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Locronan
Finistère
Granite City in the Quimper region
Named after Saint Ronan, the hermit who founded the town in the 10th century, Locronan reached its peak in the 16th century thanks to its sailcloth industry, which counted the Compagnie des Indes among its major clients. This granite town has been wonderfully preserved and boasts some beautiful Renaissance mansions and a magnificent 15th-century church.
OT Locronan Cornouaille
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Word of Mouth
The ‘May Tree’ ritual dictates that, on the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, young men and women from Locronan who will turn 19 that year must bring a beech tree from the forest and plant it, using only the strength of their arms, in the town’s main square. On the evening of St John’s Day or during the nearest weekend, the young people must fell the tree using a ‘harpoon’, a double-handled saw. The tree is then cut up and sold at auction, whilst the branches are used to fuel the St John’s Day bonfire. Stemming from the tradition of conscripts, this ritual is believed to be a practice of Celtic origin and is now listed as part of France’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
Map of Locronan
Extend the visit to near Locronan
Prepare your stay at Locronan
