The small commune of Locmariaquer takes place in Brittany, in the heart of the Morbihan department. It is located at the mouth of the Gulf of Morbihan, not far from Auray, in the arrondissement of Lorient. It also has access to the Gulf of Quiberon and has an important coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.
Populated since Gallo-Roman times, the city of Locmariaquer had an important rise in the late nineteenth century through oyster farming. Even today, the exploitation of oysters is one of the main sources of income of this city that smells traditional Brittany.
From now on, tourism has also been added to these breeding activities, notably for the beautiful beaches that surround Locmariaquer, as well as the historical and architectural heritage of the municipality. The tranquility of the place and the quality of the setting make it a popular tourist site in the region.
In Romanesque style, the Church of Our Lady of Kerdro was built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Classified as a Historic Monument, it was rebuilt between the 17th and 18th centuries, and its bell tower was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Inside, it is possible to admire contemporary stained-glass windows, dating from 1960, and representing for some the great activities of the municipality such as fishing, fish, oyster culture, or dolmens and menhirs. The giant clam has been classified as a Historic Monument, as are the paintings and altarpieces, while the transept and apse have been inscribed. The city hosts other chapels on its territory, such as those of Moustoir, Saint-Pierre or Saint-Michel.
Installed in 1946 by Jules-Charles Le Bozec to replace that of 1883 destroyed by the Germans during the Second World War, the statue of Our Lady of Kerdro stands proudly on the point of Kerpenhir. In granite and high of 2.70 meters, it represents a Virgin and Child, evoking the legend of the Virgin having saved the life of all the crew of a ship by beckoning to him to avoid a storm.
On the territory of Locmariaquer, there are several dolmens and other menhirs testifying to a very ancient human occupation. In particular, you can admire Er Grah's large broken menhir. With its 20 meters, it is the largest in the world and today is broken into four pieces. Do not miss the flat stones, a 25-meter dolmen engraved partly, the cairn of the Table des Marchands, or the tumulus of Mané-Lud.
Formerly a coastal fishing port, the port of Locmariaquer was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It faces the seaside resort of Port-Navalo and now serves as a marina. Between April and September, cruises are proposed to discover the charms of the Gulf of Morbihan.
Locmariaquer also offers several beaches for bathing or practicing various nautical activities, such as Grande Plage, Rolay beach or Saint-Pierre beach. Various hiking trails are also accessible, with coastal paths or paths leading into the countryside.
The market is held every Tuesday and Saturday morning.
In August, the oyster festival celebrates this popular shellfish in the area.
Also from June to September, the Mor Braz pictures festival offers exhibitions and outdoor large format.
Fête Historique et Maritime "À la Rencontre des Vénètes"
- From 3 to 4 may 2024
- Following a successful first edition, Kaer e mem Bro, the Institut Culturel de Bretagne and the town of Locmariaquer have decided that the second edition of "A la rencontre des Vénètes" will take place on 30 April and 1 May 2024. Make a note of it in your diaries. - + More information to come.
Randonnée Gourmande au Profit de "Laos Education Scolarité Avenir"
- On 8 june 2024
- Terrain des sports
- 5pm : Come one, come all to the 1st Rando Gourmande organised in Locmariaquer in aid of Laos Education Scolarité Avenir. - A total of 3 stages : - Stage 1 : Terrain des Sports / Camping Municipal Huitres & Muscadet - 3.2 km - Stage 2 : Campsite / La Ruche Galettes saucisses & Cidre - 2 km - Stage 3 : La Ruche / Terrain des Sports Gateaux, Far & Café - 1.3 km - Last departure at 7pm. - Price : €14 per adult and €7 for children under 12. - Registration form on the Town Hall website in the "Accueil" section, or by telephone.
Concert de Guy Angelloz "Flûtes Virtuoses"
- On 11 july 2024
- 2 place du Général de Gaulle, Eglise Notre-Dame de Kerdro
- 9pm, duration : 1 hour. Concert for virtuoso flautists and their accompaniments by Guy Angelloz - On the programme : Debussy, Bach, Fauré, Vivaldi, Haendel, Bizet and many more. From an early age, Guy Angelloz was a member of the Notre Dame de Paris choir school, where he studied singing, piano and flute. At the age of 20, he entered the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris in Jean-Pierre Rampal's class. He was unanimously awarded first prize in harmony, chamber music and flute. - A laureate of the Yehudi Menuhin Foundation and the Georges Cziffra Foundation, he became flutist with the symphony orchestra of the Garde Républicaine. Guy Angelloz is a regular guest in numerous solo concerts in Europe, the United States and Japan. - Admission is free.