Léhon, a strategic location on the banks of the river Rance
Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Rance River, the charming town of Léhon is listed among the “Petites Cités de Caractère” (Small Towns of Character).
It developed in the 9th century around the Benedictine Abbey of Saint- Magloire, and at the foot of the imposing fortress erected by the Lords of Dinan in 1034.
The Castle of Léhon indeed protected the abbey and controlled the ford where the ancient Roman road crossed the river.
Léhon was thus situated along a strategic trade route that connected Corseul, the capital of the Gallic Coriosolites tribe, to Rennes, the bustling capital of the Redones.
Legacy of Saint Magloire, the abbey and village of Léhon
The history of the abbey and the village began in 850, when Benedictine monks, custodians of the relics of Saint Magloire, an influential Breton evangelist, founded their monastery near a ford in a bend of the Rance River, along the Roman road.
Legend has it that, while they were exploring the surrounding area, the trees and bushes near the ford unexpectedly burst into bloom, a phenomenon known today as Été de la Saint-Martin – Saint Martin’s summer, which they considered a very auspicious sign.
This event, which took place at the beginning of November, coincided with the feast of Saint Martin, the patron saint of France, on November 11.
Placed under the patronage of King Nominoë and the lords of Dinan, the abbey prospered and became one of the most prestigious religious institutions in Brittany.
Léhon, an prosperous market town
From its earliest days, Léhon enjoyed a period of prosperity, largely due to the presence of the relics of Saint Magloire, which attracted pilgrims from all over the Kingdom of France during the Middle Ages.
The abbey, guardian of these venerated relics, indeed became a centre of spiritual devotion and economic activity indeed, transforming Léhon into a bustling market town.
Under the monks’ guidance, Léhon prospered thanks to a flourishing craft industry, which saw many skilled artisans establish themselves along the trade route and on the banks of the Rance River.
The Rance was indeed an important transport waterway, as it offered direct access to the sea, thus facilitating the transport of goods to bustling ports of Dinard and Saint-Malo.
At the end of the 15th century, eager to solidify their commercial expansion and improve accessibility and transportation, the monks built a bridge, the present-day Vieux Pont (Old Bridge), to replace the ford.
Amazingly, Léhon’s prosperity endured despite the ravages of the French Revolution.
However, the construction of the viaduct of Lanvallay-Dinan in 1852 diverted road traffic away from the town, marking the beginning of its gradual decline.
However, the charming town retains many vestiges of its prosperous past such as elegant houses with ornate facades, moulded cornices, sculpted lintels, and picturesque porches.
Léhon, a Petite Cité de Caractère
Recognised for its rich architectural heritage and commitment to preservation, Léhon was awarded the prestigious Petite Cité de Caractère – Small Town of Character” label in 2003.
This label honours towns that not only preserve their historical heritage but also actively promote it through high-quality tourism initiatives.
Léhon has thus created a pedestrian trail that leads you to discover its fabulous architectural heritage through its charming cobbled streets that wind through the village, and also takes you along the historic towpath.
Ideally located near Dinan, Lehon is easily accessible from the port of Lanvallay-Dinan.
Department of Côtes d’Armor
Coordinates: Lat 48.441372 – Long -2.040544
