| Page Views: 112 Last Visit to Roscanvel: June, 2008 | Roscanvel Worth the research and a second visit ! by ranger49 - last update: May 1, 2009 |
A bit of history and great walks. Roscanvel is located on the most northerly prong of the Crozon peninsula within the Parc Régional d’Armorique. At the point is La Pointe des Espagnols - an old fortress from the time in 1594 when the Spanish occupied the area and built a garrison there from which the best views of Brest and all the surrounding coastline can be seen.
It makes an excellent starting point for walks around the cliff paths with numerous small points of interest en route as well as the sea and coastal views.
In May/June when we were there the cliff flowers were in bloom - an added attraction.
Dotted around the coast - particularly the more sheltered eastern side - are small villages and family holiday homes.
But as you travel up the eastern coast look out to the three offshore islands -the Île Longue - almost an isthmus, Iîe Trébéron and the smaller, but grim sounding, Île des Morts .
In the early 18th century these waters were the scene of many a naval battle and of naval and merchant shipping.
It was decided to make Île Trébéron a place of Quarantine where all sailors, captives or othet passengers would be landed . Those who failed to recover were buried on the neighbouring Île des Mort.
Today the islands - which can also easily seen from other points along the coast are out of bounds.
It is said - rumoured - that the undergrowth has taken over, that they harbour a colony of rats, that the large grass covered sheds serve as an arsenal for the naval vessels at Brest..........
Also to be found in this small area of outstanding natural beauty and unsurpassable scenery are contemporary military camps like Chateau de Tir to which access is, of course, also forbidden but to the passer by they look no different to military barracks anywhere in Europe.
As we travelled around on a damp and windy day we were not inclined to linger but did stop quite close to La Pointe to see a commemorative stone which turned out to be the place where a senior occupying German officer had surrendered to the Free French Forces in 1944.
But a few days later, in the Church in Crozon, I was attracted to a leaflet which told the story of "Les Vitraux d’Auguste Labouret dans le l’église de Roscanvel."
I have always been fascinated by the art of stained glass and persuaded my husband to make a return visit which we did - on a beautifully sunny day. |
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ranger49's Roscanvel Travel Tips
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 Comments for ranger49 about Roscanvel | | | | |
lynnehamman Fri May 8, 2009 01:56 UTC
Wonderful new page, Barbara. What an amazing story regarding the church. It really was MEANT to survive, I think. The windows are exquisite. Thanks you for sharing.Pierre Tuarze was a detirmined man! Great photographs. |
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