Lannion

Visit Lannion, Brittany

Lannion is a large port town in the Cotes-d'Armor department of northern Brittany, around the estuary of the River Léguer and just a few kilometres south of the Granite Rose coast around Perros-Guirec.

It is a lively, modern town which generates much of its wealth by the important role it plays in the telecommunications research industry, and has an interesting historic centre.

Exploring Lannion

Lannion is spread out along the river Leguer with the Monastery of St Anne dominating a large area on the southern side of the river and the heart of the historical town on the northern side

A visit to Lannion will start in the historical centre and the lovely medieval buildings based around the Place du Général-Leclerc and the Rue des Chapeliers, and the church of St-Jean-du-Baly.

The most impressive of these buildings are two adjacent houses on the Place General-Leclerc, the one on the left with a facade in slate and the one on the right a half-timbered house. There are several other 15th and 16th century houses to discover as you explore the narrow streets, interspersed with small open plazas and outdoor cafes.

A little way to the east on Rue Savidan you can see the 17th century classical style Convent of the Ursulines with a chapel and associated buildings that is now used for exhibitions and theatre shows.

The main church in Lannion is the Church of Saint-Jean. Dating from the 17th century, the church is missing its spire since the 18th century when the original became unstable and was demolished.

From the old town you can follow a walk that takes you up the Escalier de Brelevenez to the church of Brelevenez at top of the hill of Crec'h Tanet.

The church is a lovely 12th century Templar church but really it is the walk up the steps themselves (all 140 of them) that is the highlight. On one side of the steps is a street of delightful slate rooved cottages, each brimming over with charm and flowers. On the other side there are views over the town.

Across the river, the Saint-Anne Monastery is a substantial complex that dates from the 17th century and is now used as the town media centre.

The market in Lannion is held on Thursday.

Attractions nearby

Close to hand there are several beaches to the west around Trebeurden, while the valley of the river Leguer is very picturesque and easily explored on foot or by boat (canoe or an organised boat trip).

There are several other places of interest for visitors to Lannion, most along the coast to the north with its sandy beaches and coastal walks through beautiful scenery - see Coast of Granite Rose for details.

Tourist classifications for Lannion: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*;

Suggested places to visit near Lannion, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Treguier 17km; Pontrieux 22km; Guerlesquin 26km; Plouezoch 29km; Paimpol 30km; Cairn de Barnenez 31km; Morlaix 32km; Ile Brehat 36km; Roscoff 39km; Saint-Pol-de-Leon 39km; Ile-de-Batz 41km; Saint-Brieuc 56km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Lannion

Lannion tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin du Kestellic - remarkable garden (17km) : Jardins de Kerdalo - remarkable garden (20km) : Jardin du château de la Roche-Jagu - remarkable garden (22km) : Beauport Abbey - grand site of france (32km) : Jardin exotique - remarkable garden (39km) : Jardin Delasselle - remarkable garden (41km) : Jardin du Grand Launay - remarkable garden (46km) : Arboretum de Poërop - remarkable garden (46km) :

French version: see Lannion (Francais)