Plévenon is a commune in the Côtes‑d’Armor department of the Brittany region in north‑western France. It is situated on the north‑coast of the peninsula of Cap Fréhel, adjacent to the communes of Trégastel and Plouha, and overlooks the English Channel.
Geography
- Coordinates: 48°44′N 2°30′W
- Area: 9.78 km² (approximately)
- Elevation: 0 m (sea level) to 61 m above sea level
- Hydrography: The commune includes the bays of Plévenon and Pélican and features a number of beaches and cliffs that are part of the Côte d’Emeraude.
Administration
- Arrondissement: Saint‑Brieuc
- Canton: Plouha
- INSEE code: 22175
- Postal code: 22610
- Mayor (2020–2026): [Name of mayor as of latest electoral term]
- Intercommunality: Member of the Lannion‑Trégor Communauté (a communauté d’agglomération that groups nearby communes for cooperative planning).
Demographics
According to the most recent census data available (2020), Plévenon had a population of roughly 1,500 inhabitants, giving a population density close to 150 inhabitants per km². The population has fluctuated modestly over recent decades, reflecting broader rural‑coastal trends in the region.
History
The name Plévenon derives from the Breton elements plou (parish) and venon (a personal name), indicating an early medieval foundation as a parish community. The area was historically part of the ancient province of Trégor. In the 19th century, the commune developed modestly around fishing, agriculture, and later tourism, benefiting from its attractive coastal landscape.
Economy and Tourism
- Primary activities: Small‑scale agriculture, fishing, and services related to tourism.
- Tourist attractions:
- The Beaches of Plévenon (Plévenon and Pélican) and the adjacent cliffs, popular for swimming, walking, and coastal scenery.
- Proximity to the Cap Fréhel lighthouse and nature reserve, which are accessible via local footpaths.
- The Chapelle Notre‑Dame de la Couronne and a number of historic stone houses typical of Breton coastal architecture.
Cultural and Environmental Significance
Plévenon lies within the Parc naturel marin d’Ile‑Brittany, a marine protected area established to preserve the biodiversity of the surrounding waters. The commune participates in regional cultural events that celebrate Breton language, music, and maritime heritage.
Transportation
The D786 departmental road connects Plévenon to the nearby towns of Lannion and Saint‑Brieuc. The nearest railway station is in Lannion, providing regional train services. Public bus routes serve the commune, linking it with adjacent coastal villages.
Education
Plévenon hosts a primary school that serves the local population; secondary education facilities are located in larger neighboring towns such as Lannion and Saint‑Brieuc.
References
- Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE) census data.
- Official website of the commune of Plévenon.
- “Le Guide des communes de Bretagne,” published by the Conseil général des Côtes‑d’Armor.
All information reflects data available up to 2023; subsequent changes in administration or demographics may not be captured.
