La Roche-Derrien, commune in Côtes-d'Armor, France
La Roche-Derrien is a small town on a rocky hill overlooking the Jaudy River in Brittany. The old town shows narrow streets, stone buildings with timber frames from the 15th to 17th centuries, a church from the 13th century, and one of the oldest ports on the coast that once traded salt, wine, and slate.
The town was founded in the 11th century by Derrien, son of a nobleman, and became wealthy through linen dyeing and slate quarrying. This prosperity lasted until about fifty years ago and shaped the town's buildings and way of life.
The town was a center for linen dyeing and still takes pride in this craft today. You can see how linen is made in local shops and meet artisans who keep this old tradition alive.
You can reach the area easily by bus or car and find parking nearby. Guided tours are offered on Wednesdays during summer months, and there are also self-guided walks to explore the town at your own pace.
The town earned the nickname 'Capital Stoup', meaning it was the main center for linen weaving. The old routoirs, where fiber was processed, still dot the landscape and remind visitors of this specialized past.
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