Locronan is a charming little Finistère town full of character, with perfectly preserved architecture and a timeless atmosphere. Perched on a hill just 5 km from the sea, it offers an exceptional setting for strolling through the cobbled streets lined with granite houses, an essential element of its authentic charm.
Sacred origins and a revered name
Its name, “Lok-Ronan” (Ronan’s place), refers to the Irish bishop Saint Ronan, who came to evangelise Cornwall in the 10th century. According to legend, he settled on an ancient Celtic sacred site (nemeton), performing miracles, before his tomb became the object of fervent pilgrimage. His statue can still be seen today in the chapel of Pénity, next to the prioral church of Saint-Ronan.
A medieval boom linked to hemp and sailcloth
From the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance, Locronan enjoyed remarkable economic prosperity thanks to the hemp industry. It became a major centre for the production of sailcloth, essential for the ships of the royal fleet, the East India Company and even the Spanish Armada. This flourishing trade brought wealth and influence, which can be seen today in the elegant facades with mullioned windows, sculpted dormer windows and rich ornamentation of the granite mansions.
A consistent and spectacular architectural heritage
The heart of the village is dominated by the church of Saint-Ronan, a magnificent flamboyant Gothic edifice (43 m long) built between 1430 and 1480, financed by the Dukes of Brittany. Inside, there is a 17th-century altarpiece, a large stained glass window from 1485 depicting the Passion, and a Baroque pulpit. The chapel of Pénity – built in the 1530s – contains the tomb of Saint Ronan, a cenotaph surrounded by sculpted angels: an eminent Gothic work. On the edge of the square, an ancient granite well, rebuilt in memory of the original, adds to the authenticity of the site.
A city of sanctuary and living traditions
Locronan has strong religious traditions: the Grande Troménie, a 12km pilgrimage that takes place every six years, has its origins in the routes taken by Saint Ronan. The faithful walk this circular route, punctuated by granite crosses. Between editions, the Petite Troménie (6 km) takes place every second Sunday in July: a spiritual and festive moment at the heart of Breton tradition.
A favourite location for films and film shoots
Thanks to its unspoilt, deeply authentic setting, Locronan has attracted many film-makers since the 1920s. Notable films include Tess (Polanski, 1979), Chouans ! (de Broca, 1987) and Un long dimanche de fiançailles (Jeunet, 2003). Themed guided tours are available for film buffs keen to explore the behind-the-scenes aspects of filming.
Discovery activities and peaceful walks
The village offers several walking routes: through secret alleyways (Templiers, flower gardens, the old weavers’ quarter), towards the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, then up to the summit of the Plas ar Horn mountain (289 m), from where you can admire the Bay of Douarnenez, the Menez Hom and, on a clear day, the mountains of Crozon and Brest.
Nearby is the Bois du Nevet (225 ha), an ancient druidic site and later seigniorial estate, perfect for forest walks among the oak and beech trees.
Locronan: crafts, gastronomy and festivals
Today, Locronan is a centre for arts and crafts: weaving, pottery, soap-making, leatherwork, not forgetting gourmet shops (biscuit factory, preserves from the sea) and the renowned family bakery offering a delicious kouign-amann.
Throughout the year, the village comes alive with festive events: medieval markets, film evenings, Christmas lights, and the Brittany International Film Festival, launched in 2021 and awarding the Prix de l’Hermine.
A protected and vibrant tourist attraction
Classified as a “Petite Cité de caractère” and listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, Locronan welcomes almost 400,000 visitors a year. The absence of car traffic in the centre maximises its charm and peaceful atmosphere. Paid parking on the outskirts finances upkeep and ensures that the site is preserved for future generations.
Locronan embodies an exceptional medieval heritage, combining spirituality, architecture, local traditions and cultural life. A place of enchantment, where the stones tell a thousand stories, and where every visitor can feel the deep soul of Brittany.
