Must-sees in Vannes
Vannes is a charming medieval city in the heart of Morbihan Gulfwith a port.
With its narrow streets and old half-timbered houses, this town of art and history is an exceptional place for heritage lovers.
If you are making a stay in Vannes in the Morbihan GulfHere's a list of places to discover or visit. visit Vannes and the surrounding area.
Our selection of must-see places in Vannes
La St Peter's Cathedral Listed as a historic monument since 1906, this Gothic-style cathedral was built on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral.
Le Château de l'Hermine Vannes: former residence of the Dukes of Brittany, it was a small fortified castle built into the ramparts of the town of Vannes.
The Town Hall: Built in 1886, it bears a striking resemblance to Paris's town hall.
La Cohue: The Vannes Museum of Fine Arts is firmly rooted in contemporary artistic expression. It offers temporary exhibitions and a permanent space. The first floor is devoted to works by Geneviève Asse.
Les lavoirs de la Garenne: Situated below the ramparts, they were built between 1817 and 1821. They follow a bend in the Marle, which provides the water supply.
The ramparts of Vannes The ramparts of Vannes date back to the middle of the 3rd century and are the keystone of the town's heritage. The ramparts of Vannes are one of the few remaining urban fortifications in Brittany.
Tour du Connétable (Constable's Tower): Built at the end of the 14th century, it contains artillery casemates in the lower room, but was originally intended to house the Duke of Brittany's chief of armies.
Vannes and his wife Vannes: This polychrome stone sign depicts the busts of a couple and probably dates from the 16th century. Built into the facade of a half-timbered house within the walls of Vannes, it is a famous emblem of the town.
And the port of Vannes The harbour: Sheltered from swell and bad weather, this is a first-class shelter for boats and is ideally located right in the heart of the town, just a stone's throw from the inner city.
The Vannes area
The Gulf of Morbihan
With its many islands and islets and a microclimate that warms the sea, the Morbihan Gulf is one of Brittany's most beautiful landscapes to discover all year round.
It's a unique place with more than 300 islands and islets, around thirty of which are inhabited, such as Ile d'Arz, Ile aux Moines, Gavrinis, Berder... Their unusual landscapes vary according to the weather and the tide.
Since 2012, the Morbihan Gulf is one of the "most beautiful bays in the world".
This is an exceptional site for sailing enthusiasts and walkers thanks to the many coastal paths.
Here you can watch the Sinagots, the famous sailboats with their ochre-red sails.
Our tip for unforgettable memories of the Gulf: a helicopter or hot-air balloon flight!
Carnac, la Trinité-sur-mer and Quiberon
A land of legends, Carnac is known the world over for its famous alignments of menhirs 7,000 years old. Carnac is also a charming seaside resort that has developed tourism that respects its rich natural environment. Visit Quiberon peninsula and its wild coast are ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
The large yachting harbour of La Trinité-sur-Mer attracts skippers from all over the world and hosts numerous events, as well as offering superb coastal paths lined with creeks.
Surf enthusiasts will be enchanted by Plouharnel and Erdeven, areas that open out onto the ocean. Long sandy beaches lined with dunes await you.
Just a stone's throw away, the Ria d'Etela small inland sea and the charm of Saint Cado.
Locmariaquer will also delight history buffs with its megalithic site.
Belle-Île-en-Mer, Houat and Hoëdic
Belle-Ile-en-Mer owes its reputation to its exceptional landscapes, rugged cliffs, grandiose panoramas, unspoilt moors and dunes.
With a length of 20 km, a width of 9 km and a peak of 71 metres, it is the largest of the Ponant islands. There are a number of must-see sites on the island: the Vauban citadel, the Aiguilles de Port Coton, the Pointe des Poulains, the port of Sauzon and the Grand Phare de Goulphar.
You can visit Belle-Ile all year round. Several companies offer crossings, either from Quiberon (all year round) or from Vannes, Port Navalo and Locmariaquer (in season). Allow at least 45 minutes for the crossing.
L'Houat islandThe 4km-long harbour of Saint-Gildas, a small fishing port with colourful boats and piled-up traps, is a delight to explore.
For the more courageous, it takes 4 hours to walk around the island, but you can also discover the island by bike.
Take the coastal path along breathtaking scenery, then enjoy the fine sand and turquoise waters.
You can also visit the Eclosarium museum, which traces the history of Houat and invites you to discover the marine world that surrounds us.
L'Hoedic islandwhich is smaller than its sister, can only be discovered on foot. About an hour from the mainland, you can take a day out in Hoedic.
The coastal path, which circles this secret, unspoilt island, is 8 km long and takes 2 hours to complete. This allows you to make several stops to take in the scenery, enjoy a local restaurant or take a break on the beach.
In the centre of the island, the Fort d'Hoëdic provides information on the island's flora, fauna and historical heritage.
The Rhuys peninsula
Visit theTascon island then the salt marshes of Lasné. Then head for the pointe de Penvins.
Young and old alike will love the Celt'aventure park which offers tree climbing and laser quest courses.
Continue to Sarzeau, the great Landrezac beach is by far the most popular, but don't forget to explore the many surrounding coastlines, including Beg Lann, Kerfontaine and Roaliguen.
You will surely pass by the beach of Suscinio near which is the splendid Suscinio Castle dating from the Middle Ages.
Le port of Crouesty known for its many shops and restaurants, offers free concerts and shows in summer.
Stroll along the Port-Navalo beachesYou'll be able to discover some magical spots at the tip of the town that will give you a whole new perspective on the Gulf.
And inland...
The hinterland stretches as far as the Landes de Lanvaux, criss-crossed by numerous waterways. In the heart of the Argoat region, walks in the hiking trails will take you to megaliths, manor houses, castles, chapels, fountains and calvaries, a reminder that history is embedded in every nook and cranny.
A small town full of character, Rochefort-en-TerreIt is one of the most beautiful villages in France and was voted France's favourite village by the France2 TV programme.
The historic town of Auray and its picturesque port of Saint-Goustan the cobbled streets are an invitation to stroll.
The flower village of La Gacilly is home to a wide range of arts and crafts and an open-air photography festival.
Listed as a historic monument since 1928, the Josselin castle is also a must-see monument in Morbihan.
Le Branféré zoological and botanical park is an exceptional site covering more than 40 hectares and home to almost 1,000 animals from all five continents.
Le Nantes to Brest canal links the two cities, as its name suggests. It is 364 km long and runs along 7 rivers.
Welcome to Southern Brittany,
we hope you enjoy your stay and make some unforgettable discoveries!
