Global Treasures: Locronan

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1156

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The massive tower of Saint Ronan Church rises above the village of Locronan and its 800 inhabitants in the French region of Brittany. In the 15th century, the sleepy village developed into a prosperous sail-making centre until the arrival of successful competition and lower prices.

The village owes its popularity to the old architecture and dark grey granite buildings that lie at the historic heart of Locronan. The sudden loss of prosperity meant that there was insufficient money either to maintain the buildings or to construct new ones. Thus a walk through the picturesque village is like a fascinating journey back to the time of the French Renaissance.

Famous film directors, such as Roman Polanski, have used the village's unique scenery as a backdrop to their movies. With all the evocative ambience of this wonderful place far away from the noise of motor vehicles, it's like being in another world.