I am one of those people who get sea sick in the bath, and as a young father I worried myself sick that my two girls would feel bad on a ferry crossing. I have done the Belfast Stranraer route many times and never had any reason to worry but I just do. So imagine my trepidation when I considered the 14 hour trip from Cork over to Roscoff. Was I going to be all right, oh the high seas, miles from anywhere, you know the things people worry themselves to death about? Well what a waste of time all that worrying was !
I drove down to cork a couple of weeks ago just before President Obama’s visit and I was mightily impressed. As I drove into the harbour I saw what I thought was a massive ferry terminal, this building was huge. Closer inspection revealed it was in fact the ferry itself, the Pont Aven. The Pont-Aven is Brittany Ferries luxurious £100m flagship ferry, launched in March 2004, this amazing craft is clearly setting new standards in passenger ferry travel and quite literally leaves the opposition in its wake. Crossing to Roscoff on this vessel is like taking a holiday in itself, and it has dramatically improved sailing times to Spain and France as a result. The Pont Aven boasts some stunning features for a cross channel ferry, including a superb pool and leisure area, a wrap around promenade for pleasant deck strolls, a dramatic five deck high atrium with panoramic views from the glass lifts and outstanding accommodation. I suffer a little from claustrophobia so I opted for a deluxe berth with a large window, a little more expensive than a standard cabin but well worth the money. My boarding experience was a breeze and very cleverly you get handed a card on the car deck reminding you where to return to the next morning so you don’t lose your car! “Brittany Ferries are currently trialling a priority boarding service in Cork on selected sailings. The service is attached to a Commodore or 4-Berth Deluxe cabin booking. The trial is proving successful so Brittany Ferries hope it will be a service they will be able to offer on all sailings at some point in the future.” This amazing vessel boasts superb accommodation which is clearly setting new standards in comfort and style on board such craft. All 650 cabins have air-conditioning with individual temperature control, en-suite bathrooms, comfortable seating, and a radio. Deluxe cabins also have a flat screen TV and DVD player and Commodore cabins also have their own private balconies – the perfect place to relax while enjoying the sea views.
- Live band, DJ, cabaret & pianist (seasonal)
- Children’s Entertainment Programme (seasonal)
- Pool & leisure area and Mezzanine
- Wrap-around promenade deck
- 2 Cinemas
- Wi-Fi Internet Access
- Children’s Playroom
- Video Games Room & Slot machines
- Information Desk
- Bureau de Change
Food Outlets & Bars
- Main restaurant (Le Flora)
- Self Service (La Belle Angele)
- Cafe (Le Café du Festival)
- Main Bar (Le Grand Pavois)
- Piano & Cocktail Bar (Le Fastnet)
- Pool Bar (Les Finisteres Pool Bar)
The following morning before arriving in Roscoff my cabin steward brought me my breakfast in my cabin with freshly baked croissants and bread, jams tea or coffee etc. What a wonderful way to start my few days in France, Oh la la.
The charming port of Roscoff is ideally situated for exploring all parts of Brittany including the Pink Granite Coast, Quimper and the popular resorts of Bénodet and Concarneau. Fast roads take you quickly on to Western Loire, the Dordogne and the delights of France’s Atlantic coast. My destination after disembarkation at Roscoff, was the village of Labell near Tregunc in southern Brittany. I booked my cottage through a company called Interhome. Interhome have over 45 years experience in the home rental business and is today Europe’s leading provider of quality holiday homes and apartments. They provide accommodation for over 550,000 guests annually and can satisfy just about any request with around 32,000 holiday properties in 27 countries, so as you can imagine no matter what you’re looking for: mountains, beaches, city or countryside, apartment or villa, Interhome can fulfil that request.
Roscoff is a charming, small Breton fishing village that provides the perfect gateway to the delights of Brittany. The seaside town is clustered around a small bay, with 16th-century granite houses, little shops, and bars and restaurants, hugging the shoreline. The old harbour is the best place to while away the hours while enjoying a drink with sea views, or alternatively you can take a boat trip from here to the Ile de Batz (pronounced Ba).
Top Attractions
Museum of the ‘Onion Johnnies’
Britain’s stereotypical image of Frenchmen wearing stripy t-shirts and carrying onions on wobbly bikes, began after visits to England by the menfolk of Roscoff. Henri Olivier first took onions from Roscoff to England in 1828 and until the 1930s ‘Johnnies’ would load up their boats with local produce and sail to England, where they delivered their goods to local markets on their bicycles. They used to carry up to 100 kilos, hence the wobbles, and some Johnnies would travel as far as Cornwall and Scotland for work. The Museum has recently opened to celebrate this lovely tradition.
Thalassotherapy
An excellent way to begin or end a holiday is to try a half-day “taster” course at the century-old Thalassotherapy Institute, costing around €79. Treatments include seawater and seaweed therapies, to stimulate healing and relaxation.
Jardin Exotique
This extraordinary garden boasts over 3,000 species of tropical plants, from all over the world, including South Africa, Chile and Australia. It has spectacular rockeries, and it is worth climbing up the highest 18-metre high rock, to get a superb view of the bay of Morlaix, Roscoff, Carantec and the Château du Taureau.
Notre Dame de Croatz Batz
This beautifully restored church dominates the town’s skyline and is a fantastic example of 16th century gothic architecture. Its rows of bells resemble a tiered cake.
Ile de Batz
A 15-minute boat trip from the harbour will take you to the charming and car-free Ile de Batz, with its impressive lighthouse and lovely gardens, giving you a great view of the mainland.
Brittany Ferries Facts
Brittany Ferries 2011 sailing season will run until Saturday 29th October. Departures from Ringaskiddy, Cork are on Saturdays at 16.00, arriving in Roscoff at 07.00 on Sunday. Return sailings depart from Roscoff at 21.15 every Friday evening and arrive in Cork at 10.00 on Saturday morning. Brittany Ferries continues to offer the fastest direct ferry crossing from Ireland to France, taking just 14 hours and operating on a convenient weekend schedule. With state-of-the-art facilities, the Pont-Aven is the newest and most modern ship to be found on any direct crossing between Ireland and France.
There is excellent value for money to be found throughout 2011. A family of four can travel with their car in a 4 berth cabin from €140.00 per person return, a total of €560.00. Furthermore, there is 15% off public ferry fares when an inclusive holiday is added to any ferry booking. You can travel any time during 2011 and enjoy this great offer – including peak season dates. For further information or to order a copy of 2011 Ireland – France Ferry Guide and/or the three brochures, customers should call Cork 021 427 7801 or visit www.brittanyferries.com, where they can also take a ‘virtual’ tour of the cruise ship.
Interhome Factbox
0208 246 4100
7 night stay in Chaumiere Natelliou – Tregunc is from £499 per week
0208 246 4100
7 night stay in Chaumiere Natelliou – Tregunc is from 594€ per week
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