Vannes is a charming medieval city in the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan, with a port.
Narrow streets, old half-timbered houses, this city of art and history is an exceptional place for heritage lovers.
If you are staying in Vannes in the Gulf of Morbihan, here is a list of places to discover or visit in and around Vannes.
The Cathedral of St. Peter: classified as a historical monument since 1906, this Gothic style cathedral is built on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral.
The Château de l'Hermine : former residence of the Dukes of Brittany, it was a small fortified castle integrated into the ramparts of the city of Vannes.
The City Hall : Built in 1886, it looks strangely like the city hall of Paris.
La Cohue : Vannes Fine Arts Museum, it asserts an identity strongly anchored in contemporary artistic expression. It offers temporary exhibitions and a permanent space. Its second floor is dedicated to the presentation of Geneviève Asse's works.
The Garenne washhouses: Located below the ramparts, they were built between 1817 and 1821. They follow a curve of the Marle river, which ensures its water supply.
The ramparts of Vannes : They date from the middle of the 3rd century and are the keystone of the heritage of Vannes. The ramparts of Vannes are part of the rare urban fortifications that still exist in Brittany.
Tour du Connétable : It was built at the end of the XIVth century, there are artillery casemates in the lower room but the initial destination of the Connétable's tower was to house the head of the Duke of Brittany's armies.
Vannes and his wife : This is a polychrome stone sign representing the busts of a couple and probably dates from the 16th century. Integrated into the facade of a half-timbered house (within the city limits of Vannes), it is a famous emblem of the city.
And the port of Vannes: Sheltered from the swell and the bad weather, this port represents a shelter of first choice for the boats and is ideally located in the heart of the city just a step from the intramuros.
With its many islands and islets and its microclimate that warms the sea, the Gulf of Morbihan is one of the most beautiful landscapes of Brittany to discover all year round.
It is a unique place with more than 300 islands and islets, of which about thirty are inhabited, such as: Arz Island, Ile aux Moines, Gavrinis, Berder ... Their unusual landscapes vary according to the weather and the tide.
Since 2012, the Gulf of Morbihan is part of the "most beautiful bays in the world".
This site is exceptional for sailing enthusiasts and for hikers thanks to the many coastal paths.
You can admire the sailing of the Sinagots, these famous sailboats with red ochre sails.
Our advice for an unforgettable souvenir of the Gulf: a helicopter or hot air balloon flight!
The pink house in Séné and an aerial view of the Gulf of Morbihan
A land of legends, Carnac is known throughout the world for its famous 7000 year old menhir alignments. Carnac is also a charming seaside resort which has developed a tourism respectful of its rich natural environment. The Quiberon Peninsula and its wild coast are privileged areas for nature lovers and hikers.
The large marina of La Trinité-sur-Mer attracts skippers from all over the world and hosts many events but also offers superb coastal paths lined with creeks.
The amateurs of gliding will be seduced by Plouharnel and Erdeven, territories opened on the Ocean. Long sandy beaches lined with dunes await you.
Close by, the Ria d'Etel, a small inland sea and the charm of Saint Cado.
Locmariaquer, will also delight history lovers with its megalithic site.
The arch of Port-Blanc on the wild coast of Quiberon and sunset on the port of La Trinité-sur-Mer
Belle-Ile-en-Mer owes its reputation to its exceptional landscapes, torn cliffs, grandiose panoramas, moors and preserved dunes.
20 km long and 9 km wide, with a peak of 71 meters, it is the largest of the Ponant islands. Many sites are not to be missed on the island: the Vauban citadel, the Aiguilles de Port Coton, the Pointe des Poulains, the port of Sauzon and also the Grand Phare de Goulphar.
Visiting Belle-Ile is possible all year round. Several companies provide the crossing, either from Quiberon (year round) or from Vannes, Port Navalo, Locmariaquer (in season). Count on at least 45 minutes of crossing.
The island of Houat, 4 km long, will seduce you as soon as you arrive at the port of Saint-Gildas, a small fishing port with its colorful boats and its piled up traps.
For the most courageous, it takes 4 hours to walk around the island, but you can also discover the island by bike.
Take the coastal path and ride along breathtaking landscapes, then enjoy the fine sand and turquoise waters.
Visit also the Eclosarium museum which retraces the history of Houat and invites you to discover the marine world that surrounds us.
The island of Hoedic, smaller than its sister, can only be discovered on foot. About an hour away from the mainland, you can disconnect for a day in Hoedic.
The coastal path, which goes around this secret and preserved island, is 8 km long and takes 2 hours to complete. This allows you to make several stops to enjoy the scenery, eat local food or take a break on the beach.
Also, in the center of the island, the fort of Hoëdic informs you about the flora, the fauna and the historical heritage.
Visit the island of Tascon then the salt marshes of Lasné. Then go through the point of Penvins.
Young and old will appreciate the Celt'aventure park which offers tree climbing and laser quest courses.
Continue by Sarzeau, the large beach of Landrezac is by far the most frequented, but don't forget to discover the numerous surrounding coasts such as Beg Lann, Kerfontaine and Roaliguen.
You will surely pass by the beach of Suscinio near which is the splendid castle of Suscinio dating from the Middle Ages.
The port of Crouesty known for its many shops and restaurants, offers, in summer, free concerts and shows.
Take a walk on the beaches of Port-Navalo, at the tip of the city to discover magical places that will allow you to admire the Gulf from another angle.
Aerial view on Port-Navalo
The hinterland extends to the Landes de Lanvaux, crossed by many rivers. In the heart of Argoat, the walks in the hiking trails will lead you to megaliths, manors, castles, chapels, fountains and calvaries, which remind that history is embedded in its smallest corners.
The small city of character, Rochefort-en-Terre, is one of the most beautiful villages of France and was elected the favorite village of the French by the France2 program.
Auray, a historical city, and its picturesque port of Saint-Goustan with its cobbled streets, invite you to stroll around.
The flowered village of La Gacilly welcomes many art craftsmen and offers an open air photo festival.
Classified as a historical monument since 1928, the castle of Josselin is also a monument not to be missed in Morbihan.
The zoological and botanical park of Branféré is an exceptional place of more than 40 hectares and shelters nearly 1000 animals of the five continents.
The canal from Nantes to Brest links the two cities as its name indicates. It is 364 km long and follows 7 rivers for a river walk.
The river Aff in La Gacilly
Welcome to South Brittany,
we wish you a pleasant stay and unforgettable discoveries!