🏰 Medieval Locronan in 360 Degrees, France
When you first drive into Locronan, you are usually put into a parking lot and asked to walk in. It doesn't feel super impressive in that lot, but then you start walking and you keep getting more and more blown away with each step. Each step feels like you are being transported back in time, and this humble yet extremely impressive town is pure gold of a find.
The structures are firmly standing the test of time with their grand and well-built designs. There is a cohesiveness about the design that makes it feel all connected and part of the same era. The small, quaint, yet so old town just felt magical. I loved how they have not let modern design touch this section, so you truly feel like you are in another time.
In This Adventure Guide:
🌟 The Golden Nugget
Don't Miss This: Visit in the evening! The town is known to get flooded by tourists during the day, but we arrived after 5 PM when the shops were closing. It was a peaceful, gorgeous stroll, and we had the quiet, medieval streets almost to ourselves.
🗺️ Exploring the Town
Locronan is a small, walkable town. Here are a few key spots we explored, including the amazing church graveyard, which you could wander in for hours!
A 360-degree view of the incredible graveyard behind the church.
TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO LOCRONAN
A few of our favorite videos from the main square and an aerial 360° view!
Aerial 360° View (by Todd):
Wander the Streets (360° View):
"There was something about this old medieval town with the grey old stone... and the light pouring out of the windows that felt like we were in a picture perfect magical land that will forever stay etched in my heart as something truly special."
🗺️ Visit at a Glance
- 🏞️ Location/Park: Locronan, Brittany, France
- 🥾 Hike/Activity: Exploring a Medieval Town
- 📏 Distance: N/A (Small walkable town)
- 📈 Elevation Gain: N/A
- ⏳ Recommended Time: One evening & morning (2-3 hours walking)
- 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The Gothic Church, the historic town square, and the quiet streets at night.
Adventure Rating:
🏘️ Our Evening in Locronan
The Story of Saint Ronan
The town also has a very interesting story that a missionary in the medieval era named Ronan was spreading the Christian word in nearby Brittany. He decided to retire to Locronan, but an enraged woman—most likely over her husband's new-found religion—falsely accused Ronan of devouring her daughter. He was imprisoned, but good sense prevailed and Ronan found the girl suffocated in a chest. He revived her. The dukes of Brittany loved this story so, that they donated generously for the building of the amazing Gothic church in the center of Locranon. That is the man whose statue is on the wall of the church building.
An Evening Stroll & The French Rhythm
The town is known to get flooded by tourists during the day, but we arrived in the evening planning to stay the night in a quaint hotel in the center of the town. It was a peaceful gorgeous stroll through the quiet town for us. We did miss the cute shops being open, but we struggled with that in many of the quaint small towns, for shops often close at 5, and open 10-11. It will definitely be something I try and factor in on my next France trip, for it is a juggling act to be at a town early for the small hotels, yet drive to see so many places, and also factor in restaurants that mostly serve dinner after 7. It is a Rhythm of Life that takes some getting used to for us silly Americans!
The town was quiet and small enough that everyone was able to just relax, no stress about getting lost, and just have fun exploring. My husband even found a local trail and followed it to a fun road. But the most magical part was in the evening when the lights turned on, illuminating the old stone and paved streets.
Our Cozy Loft at Le Prieure
The hotel, Le Prieure, was part of a lovely restaurant, and the room was one of the most memorable of our trip. We walked in a little unsure of what we were going to get—we all could only see one bed in a small space, and there were four of us. You should have seen the pure delight when my girls realized they had their own floor! They scampered up the steps and had huge smiles looking out their window down at the street and getting all cozy in their fun little loft. I think they felt like they had a dream little tree house bedroom. The whole family was happy with the food at the restaurant downstairs; I think we even ate outside and enjoyed the beautiful backyard dining area.
A Fascination with Doorways
I quickly gained a fascination with doorways in France. Each is unique and has a flavor all its own. Locronan was no exception, with beautiful, ancient doorways at every turn.
Gallery: A Walk Through Town
Here are a few more of our favorite moments, from the sunset to the local patisserie we found in the morning.
💡 Traveler's Tips
- Best Time to Go: Evening! Arrive after 5 PM when the day-trippers leave and the town is peaceful and magical.
- Where to Stay: We stayed at Le Prieure Hotel right in the center of town. Our girls loved the cute loft room!
- Must-Try Patisserie: In the morning, find the adorable **Le Guillou Alain**. We recommend a slice of the **Kouign-amann**, their **Rhubarbe Gateau**, or any of their amazing chocolate items.
- Hidden Gem: Keep an eye out for the charming **Steam Punk shop**! It's another gem to search for while you roam the streets.
- Pro-Tip: Factor in the French rhythm! Many small shops close around 5 PM, and restaurants often don't open for dinner until 7 PM. Be aware of bus tours, as the streets can get busy, but they empty out again just as quickly.
🔎 360° Video Treasure Hunt!
When you watch the immersive 360° videos, see if you can find these special moments I captured!
- [Clue #1: The statue of Saint Ronan on the church wall.]
- [Clue #2: The amazing old gravestones in the churchyard.]
- [Clue #3: The "Le Prieure" hotel from the street view!]
⭐ Final Thoughts
Locronan was such a wonderful place to visit. It was beautiful, had such a fun history surrounding the town, and was a timeless treasure. What's your favorite medieval town you've ever stumbled upon?
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna from VRGetaway
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