Morlaix

At the southern end of the deep bay of Morlaix, where the Morlaix River flows into the Atlantic, lies the town of the same name. Their houses cling to the steep hills of the hinterland and spread out in the valley of the Morlaix river. The railway bridge from the 19th century, which is visible from afar and spans the river valley and the houses of Morlaix, is very striking and impressive.

Take a little time for the city. Its old, crooked, slate-roofed half-timbered houses stand next to handsome buildings from the heyday of the tobacco trade. In addition to tobacco, in the 17th century Morlaix was an important location for the French West India Company, the city traded in ships, fabrics and goldsmiths.

A walk in the historic center of Morlaix takes you past characteristic half-timbered houses with projecting bay windows. In the 15th and 16th centuries, wealthy shipowners and merchants had the so-called “lantern houses” built, which were richly decorated and whose inner courtyard was glazed at the top. A particularly beautiful one is the three-story half-timbered house “Maison dite de la duchesse Anne”.

The atmosphere in Morlaix is great at the Saturday weekly market. The traders present their goods between the historical buildings. They are often regional producers who offer their vegetables, bread or excellent cheese. Locals meet at the stalls to shop and chat. News is exchanged, appointments are made and people admire how big the children have become.

Morlaix stands out with its impressive viaduct located in the city center. It has a remarkable old quarter, with corbelled houses dating from the fifteenth century to the very end of the Middle Ages and the beginning of the Renaissance.

The so-called Duchess Anne's house is one of the most beautiful.

This city experienced its economic and artistic peak in the 17th century.