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Vannes, Brittany
Vannes is found on the southern coast of Brittany, and is a sizeable town - and also the capital of Morbihan.
In Vannes there are some very attractive streets of colombage (half-timbered) houses, making it one of the prettiest towns in Brittany. Constructed largely in the 16th century, it is the region around the cathedral that is most fascinating, and a pleasure to explore.
There is a maze of small streets enclosed by ramparts with lots of fascinating buildings to admire and lots of posh shops to spend your money in.
Some of the highlights to enjoy include:
- the open square of Place Henri IV has some lovely half-timbered medieval buildings dating from the 15th century, as does the Place des Lices. Keep heading east towards the sea for the Place Gambetta, and more recent building and grand townhouses.
- the extensive fortifications around the southern edge of Vannes have well maintained gardens and numerous features such as towers to explore. Be sure to see the attractive washhouses just outside the fortifications
- the gardens continue to the front of the impressive 18th century Chateau de l'hermine
When the crowds in Vannes become a bit too much, set off for the port. Although most of the islands off the Gulf of Morbihan are now privately owned, you can take a boat trip around the islands, or visit the Ile-aux-Moines or the Ile d'Arz. As your boat carries you around the little islands you see all kids of neolithic ruins and standing stones, many in the process of becoming submerged by the rising seas. Fascinating.
Another island well worth taking a boat trip to is Gavrinis, famous not surprisingly in these parts for its neolithic monument - in this case a chamber, where you can still see decorative carvings on many of the rocks.
The Rhuys Peninsula just south of Vannes is interesting because it is warm enough from gulf stream currents to grow figs and pomegranates, vineyards and bougainvillea (the last is incredible - these don't survive in south-west France). While you are on the pensula, you should also take the time to visit the Chateau de Suscinio, a fine 14th century chateau with a moat.
Vannes, France: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Visit Vannes |
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Map of Vannes, France |
Travel, hotels and holiday gites, Vannes
See the Visit Vannes section above for gites and hotels local to the area. For more general French travel options, see the Gites in France listings, or French holidays for other holidays, and Travel to France for ferries, Vannes car-hire, eurotunnel, cheap flights etc.
Places to visit - Vannes
- Auray Town
- Ile aux Moines Island, Morbihan
- Ile d'Arz Island, Morbihan
- Ile Houat Island
- Morbihan Place
- Vannes Attractive town
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos of Vannes, France
This Vannes tourism guide, has information and holidays and photos when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
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