Things To Do
in Lannion

Lannion sits along the Léguer river in Brittany, blending medieval charm with a modern tech edge. Its cobbled lanes, half-timbered houses, and lively markets showcase Breton character at every turn. The town makes a perfect base for exploring the Pink Granite Coast and the coastal towns nearby.

In town, you’ll find welcoming cafés, seafood, and a relaxed pace that invites longer stays.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Lannion's historic center, where you can admire the stunning medieval architecture and vibrant facades. Don't forget to stop by the Church of Brelevenez, a remarkable piece of heritage that offers panoramic views of the town. Enjoy a warm croissant and coffee at a local café as you soak in the early morning ambiance.

afternoon
:

After a delightful lunch at a traditional Breton crêperie, explore the fascinating local shops and boutiques that line the streets. Visit the Maison des Trépassés, a historical building that tells the story of Lannion's past and its significance as a trading port. Take a moment to relax in the nearby Place du Maréchal Leclerc, where you can people-watch and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, make your way to a cozy bistro for dinner, savoring regional specialties such as seafood and galettes. Enjoy a glass of cider as you indulge in the flavors of Brittany while listening to local musicians play traditional tunes. Complete your evening with a leisurely walk along the Rive Droite of the Léguer River, where the twinkling lights reflect off the water.

day 2
Coastal Beauty at Perros-Guirec
morning
:

Take a short drive to the coastal town of Perros-Guirec, known for its breathtaking pink granite cliffs. Begin your day with a refreshing walk along the Sentier des Douaniers, a coastal path that offers stunning views of the sea and unique rock formations. Stop at a beachside café for a seaside breakfast, enjoying fresh pastries with the sound of waves crashing in the background.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Perros-Guirec, where you can swim, sunbathe, or try your hand at kayaking. Explore the charming harbor and visit the local shops selling artisan crafts and souvenirs. Consider taking a boat trip to the nearby Île de Bréhat for a different perspective of the scenic coastline.

evening
:

As evening approaches, enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor, where the catch of the day is served fresh from the sea. Relish in the flavors of Brittany, perhaps trying a dish of mussels or grilled fish. Cap off your night with a walk along the beach, where the stars illuminate the clear night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥐Coffee and pastry$3-6
🍷Dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
🚆Public transport day pass$6-12
🎟️Museum or site admission$8-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming Breton town with riverfront ambience and easy access to coast
  • Strong local markets, seafood, and creperies with authentic Breton flavor
  • Limited nightlife compared with larger cities
  • Weather can be rainy and windy, especially outside summer
  • "Bonjour" - Hello (French)
  • "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Où est… ?" - Where is…?
  • "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Merci" - Thank you
  • "Demat" - Hello (Breton)

Places to Visit in Lannion

Visit one of these nice places.

Léguer riverfront viewpoint

Quaint riverside scenes with bridges, boats, and reflected light—great from the walkways along the water.

Place des Halles and the old town square

Colorful half-timbered façades, bustling market activity, and atmospheric street scenes.

Coastal views near Ploumanac'h (Pink Granite Coast)

Iconic pink granite rock formations and dramatic sea panoramas—best at sunrise or sunset.

Beaches and cliffside trails along the coast

Long stretches of sand and rugged cliffs offering wide-angle seascapes and intimate detail shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lannion

Breton cuisine centers on seafood, dairy products, crepes, and hearty dishes. Expect abundant seafood, salty butter pastries, and comforting galettes, often enjoyed with regional cider.

Lannion Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Galette complète

Savory buckwheat crepe with ham, cheese, and egg; widely available at crêperies throughout Lannion.

Must-Try!

Cotriade

Traditional Breton fish stew featuring cod, potatoes, onions, and garlic; best found in seafood-focused restaurants near the coast.

Kouign-amann

Layered, caramelized Breton butter cake; a must-try at local bakeries and patisseries.

Crêpes with salted butter caramel

Sweet crepes finished with salted caramel; common in crêperies and cafés across town.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Marché de Lannion

Weekly market in the town center offering fresh seafood, cheeses, vegetables, breads, crepes, and Breton pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region experiences an oceanic climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rain can come at any time, with wetter periods in autumn and winter and relatively drier spells in late spring and early summer. Winds from the Atlantic shape daily weather, especially along the coast.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Offer a polite 'Bonjour' (or 'Bonsoir' in the evening) when entering shops or restaurants; use 'vous' for strangers as a sign of respect.

Language

French is the default; Breton is spoken by some locals in rural areas and cultural events. Learning a few French phrases is appreciated.

Tipping and spending manners

Small tips are customary if good service is provided; avoid loud behavior in sacred or quiet places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Lannion is generally safe for travelers. Exercise standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded markets and on public transport. Be mindful of weather-related hazards near the coast, and drive with care in gusty conditions.

Tipping in Lannion

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In France, service charges are often included in the bill; leaving a small amount (around 5-10%) for good service is customary but not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are plentiful in town centers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours and milder temperatures with Atlantic breezes; higher crowds around markets and coastal towns; evenings are pleasant for outdoor dining and strolls.

Autumn

Temperatures cool but comfortable; sea air can be bracing and the light is often dramatic for photography; fewer tourists and great for coastal hikes.

Winter

Cool, damp, and windy with more frequent rain; some seaside attractions or outdoor markets operate on a limited schedule; cozy cafés and restaurants make great refuges.

Nightlife Guide

Lannion at Night

Lannion has a relaxed, local nightlife scene centered on cozy bars and pubs in the town center. Expect live music, open-air concerts during the summer, and seaside venues in nearby villages. For a livelier night, head to coastal towns such as Perros-Guirec or Tréguier, where seasonal festivals and seafood-focused evenings are common.

Hiking in Lannion

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sentier des Douaniers between Ploumanac'h and Trégastel

Coastal hike along pink granite rocks with sweeping sea views and photo opportunities.

Léguer valley trails near Lannion

Gentle to moderate woodland and riverside paths suitable for a relaxed day of walking.

Coastal routes along the Côte de Granit Rose (near Perros-Guirec)

Iconic coastal hikes with dramatic rock formations and sea vistas just a short drive away.

Airports

How to reach Lannion by plane.

Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)

Largest nearby gateway in western Brittany with connections to several French and European cities.

Rennes–Saint-Jacques Airport (RNS)

Regional airport with domestic and some seasonal international flights; about two hours by road from Lannion.

Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo Airport (DNR)

Coastal airport serving Brittany; convenient for quick trips to the Emerald Coast.

Getting Around

Walkability

Lannion has a compact, walkable center with pleasant riverside walks, but some streets are steep and distances to coastal spots may require short drives or local transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Families with children make up a large portion of the town’s residents, supported by schools and community events.

Students and professionals

A growing tech and academic presence (engineer and IT programs) brings students and young professionals to the area.

Retirees

Quieter neighborhoods and scenic surroundings attract retirees seeking a high quality of life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing and water sports

The Atlantic coast and coastal towns foster a strong sailing and kayaking scene.

Football (soccer) and rugby

lokale clubs and youth leagues are common in town and surrounding communities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light to moderate, with seasonal increases in summer. Public transport includes regional TER services and local buses; roads along the coast can be busier during holidays and market days.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lannion.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most spots offer vegetable galettes or cheese and mushroom options; many restaurants can adjust dishes to be vegetarian-friendly. Look for galettes without meat or opt for vegetable casseroles and salads; cider can complement meals nicely.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics and pharmacies in town; a regional hospital network provides broader services in larger cities such as Rennes or Brest if needed.

Discover France

Read more in our France 2025 Travel Guide.

France Travel Guide