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Morlaix

Montroulez
Morlaix with its viaduct in the background
Morlaix with its viaduct in the background
Coat of arms of Morlaix
Coat of arms
Morlaix is located in France
Morlaix
Morlaix
Location in France
Morlaix is located in Brittany
Morlaix
Morlaix
Location in Brittany
Country France
Region Brittany
Department Finistère
Arrondissement Morlaix
Canton Morlaix
Intercommunality Morlaix
Area
1
24.82 km2 (9.58 sq mi)
Population
 (2008)
15,574
 • Density 627.48/km2 (1,625.2/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+01:00 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code
29151 /29600
Elevation 0–104 m (0–341 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Morlaix (Breton: Montroulez) is a lovely town located in the Finistère area of Brittany, a region in north-western France. It is known for its beautiful port and impressive viaduct. Morlaix is also a "sub-prefecture," which means it's an important administrative center for the department.

Discovering Morlaix's Location

Morlaix is found in the Finistère department. This department is part of the larger Brittany region. Brittany is a peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic Ocean. Morlaix sits where two rivers, the Dourduff and the Queffleuth, meet. These rivers form the Morlaix River, which flows into the Bay of Morlaix.

The Famous Morlaix Viaduct

One of the most striking sights in Morlaix is its huge viaduct. A viaduct is like a very long bridge, often with many arches. The Morlaix Viaduct was built for trains to cross the valley. It has two levels. The lower level was once used for shops and even a street. This amazing structure helps connect different parts of the town. It also offers fantastic views of the area.

Exploring Morlaix's Old Town

Morlaix has a rich history. You can see this in its charming old town. Many buildings here are very old, some dating back to the 15th century. These houses often have unique wooden frames and overhanging upper floors. They are called "half-timbered" houses.

Duchess Anne's House

One famous old building is called the "House of Duchess Anne." It is a beautiful example of the traditional architecture of the region. This house shows how people lived and built homes many centuries ago.

Pondalez House Museum

Another special place is the Pondalez House. It is now a museum. This house lets you step back in time. You can see how families lived in Morlaix long ago. It has a unique design with an open central courtyard.

Morlaix's Maritime History

Morlaix has always been connected to the sea. It was an important port for trade. Ships would come and go, bringing goods from all over. The town's location near the Bay of Morlaix made it perfect for this.

The Bay of Morlaix

The Bay of Morlaix is a beautiful natural harbor. It is dotted with small islands. One of these islands holds the Château du Taureau. This old castle was built to protect the bay from invaders. It's a great spot to explore and learn about coastal defenses.

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