Locronan

Locronan ( Lokorn Breton ) is a commune in western France in the department of Finistère in the Brittany region. She has classified 799 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) on an area of 8.08 km ², and is one of the plus beaux villages de France ( most beautiful villages in France ).

Geography

The village is located about 17 kilometers north of Quimper on a hill.

History

The name is derived from the Locronan St. Ronan - one coming from Ireland monk who is buried in Locronan. Loc is a Breton term for a hermitage. St. Ronan should have the inhabitants of Locronan taught weaving. In fact, the prosperity of Locronan based in medieval times on the production quality canvas. Today, it is based on the mass passing through the place tourists.

Attractions

The appearance of the village is still completely medieval and well worth seeing. Therefore, Roman Polanski turned here based on the novel " Tess of the d' Urbervilles " by Thomas Hardy his film Tess ( international breakthrough of Nastassja Kinski ). Parts of the television series Silas in 1981 filmed in and around Locronan. Just as parts of Treasure Island in 1966.

The place is closed to normal traffic, there are around the village several large parking lots ( fee of a few euros for a parking ticket, which is valid all year ). For an intensive tour of the really interesting church, you should plan because of the strong tourist development either an early time of the day or the pre-or post-season. On the slope ( a little below the village ) is still a source of sanctuary with a small chapel.