Things to see & do in Landerneau
Brief history
Landerneau is essentially a crossroads whose origins date back to Roman times. Frontier between north and south Finistère, juncture between ocean and river, it developed as a trading town during the Middle Ages. Its strategic position allowed the town to grow into a bustling harbor which sustained its commercial importance well into the 19th century. Its prosperity was largely due to the exportation of sailcloth and the importation of Bordeaux wine.
From the private homes of traders and ship-owners to the spectacular inhabited Bridge of Rohan, Landerneau has successfully preserved much of its architectural heritage from the 16th-18th centuries.
Sites
Bridge of Rohan
Built in 1510, the Bridge of Rohan is one of the oldest and last remaining inhabited bridges in Europe. Once home to a prison, a fishery and a chapel, today the bridge houses shops, restaurants and the tourist office.
Open-air museum
Most of Landerneau's architectural heritage can be visited on foot using a self-guided tour pamphlet available from the tourist office. However, for those who would like a more in-depth visit we are arranging a private tour in English for Friday the 6th, at 11:00. Please let us know if you are interested.
Elorn Trail
This is a 6 kilometer (roughly 3 3/4 mile) trail following the Elorn river both upriver and down to the sea.
Activities
Boating
Sailing tours of the military port and Bay of Brest last about 1 1/2 hours and cost about 15€. They depart from Brest, about a 15-minute drive from Landerneau. Lunch and dinner cruises are also available and they last about 3 1/4 hours and cost 45-60€. You can also take a day trip to the spectacular Island of Ouessant (Ushant). Boats depart from Brest or Le Conquet around 8 or 9am and return around 5pm. The trip costs about 30€.
Horseback riding
There are several places to go horseback riding near Landerneau. Please let us know if you are interested.
Golf
For you golf fanatics, the Brest Iroise Golf Resort is just 10 minutes outside of Landerneau. The resort has 2 courses: an 18-hole (par 71) and a 9-hole (par 37).
Shopping
If you've never been to an open-air French market, be sure not to miss the one on Quai de Leon (near the bridge) on Saturday morning. Here you will find everything your stomach desires from pigs ears to beef tongue. OK, maybe not. But you will enjoy the fresh fruits, cider, cheese, croissants, homemade jams, wine, coffee, tea
The main shopping streets in Landerneau are rue de la Fontaine Blanche, Quai de Leon and Pont de Rohan.
Eating
There is no shortage of good food in Landerneau. You will find crepes, traditional French cuisine, LOTS OF seafood, and even Chinese!
Don't get caught hungry! The French are pretty fanatical about meal-times.
Most restaurants serve lunch from 12-3 and dinner from 7-10. Outside of these hours they are closed.
