With a history that goes back more than 2000 years, Locronan was originally 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 the manufacture of sail-cloth for the local ship-building industry during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Church of Saint Ronan in the centre of the village dates from the 15th century.
In the interior of the church there is an intricate altar, numerous stained glass windows, carved reliefs and medieval religious statues of painted wood: the ‘pieta’ of the Virgin and dead Christ.
There are also some exquisite, jewel bright, stained glass windows.
Stepping back out of the church you find yourself in The Place de l’Eglise – a large, attractive square entirely paved and surrounded on all sides by very well preserved ancient buildings, with the substantial vaulted church the most imposing among them.
Even buildings in a state of disrepair have a rustic charm all of their own.
Almost all the houses date from the 17th and 18th centuries and are different heights and have small architectural highlights and characterful roofs that make them interesting, and there is an ancient well in the centre of the square.
Many of the buildings are now home to artisan crafts including this confectionery shop that specialises in fruit jellies.
You can also find postcard perfect snaps on every street including this delightful floral, bike and sage green shutter display!
Behind the church is an attractive small cemetery full of ornate iron crosses.
Locronan is a beautifully preserved little piece of history and well worth a visit.
