Locronan

Visit Locronan, Brittany

Locronan, officially one of the 'most beautiful villages of France', is 15 kilometres to the northwest of Quimper in the Finistere department of western Brittany.

Going back in history more than 2000 years, Locronan was a sacred place for the celts - known as a 'nemeton'. It then became an important religious centre during the middle ages, and an important centre for sail-cloth making for the local ship-building industry during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Each of these epoques has left its mark on the town and region which is of course now better known as a popular tourist destination.

Exploring Locronan

Locronan is extremely well preserved, and is built in the traditional local granite. The solid houses with traditional slate rooves are interspersed with plenty of greenery and ooze history, making for a very attractive village.

The cobbled Place de l'eglise and the substantial vaulted 15th century St Ronan church are in the centre of the town, and the best place to start your visit.

The Rue Moal and Rue Saint Maurice are the main streets - Rue Saint Maurice deserves a special mention for the lovely views from the end. Best advice is perhaps to get the leaflet from the tourist office that suggests the best route to follow while you are exploring, to ensure you don't miss the highlights.

Be sure to also visit the delightful Chapelle Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle.

Explore the numerous small side-streets heading off from the main square in Locronan, with their wide choice of artisan boutiques, which make for a very pleasant visit.

Some of the little art galleries scattered around the town were surprisingly impressive, and the Museum of Art and History of Locronan provided an interesting look at the history of the town.

If you think Locronan looks familiar perhaps you are recognising it from one of the films that have been made here - it has featured in several films including Tess by Roman Polanski.

Attractions nearby

The best views of the region around Locronan and out to sea involve a little effort - follow the path up the 'Montagne de Locronan' to the small Chapell ar Sonj.

Other excursions should involve a walk through the forest at Bois de Névet, and if you are feeling ambitious the tourist office can suggest a longer walk through the surrounding countryside.

See Brittany and Finistere (the region and department for Locronan) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Locronan: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Locronan, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Armorique Regional Park 24km; Audierne 26km; Morgat 26km; Benodet 26km; Crozon 26km; Concarneau 34km; Camaret 35km; Landerneau 39km; Ile-de-Sein 40km; Ile Glenan 46km;

Locronan tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin du château de Lanniron - remarkable garden (14km) : Jardin du prieuré de Locmaria - remarkable garden (14km) : Menez-Hom - site of natural beauty (14km) : Parc botanique de Cornouaille - remarkable garden (24km) : Parc du château de Trévarez - remarkable garden (30km) : Marais de Mousterlin - site of natural beauty (31km) : Baie de Douarnenez - site of natural beauty (35km) : Pointe de Penhir - site of natural beauty (35km) :

See more places and a map at places near Locronan