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Morbihan, Brittany - Holiday Ideas
Morbihan is a department in the southern part of Brittany, based along the coast around Vannes, the capital of the region.
Carnac and the standing stones are undoubtedly the biggest attraction in Morbihan - there are numerous tanding stones and megaliths, dolmen and menhirs, harking back to neolithic times. Morbihan, and Carnac in particular, is the centre of France for these structures, with literally hundreds to explore.
Unfortunately the number of tourists visiting these stones, and threatening them, means that access is now quite restricted, rather diminishing their power to enthrall. But don't worry unduly, after a visit to the region you will have seen enough standing stones and neolithic remnants to last a lifetime.
There are also some attractive and interesting towns to explore - particularly Vannes and Auray - and the renowned Brittany coastline, and some islands just off the coast that you can visit.
Of course there are plenty of beaches as well. I would recommend trying to find the smaller quieter beaches rather than confront Carnac-Plage on a summers day, when it can become rather busy...ask at the tourist office or the place where you are staying for local recommendations.
Some of the highlights of a visit to Morbihan include:
- a visit to Vannes to see the medieval houses
- seeing Carnac and the prehistoric standing stones
- taking a boat trip to Belle-Ile-en-Mer, visit also the islands of Ile d'Arz and the Ile aux Moines
- the town of Auray
- too many beaches? follow the Morbihan Gulf inland a little
Beaches
Along the Morbihan coast there are numerous small sandy beaches to explore. Be aware that some have very strong undercurrents, so you should only swim where you know it to be safe. There are also some larger beaches, for example at Carnac-Plage, which will have all the beach facilities you could hope for, and more, but are a bit over-crowded and over-priced.
Morbihan, France: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Standing stones at Carnac, in Morbihan, Brittany |
Visit Morbihan |
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Map of Morbihan, France |
Places to visit - Morbihan
- Auray Town
- Ile aux Moines Island off Breton coast
- Ile-d'Arz Breton island
- Ile Houat Island
- Vannes Attractive town
- Morbihan Gulf Brittany coastal region
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos
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