Standing on the Roscoff coast, overlooking the bay with its ever-changing reflections, the Brittany & Spa manor displays all the hallmarks of a 14th-century Finistère estate. A convent with its archways, stone walls built to withstand the elements, sculpted arches, engraved lintels—authenticity and austerity define this structure, designed to endure both time and nature.
Once a noble residence between the 14th and 17th centuries, it was home to great family lineages such as the Le Rousseau and De Maupeou, whose names resonated in French courts. After the Revolution, it passed through several families, with Mademoiselle François as its last known occupant. Following years of uncertainty—through property sales and the turmoil of World War II—the manor, known as “Manoir du Diarnelez,” seemed destined for a grim fate.
Until 1973—the year our hotel’s extraordinary story began.
At that time, Roscoff was on the brink of transformation. Led by Alexis Gourvennec, head of the Léon vegetable growers’ association seeking to export to England, the town had been selected to become the deep-water port for Brittany Ferries. The region’s tourism and trade prospects were set to expand dramatically.
But there was a problem: no hospitality infrastructure existed. Recognizing this opportunity, local entrepreneur Mr. Chapalain—renowned for his expertise in stonework—set out to build an establishment that would embody Breton charm while welcoming British travelers in the most authentic way. Yet, with only a few months before the port’s grand opening, time was against him.
Then, during a business trip, Mr. Chapalain discovered an abandoned yet undeniably beautiful manor. Why build something new when Brittany had already provided the perfect structure? Located in Le Faouët, over a hundred kilometers from Roscoff, the decision was made: the manor would be relocated.
It was an immense challenge, but not impossible. Over nine months, 70 workers meticulously dismantled and reconstructed the manor on its new site—the very place where you now stay.
Over time, the building evolved, with a modern extension and later a spa. Most notably, a dedicated space was created for chef Loïc Le Bail’s restaurant, which earned its first Michelin star in 2007—the same year Brittany & Spa joined the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.
For decades, the Chapalain family managed the hotel. First, Mr. Chapalain’s son and his wife for over thirty years, then their own son, committed to excellence and an authentic Breton experience. With a seafood-inspired cuisine, panoramic bay views, and seaweed-infused spa treatments, everything here is a tribute to the one force that cannot be ignored—the sea.
