Description:

Lannion is the second largest town in the Cotes d'Armor and is also the capital of the Tregor region.   The Tregor region is one of the nine provinces of Brittany and comprises the west part of the department of Cotes d'Armor and a small part of the north-east of Finistere, as far as the river Morlaix.

Lannion is a popular bustling town due to the combination of a long rich history alongside a prosperous modern economy.  The town offers an ancient heart with cobbled streets and medieval houses as well as a large commercial centre which greatly benefited from the development of the national Telecommunications Centre in 1960.  

Lannion is a Sub Prefecture (sous prefet) of Saint Brieuc.

Lannion is listed as a 'Ville Fleurie category 4' - essentially reserved for towns that demonstrate a good attention to gardens and flowers.

Lannion is a large port town in the department Cotes d'Armor in central Brittany and is known as the gateway to the Pink Granite Coast. 

The town is situated on a hill on the estuary of the River Leguer - on one bank you can find the 17th century Monastery of St Ann and on the other bank lies the centre of the town.  Lannion covers an area of 43.91 km² and has a 'seaside' atmosphere despite being several kilometres from the coast.

The main Lannion market day is Thursday with an all day market at the 'Quai d'Aiguillon' and a morning only market at the 'Place du General Leclerc'.  In both markets crafts, fruit and vegetables, fabrics, rugs, textiles, household linen and kitchen utensils are available. 

There is also a fish market in the 'Place du Miroir' every day apart from Sunday and Monday.  Get there early to buy the catch of the day!  For all other groceries there are nine supermarches in the Lannion area.

The modern part of town has lots of  shops from well known chains to unique boutiques.

The town contains all the facilities and services you would expect from a large town.  There are numerous schools, doctors, dentists, a hospital, a train station, shops and other services.

The old swimming pool complex has recently been closed and replaced with a fun pool complex 'Ti Dour' which has waterslides, sports and leisure areas.  Other entertainment includes a cinema complex, bowling alley and a theatre/exhibition centre.

Lannion has a lively cafe and bar scene especially in the medieval sector.  There are also numerous restaurants and bistros specialising in locally caught fresh fish.

Lannion has a beautiful medieval sector in which you can explore pretty squares, ancient chapels with traditional frescoes and half-timbered houses.  To make sure you don’t miss anything visit the Tourist Office and pick up a map and guide for one of the carefully planned walks around the town.

The spectacular views from its terrace are worth climbing the 143 granite steps of the 12th century Templar Eglise de Brelevenez.  In the 15th century a granite bell tower was added.  As a Templar monument the church may be of special interest to fans of the bestselling book 'The Da Vinci Code'.

Worth a visit:

• Take a family walk along the River Leguer towpath
• Visit the Manoir du Cruguil, a Breton Manor with a chapel and a park
• See the area from the air with an excursions in a small plane

• Learn the secrets of making Breton whiskey with a guided tour of the Warenghem distillery

• Relax in the Park Monastery of St. Anne which has a picnic area and children's playground

Canoeing is an extremely popular sport in Lannion with a stretch of 'whitewater' in the town centre which is a training site for national canoeing teams.  For a more leisurely paddle you can hire canoes and explore the banks of the River Leguer.

The River Leguer is known as one of the best salmon rivers in Brittany so Lannion is a popular fishing location.  The salmon season is between March to July and September to October.  Trout can also be fished between March and October.  Please note that if you plan to fish in Lannion a licence is only required if you fish upstream from the bridge of St Anne.

Lannion is home to over 50 sporting and leisure associations and so there is something to suit everyone no matter what their ability.  Within the Lannion you can also find several Golf and Horseriding centres.