Benefiting from the Land of Art and History label, Morlaix is located in an estuary protected by the Arrée foothills and mountains. This beautiful Finistère town has kept some magnificent 16th-century houses, like the one called Duchess Anne's house and the Pondalez house. There are no fewer than 152 half-timbered houses, to the delight of architectural heritage lovers!
The town's emblem, the Morlaix viaduct, a superb railway structure with a height of 58 metres, towers majestically over the old town and the harbour.
A walk around the harbour, once the biggest in Brittany, is also a must, to see the old Tobacco Factory and the spaces converted into exhibition venues or art centres.
From Morlaix harbour, you can set off for a tour of the bay, one of the most beautiful in Brittany, including the Taureau Castle island nearby.
Morlaix is a town in Finistère, in Brittany, 55 km northeast of Brest.
The city has developed on the heights overlooking the estuary of the homonymous river of Morlaix, formed by the confluence of the courts of Jarlot and Queffleuth. The estuary separates the historical regions of León and Trégor.
Morlaix took its rise from the eleventh century after the construction of a first seigneurial castle. The city was attached to the duchy of Brittany in the twelfth and sixteenth centuries, in 1522, British troops invaded the city before being repulsed. A new castle was then erected. The manufacture and trade of linen cloths then contributed to the prosperity of Morlaix, and then a tobacco factory was built there in the 17th century.
Built on the slopes overlooking the estuary, the city is endowed in 1864 with a viaduct high of some 60 m which adds to its picturesque during the realization of the railway Paris-Brest.
With nearly 17,000 inhabitants, despite the damage caused by the bombardments during the Second World War, Morlaix offers an authentic historical heart along the narrow alleys. Its rich built heritage, its cultural vitality and its typical coastal environment make this city of art and history an unmissable stopover.
Certainly steep, the picturesque alleys that lead to the heart of the old town and cross it are dotted with many jewels in terms of heritage.
This is the case of the former convent of the Jacobins and its church founded in the thirteenth century. Since the end of the 19th century, the building has housed part of the city's museum (exhibitions devoted to the fine arts). The second part is located in one of the numerous houses called "pondalez" (galleries) and half-timbered houses of the city, in the Grand'Rue (collections focusing on history and heritage). Museum open from October to June: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm. The last Sunday of the month of January to May: from 2 pm to 5 pm. From June to October from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6pm. Open on public holidays and Sundays. Price: 3 euros for each part of the museum (coupled ticket: 4,50 euros). Information on +33 2 98 88 68 88.
The Saint-Mélaine church (named after the priory founded in the 12th century) was erected at the end of the 15th century in a flamboyant Gothic style. To see inside, its remarkable framework and statues dating from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century.
Also worth seeing is the neighborhood and the Saint-Mathieu church, the first Renaissance building in the region. There is an open statue in gilded wood from the end of the 14th century. When it is open, there is a Trinity and painted scenes from the New Testament. This statue comes from the Cologne region (it was commissioned by weavers from the city).
The Italian-style theater (1888), the Carmelite fountain (15th century), the Tobacco Factory (18th century), and of course the 1864 granite railway viaduct from Île-Grande are not to be forgotten. The first floor of the structure can be accessed.
Finally, in the bay of the city, the defensive castle of Taurus built in the sixteenth century was remodeled by Vauban and was transformed into a prison. In the 20th century, it was an upper-class residence and then a sailing school before being managed by the Chamber of Commerce.
Less austere, the castle of Suscinio (former residence of corsair) and its botanical park are also worth seeing.
All these elements of heritage can be guided tours, for groups or individuals. Information and reservations at +33 2 98 62 14 94.
For hiking or mountain biking including the city, the quays, the marina and of course the bay of Morlaix, information on +33 2 98 62 14 94 or +33 2 99 28 44 30.
For sport and relaxation, you can enjoy the swimming pool of La Boissière, equipped with swimming pools and play equipment and whose roof opens in summer... Entrance: 1.90 and 3.90 euros. For further information, please call +33 2 98 88 48 70.
At the beginning of April, over three days, the festival Panoramas program on three days concerts and shows of electro music, rock, hip-hop, cine-concerts, dance, theater.
Inaugurated during the music festival in June, Le Bel Été organizes concerts or street shows every Wednesday of the beautiful season from July 14th to mid-August. It also offers a Breton festival on the second Sunday of July. Free admission.
In July, the cycling race of the Ronde du Viaduc attracts a large audience for this spectacular event, and the first weekend of November, the city is very lively during the semi-marathon Saint-Pol of Léon-Morlaix.
Finally, seafood products and the rich Breton terroir are featured on Saturday, Place des Otages, Place Souvestre and place Allende, on the occasion of the weekly market.
