The soul of a granite city
Nestled on a peninsula along the coast of Léon, Roscoff (or Rosko in breton) is much more than just a seaside resort
Marked by a strong character of its inhabitants and the omnipresence of the sea, this « Petite Cité de Caractère » and "Corsair city" has survived the centuries while retaining its sculpted granite architecture and it unique atmosphere, between land and sea spray.
Creation : From the shadow of Saint-Pol to independence
Originally, Roscoff was only the outer port of the episcopal city of Saint-Pol-de-Léon. It's only in the 14th century that the port of Roscoff began to gain importance, particularly thanks to its strategic position in the Channel.
The city truly emancipated itself in the 16th century. The growth of maritime trade allowed wealthy shipowners to build these famous skylight houses that we still admire today.
In 1790, during the Revolution, Roscoff officially became an independent commune, marking the end of the religious supervision of its neighbor.
The Maritime Past : The Golden Age of Commerce
Roscoff's past is intrinsically linked to the richness of its exchanges. From the 15th century, Roscovites ships crisscrossed the seas to export salt, wine, but also local agricultural products. The fiercest Corsairs (privateers) were also present in Roscoff.
This is where the epic of the Johnnies began, those onion sellers who, from the 19th century onwards, set off every year to sell their famous "Oignon de Roscoff"(AOP) in England., crossing the Channel with their golden braids on their bicycles. This trade has forged unbreakable ties between Britanny and our British neighbours.
