Maison des Johnnies and Onion Museum
Discover the unique history of the Roscoff Onion and the brave 'Johnnies' who sold them across Britain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Maison des Johnnies and Onion Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the unique history of the Roscoff Onion and the brave 'Johnnies' who sold them across Britain.
"A quick, interesting stop for those keen on local history, though some find it a bit small for the price."
Allocate Your Time Wisely
Most visitors find the museum can be explored in under an hour. It's a quick, insightful stop.
English Information Available
Don't worry if you don't speak French; an English information booklet is provided.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Roscoff Onion's Journey
Exhibition rooms
Discover the unique history of the iconic Roscoff Onion and the brave 'Johnnies' who sold them across Britain.
Life of the 'Johnnies'
Exhibition rooms
Learn about the challenging lives of the onion carriers who traveled from Roscoff to Great Britain.
Roscoff's Onion Heritage
Museum displays
Understand how this humble vegetable shaped the reputation and economy of Roscoff and its region.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Visit, Big History
Value and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Your Time Wisely
Most visitors find the museum can be explored in under an hour. It's a quick, insightful stop.
English Information Available
Don't worry if you don't speak French; an English information booklet is provided.
Check Toilet Amenities
While toilets are present, some visitors have noted a lack of soap.
Manage Expectations
It's a small museum with a focused exhibit. Don't expect a full-day attraction.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Your Time Wisely
Most visitors find the museum can be explored in under an hour. It's a quick, insightful stop.
English Information Available
Don't worry if you don't speak French; an English information booklet is provided.
Check Toilet Amenities
While toilets are present, some visitors have noted a lack of soap.
Manage Expectations
It's a small museum with a focused exhibit. Don't expect a full-day attraction.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
This small museum offers a focused look at the history of the Roscoff Onion and the 'Johnnies' who sold them. While some visitors find it a quick and interesting stop with good English information, others feel it's overpriced and underdeveloped, citing issues with presentation and missing advertised features like onion tasting.
"This is a very interesting museum all about the history of the Roscoff Onion and the Johnny l'ognions of France.
English information is available.
Don't expect to be here long! We were here for just under an hour.
There are toilets but no cafe (not needed as there are so many eateries in Roscoff).
Adults entry fee €5, students entry fee €3 and children aged 10 and under are free (Aug 2023).
I liked it because I'm interested in the history of places we visit, but just don't expect to fill your day here!"
Rachel B
"Interesting little museum. English information booklet they gave us was very good. Didn't take long to take it all in. Suggestion... A little gift of a single Roscoff onion with each ticket purchased would be a really quirky USP!
One minor issue: no soap in the toilets and after asking still no soap!"
Louise
"Rip-off! Small display, just 2 rooms. Much material on floor rather than on walls. Video display not working. Save your money, unless you speak French and can understand the guided tour."
Chris Thackray & Larry Wright
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in the heart of Roscoff. If you're arriving by car, there are parking options nearby. For those using public transport, Roscoff is accessible by bus, and the museum is a short walk from the town center.
Yes, there are several parking areas in Roscoff. Some may be paid parking, so it's advisable to check local signage for rates and availability.
The Roscoff ferry terminal is relatively close to the town center. A pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes will take you to the Maison des Johnnies and Onion Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As of August 2023, adult entry was €5, students were €3, and children aged 10 and under were free. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current pricing.
For this small museum, advance booking is generally not required. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
Some visitors have mentioned audio-guide phones or MP3 players, though accessing them can be a bit of an 'obstacle course' according to one review.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors report spending less than an hour at the museum. It's a concise and focused exhibition.
Children aged 10 and under enter for free. The exhibits focus on history and trade, which might be more engaging for older children or those with a specific interest.
Yes, English information is provided, often in the form of a booklet, making the exhibits understandable for non-French speakers.
The museum is described as small, consisting of just two rooms. Some displays might be on the floor rather than on walls.
While not explicitly detailed, the focus is on historical narrative. Some reviews mention a video display that was not working, so interactive elements may be limited.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there is no cafe on-site at the museum. However, Roscoff is a town with many eateries, so you'll find plenty of dining options nearby.
One review mentioned an advertised onion tasting that was not available. It's best to check with the museum directly if this is a feature you are interested in.
Roscoff offers a variety of restaurants and cafes. You can find places serving local seafood and traditional French cuisine just a short walk from the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Typically, photography for personal use is allowed in most small museums, but it's always best to check for any specific signage or ask a staff member upon arrival.
Focus on capturing the displays that showcase the Roscoff onions and the historical artifacts related to the 'Johnnies'. The unique branding of the Roscoff onion itself can also make for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📚 History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the 'Johnnies'
Visitors can expect to learn about the daily lives, arduous journeys, and entrepreneurial spirit of these onion carriers. The exhibits detail their methods of cultivation, their trade routes, and the impact they had on both French and British markets. While the museum is compact, it offers a poignant insight into a chapter of history that is deeply intertwined with the identity of Roscoff. Some reviews suggest the presentation could be improved, with materials on the floor and a video display not functioning, but the core narrative of the 'Johnnies' remains compelling.
The Famous Roscoff Onion
The museum delves into the cultivation and characteristics of this special onion, explaining why it thrived in the local climate and soil. It highlights the economic importance of the onion trade to Roscoff, which was once a major exporter. While the museum itself is small, the story it tells is significant, connecting the visitor to a specific piece of French culinary and agricultural heritage. Some visitors have expressed disappointment regarding the lack of onion tasting opportunities, which were advertised on the website, underscoring the importance of managing expectations.
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