardens, beaches, and quiet lanes.
Jardin Exotique de Roscoff - Exotic botanical garden showcasing subtropical plants and sea views across the bay.
Maison des Johnnies et de l'Oignon de Roscoff - Small museum telling the onion traders' story and local maritime heritage.

Hidden Gems

Port et marché aux poissons - Early-morning fish market at the port with lively seafood stalls and local sellers.
GR34 coastal path (local section) - Coastal path section offering rugged cliffs, tidal pools and quiet viewpoints.
Quais et jetées de pêche - Low-key fishing piers ideal for sunset strolls and observing local angling life.

Day Trips

Saint-Pol-de-Léon - Nearby medieval town with cathedral, artisan shops, and Brittany's flower market.
Brest (Océanopolis) - Drive to Brest to visit Océanopolis and maritime museums on a full-day trip.

Best Time to Visit Roscoff #

Roscoff is best from late spring through early summer for gentle weather, coastal walks and excellent seafood. Winters are mild but wet and windy-handsome for a quiet, off-season visit if you don't mind rain.

Winter

December - February · 6°C to 10°C (43°F to 50°F)

Wet, windy months with frequent rain and rough seas; town is peaceful, seafood restaurants open but some tourist services reduce hours.

Spring & Autumn

March - May & September - November · 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F)

Cool, improving weather perfect for coastal walks, botanical gardens and seafood tasting; expect changeable skies but overall pleasant, uncrowded promenades.

Summer

June - August · 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F)

Mild, comfortable summers ideal for boat trips to Île de Batz, seafood festivals and cycling; bring a light jacket for evenings.

Best Time to Visit Roscoff #

Climate

Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 5°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (978 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

37°

Warmest Month

-6°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (121 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

5° – 10°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

121 mm

Rainfall

7.0 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.6h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

5° – 10°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

100 mm

Rainfall

6.8 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.2

UV Index

Low

10.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

6° – 11°

87%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

83 mm

Rainfall

6.3 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.5

UV Index

Low

11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

7° – 12°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

63 mm

Rainfall

6.1 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

9° – 15°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

59 mm

Rainfall

5.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

15.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

11° – 18°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

49 mm

Rainfall

5.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

15.8h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

13° – 20°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

42 mm

Rainfall

5.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

15.5h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

14° – 20°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

52 mm

Rainfall

4.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

12° – 18°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

74 mm

Rainfall

5.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

10° – 15°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

97 mm

Rainfall

5.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cold

10°C

Temperature

7° – 12°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

114 mm

Rainfall

6.4 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (124 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

6° – 10°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

124 mm

Rainfall

6.8 m/s

Wind

Breezy

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.2h daylight

How to Get to Roscoff

Roscoff is a ferry port and is easily combined with flights to Brest or Rennes plus a short rail/bus leg. For full flexibility a car rental is handy; local buses and trains serve the link to Morlaix.

By Air

Brest Bretagne (BES): Brest is the closest major airport to Roscoff (≈70-90 km). By car the drive takes about 1-1.5 hours; taxis and rental cars are available from the airport.

Rennes-Saint‑Jacques (RNS): Rennes is another option (≈120-140 km) with good rail connections; driving from Rennes takes roughly 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic and route.

By Train & Bus

Train: The main rail hub near Roscoff is Morlaix (TER Bretagne); trains from Brest and Rennes call at Morlaix. From Morlaix you can take a local bus or taxi to Roscoff (roughly 30-45 minutes).

Ferry / Bus: Roscoff’s port is an important ferry terminal (Brittany Ferries and other operators) with sailings to the UK and Ireland. Local buses connect the port with Morlaix and surrounding towns; timetables are seasonal for some services.

How to Get Around Roscoff #

Roscoff’s centre is compact and best explored on foot; the port, beaches and town sights are within walking distance. Ferries operate to the UK and Ireland, and there are bus links and taxis for local trips. If you want to explore further along the coast or into Brittany’s interior, a car is convenient; seasonal bike rentals are common for shorter rides.

Where to Stay in Roscoff #

Budget

Port / Ferry Terminal - €45-85/night

Budget hotels and simple guesthouses near the ferry port; practical for short stays or ferry connections to Île de Batz.

Mid-Range

Quayside / Centre - €85-150/night

Comfortable 2-3-star hotels, many with harbour views or within short walks of the town centre and coastal restaurants.

Luxury

Harbour & Waterfront - €150-300/night

A few upscale boutique hotels and sea-view rooms exist but high-end resort options are limited; best views near the water.

Where to Eat in Roscoff #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Roscoff's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional

Pizza

Crepe

French

Kebab

Burger

Cole

Fish

Thai

Chicken

Friture

Italian

Pancake

Seafood

Bretagne

Sandwich

Brasserie

Coffee Shop

Gastronomique

Tradtionnelle

Nightlife in Roscoff #

Nightlife in Roscoff is understated: seafood restaurants and a small number of bars around the harbour make for pleasant evenings, especially in summer. There’s little in the way of clubs; nights are generally relaxed and family-friendly. Ferry arrivals and seasonal tourism bring livelier nights during peak months.

Roscoff harbour and waterfront area - Selection of seafood restaurants and a few evening bars by the port

Shopping in Roscoff #

Roscoff’s shopping is focused on seafood, local produce and maritime specialties - notably the Roscoff onion and preserves. The harbour area hosts shops selling local food products, and there are small boutiques in the town centre. For a wider retail selection or supermarkets, you’ll find those on the town outskirts.