A tiny French town twinned with a popular staycation spot in Cornwall has been dubbed a “mini England” by tourists, with architecture that makes Brits feel right at home.
Morlaix, a little Brittany town nestled in the Monts d’Arree mountains, is beloved for its stunning architecture which brings back to mind some of the prettier parts of Bristol and Bath.
i News’s travel writer Anna Richards previously described Morlaix as a place “where British and French culture really fuse”, describing how creperies intermingle with curry houses on cobbled streets.
The town’s quaint streets wind between “tall, handsome buildings” that in parts look uncannily like a British university town, complete with a two-level viaduct dominating the area.
Buildings in Morlaix also tend to be made from timber, enhancing its charm, with picturesque wooden beams jutting along the outer walls.
Its also famous for its “maisons a pondalez”, houses with overhanging upper storeys that are a distinct feature of the area, and lean over the winding streets and alleys.
Maison a Pondalez on Grand Rue is hailed as a must see, a structure with old wooden spiral staircases and a gallery.
It provides stunning views and hosts talks on the likes of the history of linen and sail-making.
The viaduct probably deserves a second mention here, given it is synonymous with the town itself.
Built by Napoleon III, the structure originally meant to be part of the rail line linking Paris with Brittany but these days its an extraordinary viewing platform, with visitors allowed to stroll across it and soak in the scenic spleandour all around.
As you’d expect, there’s a wealth of historical sites and markets in the town, and the local dish kig ha farz is said to be well worth a try.
Traditional to the Britanny region, it’s cooked dish made of meats and root vegetables and has been compared to pot-au-feu.
Morlaix, which is twinned with Cornish Cathedral city Truro, is a five-hour train from Paris, or a 35-minute drive from the French port town of Roscoff.
There are also direct ferries between Plymouth and Roscoff.
Morlaix also has a port where you can float off into a wonderful bay. You can also visit the nearby city of Brest, and the Natural Park of Amorique, with its sensational granite peaks, moors and dense forests, and stunning rugged coastlines.
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