Overview
Morgat is a pleasant resort on the Crozon peninsula, tucked into the head of a bay sheltered from westerly winds, on the north shore of the Bay of Douarnenez. It is an enjoyable, well-placed stop: a short hop by sea from Camaret, close to the Brest roadstead, and famous for its sea caves, which you can visit by dinghy or by boat along the cliffs of the headland.
The setting combines a long sandy beach, a pine wood, Belle Époque villas and spectacular cliffs. A gentle stop in a Mer d’Iroise programme.
Approach & access
The approach is through the Bay of Douarnenez, which is open to the west. Morgat harbour, on the north shore of the bay, is well protected from the prevailing westerlies but open to the south-east: it is in winds from that quarter that the shelter deteriorates.
Practical pointers — Shelter is good in a westerly, more exposed in south to south-easterly winds, which send swell into the bay. The approach is clear; stay alert to the rocky approaches of the Cap de la Chèvre, at the entrance to the bay. Access to the harbour at all states of the tide to be checked against your draught. Harbour details to be confirmed with the harbour office.
Harbour & anchorage
- Morgat marina — visitors’ pontoons, well equipped, sheltered behind its breakwater.
- At anchor — possible off the beach in settled westerly weather; to be avoided in a south-easterly.
Services ashore
- Harbour office, water and electricity on the pontoons; fuel to be checked locally.
- Toilets, showers; some technical services.
- Local provisioning: shops, places to eat; for larger needs, Crozon (close by) or Camaret/Brest.
Things to see & do
- The Morgat sea caves — cliffs and colourful caves to explore by dinghy or on a launch.
- The Cap de la Chèvre — the southern tip of the peninsula, heathland and viewpoints.
- The beach and seafront — Belle Époque villas, pine wood.
- The Crozon peninsula — coastal paths and wild beaches.
During the course — Morgat is a gentle, sheltered stop, ideal for catching your breath between two more demanding stages: a short sail from Camaret or the Brest roadstead, an easy harbour manoeuvre, and exploring the caves by dinghy. A good contrast with the offshore passages.
In pictures
