Roscoff / Plouescat
Starting from the port of Roscoff, in the département (French county) of Finistère in northwest Brittany, enjoy the coast to the full riding off westwards towards Plouescat. On this stage, breathe in the invigorating sea air; you’ll feel almost like you’re heading out onto the open seas! Our cycle route, La Littorale, reveals a whole wonderful range of viewpoints and shifting colours, with a mix of creeks, coves, scattered granite boulders, neatly tended fields and stone-built villages… In short, relish the traditional sides to Brittany from the start of this cycle route!
The route
Cycling westwards from Roscoff, you stick very close to the sea, enjoying it to the full. The route is signposted, but on this stage you have to remain mostly on roads shared with motorized vehicles, although traffic is light. There are two stretches along farm tracks and there’s one stretch along a cycle lane. Note the steeply sloping section going from before the Anse de Guillec up to Créac’h Bihan. At Plouescat, you ride along a cycle lane as you descend towards the Anse de Kernic. There are also significant slopes around Lochrist, where the road is narrow, so take care along that particular stretch.
Links with the Vélomaritime and Vélodyssée cycle routes
Roscoff also serves as start point or end point on the Vélodyssée EuroVelo 1 cycle route. Additionally, it’s the start point for the Vélomaritime - EuroVelo 4.
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Don't miss
- Roscoff: notorious as a corsairs’ port in centuries past, it was transformed into a seaside resort in the 19th century and has in recent times been designated a Petite Cité de Caractère for its fine heritage. As to its Jardin Exotique et Botanique, it covers 16,000m² and displays over 3,000 species of subtropical plants. La Maison des Johnnies et de l’Oignon covers the tradition of local men cycling across Britain to sell fine local onions, while La Criée fish market offers guided tours. Tourists can visit Algoplus, a craft canning company specializing in transforming algae for food and explaining the work of harvesting seaweed. La Brasserie de Kerav'ale produces both local cider and beer. As to the Centre de Thalassothérapie, as well as sea-water-based treatments, it provides views over the beautiful Bay of Morlaix and Batz Island.
