CAptain’s Mate of the Month – Roscoff, France

Updated by Ann MacKellar
27 Jul 2026

CA member Hilary Henery describes Roscoff as “the most accessible marina I think I have been to - not that I need these features, but really good for those who do.”

It is easy to see why Roscoff-Bloscon is a favourite first or last stop for Channel crossings. Combining an international ferry terminal with a modern marina, excellent shelter, comprehensive services and an attractive town in the old port, it offers a welcoming introduction to Brittany.

The approach

Approaching Roscoff requires a little planning. Brittany Ferries have priority in the harbour, so check ferry movements and call the marina on Channel 9 before approaching. Arriving at slack water is strongly recommended, as powerful tidal streams can develop, particularly around the eastern side of the marina and on larger flood tides, while the waters around the Île de Batz can be surprisingly turbulent.

Hilary and Peter visited this summer and timed their arrival perfectly for low water with no discernible tide. Hilary’s report on CAptain’s Mate shares, “We were met by excellent staff in a blue rib who speak good English and escorted us to our berth. Often two ribs escort boats when significant tidal flow and we saw them actively push boats on a couple of occasions to protect other boats. Good space between pontoon rows.”

Facilities

Roscoff offers everything you would expect from a full-service marina, including fuel, gas, excellent showers, laundry, pump-out, chandlery, lifting and repair services. As a Port of Entry, it is also a convenient arrival point for visitors from the UK.

There is a lift available between the pontoon and the facilities level which will be especially useful at low tide. There are also accessible toilets in the additional pontoon level toilet blocks.

The marina's waterfront has developed into a lively area with cafés, restaurants and independent shops overlooking the pontoons. Hilary recommends Ti Nathy for food.

Her report shares, “There is a chandlery with a large array of fishing gear, a bike hire shop with electric and standard bikes at reasonable prices, a gallery and a clothes shop. Sadly, no food shop although Ti Nathy will provide bread and croissants.”

The marina also provides bikes to use for an hour free of charge.

Provisioning is equally easy. Hilary successfully used Carrefour's grocery delivery service direct to the marina office, noting, “We tried it out and shopping was delivered at the exact time agreed. It's only a small supermarket but all the basics, plus we bought quite a few heavier stock items.”

Super U also delivers online orders and during the peak summer a free courtesy bus links the marina, the town centre and Super U.

Berthing

Visitors are usually allocated berths on pontoons B or D, with rafting common during busy periods. Marina staff are widely praised for their friendly, English-speaking assistance, and are often on hand to help boats berth safely. Larger yachts should note that some finger berths on pontoon B may be short for 12m vessels.

Local area

Beyond the marina, Roscoff’s historic town is within easy walking distance, offering good restaurants, shops and striking architecture. Day trip boats to the Isle de Batz currently conveniently depart from (and back to) the marina at low tide, offering an enjoyable day trip to the George Delaselle exotic gardens and the island’s many interesting walks.

Bicycle and car hire are available, while the marina also offers competitive longer-term berthing rates.

With 14 member reports on Roscoff currently published on CAptain’s Mate, members will find a wealth of first-hand cruising advice. Members can also access the CA’s extensive Channel cruising resources, including guidance on France’s entry/exit procedures.