The must-have
Rohan Bridge, the jewel of Landerneau
Let's start with the must-see on any historic visit to Landerneau: the Pont de Rohan, one of the last inhabited bridges in France. Traces of its existence date back to the early 14th century, the inhabited bridge was actually built in 1510 by Viscount Jehan de Rohan. Until 1958, it was the only way to cross the Elorn at Landerneau. Originally 70 meters long, it housed a mill and a prison, destroyed by a major fire in 1827.
Today, the bridge retains its unique charm and is home to a number of stores and restaurants. You can even spend the night here! Interested?
An exceptional residence
The Maison de la Sénéchaussée
What's so special about this building on the Place du Général de Gaulle, opposite Landerneau's covered market? Its double facade, one half-timbered, the other of Logonna stone. It's also known as the " Maison de la Duchesse Anne ", in memory of Queen Anne of Brittany's visit to Landerneau in 1505.
Keep your eyes peeled for the kersantite Christ statue. Here's a hint: look on the side of the staircase!
left bank
The Saint-Thomas district
Your historical walk in search of Landerneau's heritage is bound to take you to the popular Saint-Thomas district, not far from the Elorn river. Around the 13th-century church, the square is surrounded by Logonna yellow stone buildings. The former ossuary, which was also used in the late 18th century as a shoe-making workshop for soldiers of the Republic, and later as the sacristan's lodgings, can be seen here.
Nearby, don't miss the Auberge des Treize Lunes, a manor house in the heart of the town, once the home of merchants and a rare model of the "pondalez" houses known in the Brittany region.
commercial history
Mazurier House
The architecture and preservation of some of these shipowners ' and merchants' houses are an integral part of Landerneau's heritage. The Maison Mazurier, built in 1725 on the Quai de Léon, bears the name of its owner, Jean-Baptiste Mazurier. In 30 years, he became Landerneau's richest merchant.
mythical place
L'Auberge Le Réveil Matin
The café here retains the name of the original inn. In the 18th century, Landerneau was a trading town with no fewer than thirty inns!
Built of Logonna stone and schist, the facades are rather plainly decorated. But if you look up at the roof, you'll notice an original medieval-style dormer with two stylized animal crossettes.
Opposite the inn is the Maison Duthoya, built in 1667 by Arnaud Duthoya, a commissionaire for major wine merchants who traded at the port of Landerneau.
Opposite the building, the Place des Negociants hosts concerts in summer.
imposing silhouette
Saint-Houardon church: a blend of styles
The present church was built between 1858 and 1860. Neo-Gothic in style, its exterior architecture incorporates elements of the original 16th-century Gothic and Renaissance church, creating an original blend of styles. Can you find the 60 gargoyles and the animals they represent?
If the building is open, take the time to enter and discover the statuary, stained glass and paintings that surround the choir.
Brick and linen
La Grande Briqueterie, linen company
Another gem of Landerneau's heritage, just outside the town! Head for the Traon Elorn district to discover this site, which bears witness to the town's industrial history. La Grande Briqueterie is the cradle of two historic and emblematic products: bricks and linen. In fact, before becoming a brickworks in the late 19th century, it was first a spinning mill, producing sails for warships.
Today, the site is obviously no longer in operation, but since 2019, it has been rehabilitated and opened to the public. You can still imagine the daily hustle and bustle of the 500 employees who came to work here nearly two centuries ago. This walk is also an opportunity to discover Landerneau on the river side!
the history of linen in brittany
A prosperous future
Brittany's prosperity from the 15th to the 17th century was directly linked to the flax industry and its strategic position, enabling international trade through exports. This abundance was coupled with intense Breton fervor, as evidenced by the wealth of enclos paroissiaux, religious edifices built during this period.
Visit the city
There are 1001 ways to visit Landerneau: freely, at your own pace, on a guided tour, with game booklets...or even with the Abgrall Mystery!