Prepare your visit: history and landscapes
Welcome to the Léonard Country, a region where the richness of architectural heritage rivals the beauty of the coast. Roscoff, an ancient corsair city, will seduce you by its shipowners' houses carved in granite. A few blocks away, the island of Batz offers a total change of scenery with its microclimate and vegetable crops surrounded by turquoise waters.
Just steps away, Saint-Pol-de-Léon stands proudly as the historic capital, with its impressive bell towers overlooking the bay. It is a must-see area of the North Finistère where market gardening (the famous Roscoff onion!) and marine air create a unique and invigorating atmosphere.
Legends and must see on the way
This land of character is inhabited by stories of protective saints and courageous sailors.
The Batz Island Dragon:
Legend has it that a terrifying dragon once terrorized the inhabitants of the island. It's Saint Pol, coming from Outre Manche, who would have tamed the beast with its stole before rushing it into the waves at the place called "The Snake Hole". Today, the island has become a haven of peace where the only "beasts" you will encounter are seabirds.
Mandatory must-haves:
- Roscoff Exotic Garden: A true botanical trip with stunning views of the bay.
- The Batz Island Lighthouse: After climbing his steps, you will enjoy a 360° panorama the entire coastline.
- The Cathedral of Saint-Pol-de-Leon : A masterpiece of Breton Gothic art not to be missed.
My Practical Tips for Families
This trio of destinations is perfect for a day trip, offering varied activities for all ages.
- Plan good shoes to tour Batz Island (about 10-12 km for the complete loop).
- ForBatz Island, prefer the Baby carrier If you want to take the coastal trails. However, the main routes of the island are fairly wide for a All-terrain stroller. In Roscoff and Saint-Pol, the stroller is perfectly suitable for travelling in the historic cobbled centres.
- Access: The crossing to the island of Batz takes place from the old port of Roscoff. It's a magical moment for children, a real mini cruiser!
- Find the starting point to the island via this Google Maps link.
Photo gallery: the views not to be missed
the views not to miss The cliché not to be missed is probably the silhouette of Roscoff seen from the boat at the return of the island, or the top of the bell tower of the Creisker in Saint-Pol-de-Léon, which offers the most beautiful viewpoint on the region.
What I like:
Roscoff is a city that I particularly love; I like to walk in its alleys looking at the windows of the artisans. Its cobbled alleys invite a change of scenery and tranquility. Pure Breton city with its granite houses and renowned establishments, there were previously sellers of onions riding their bicycles to sell their production in England. Indeed, Roscoff is one of the gateways to English or Irish tourists wanting to visit France or, conversely, French tourists wishing to go see the landscapes of our Anglo-Saxon friends. Located a few minutes by boat from Roscoff, the island of Batz is a wonderful little setting of nature. Adepts of walking, you can walk to its lighthouse and climb its few steps to enjoy an exceptional panorama of Leon's country.
