Small town of character and high place of druidic worship
Locronan is above all a land of traditions. It is through the Troménie, one of the largest processions in Brittany, that we enter the heart of an ancient ritual.
A land of miracles, Locronan has seen its fame and wealth increase thanks to the belief in Saint Ronan and the heritage of the cult of fertility. The name of the "Névet" wood, which comes from the name "Németon", which means "natural temple under the celestial vault", is proof of this. This temple takes the form of a large quadrilateral of about twelve kilometres, with twelve remarkable points, in reference to the twelve months of the year and the twelve female and male deities.
The miracles of Saint Ronan
Thanks to the fame of Saint Ronan, Locronan was enriched by the influx of pilgrims to his tomb and by the favours of the Dukes of Brittany, in particular the exemption from certain taxes. During her visit in 1505, Anne of Brittany allocated the proceeds of the Guérande salt tax for the completion of the Penity. Like Anne de Bretagne, many Dukes and Duchesses of Brittany came to pray to Saint Ronan to grant them "inheritance and lineage".
An exceptional architectural heritage
Built in the form of a cathedral thanks to donations from the Dukes of Brittany, the flamboyant Gothic church of Saint Ronan was built between 1424 and 1480 and listed in 1845. It has a number of remarkable architectural jewels which are also listed as Historic Monuments.
The fourteen characterful residences that make up the church square were home to the notables and rich sailcloth merchants. They have both 17th century and 20th century architectural characteristics.ème and 18ème century, while retaining the forms of the 15ème century. It is the perfect image of the medieval city.
[Click here to discover the inventory sheet of Saint-Ronan's Church].
[Click here to discover the inventory sheet of the chapel ND de Bonne Nouvelle].
The Troménie
The Grande Troménie is one of the most important The "pardons". of Brittany. It takes place every six years, on a 12km course (the next one will be held in the autumn). in 2025). The 12km procession follows the exact route of the druidic initiation course, the Nemeton [ more ]
The Small Troménie is a 6km route run every year between each Grande Troménie on the 2nd Sunday of July.
On the day of the procession, the crosses and banners of Locronan and the surrounding parishes can be admired. The inhabitants are dressed in their most beautiful traditional Breton costumes, which here are in no way symbols of folklore. On the contrary, these costumes take on a completely different dimension, namely the connection to the ancestors. It is said that if you don't do the procession during your life, you will have to do it after your death, but you will only be able to advance the length of your coffin every year.
Other druidic traditions that continue in the Petite Cité de Caractère :
The tree of May :
On the Saturday before the first Sunday in May, the May tree is planted in the square near the well by the young men of Locron who come of age during the year. The tree planted is a beech tree, a symbol for the Celts of the awakening of nature because of the early appearance of its leaves.
The bread of the dead :
The first day of November was the beginning of the Celtic year, the great festival of Samonios, the night of communication between the world of the dead and that of the living. In Locronan, the bread of the dead is still distributed on the first Sunday of November