Locronan is a commune in the Finistère department of Brittany in north-western France. The village's name means the
"hermitage of Ronan", after the eponymous founder Saint Ronan. It has previously been known as Saint-René-du-Bois.
Saint Ronan is greatly venerated in Brittany. He was a Celtic missionary of the 6th century. His association with Locronan
is close, and a portion of his relics are kept in the parish church. Locronan is built at the foot of a hill, and was granted
town status in 1505 by Anne of Brittany, who went there on a pilgrimage. Since the 15th century, hemp has been blossoming
in Locronan's surroundings. This led to a hemp industry in the town at the time, making the town quite prosperous. Locronan's
hemp used to be shipped around the world, and was also vital for rigging the shipping, both commercial and military,that operated
from Brittany's many ports. It was at this time that the Saint Ronan church was built as well as the small chapel of Penity.
