Vannes
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 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 peninsula, you should also take the time to visit the Chateau de Suscinio, a fine 14th century moated chateau.
Visit Vannes (Brittany, Morbihan) travel, gites and hotels
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The Vannes hotels listed feature descriptions, guest reviews, ratings, location maps, online booking etc. as well as the 'best-price' guarantee. The search for hotels in Vannes is provided by booking.com. General holiday / vacation options- See Brittany gites for Vannes holiday rentals - Holiday villages in Brittany Holidays nearbyLooking for something close by? See a wide choice of hotels, holiday villages and holiday rentals at: VisitSee Visit Vannes for places to visit near Vannes including: a detailed map, villages in bloom and most beautiful villages DiscussAsk questions or leave a comment about Vannes in our Brittany forum Airports near VannesDinard airport at 127 km Nantes airport at 138 km Rennes airport at 122 km Vannes property for saleSee Brittany property for sale
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Tourist Classifications for Vannes
- Listed as "Ville d'Art et Histoire" (ie focus on preserving the town heritage)
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Places to visit near Vannes, France
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Vannes.
Some places to visit within 30 km: 
25 km: Auray (Town) 11 km: Ile aux Moines (Island off Breton coast) 8 km: Ile-d'Arz (Breton island) 22 km: Locmariaquer (harbour town) 0 km: Morbihan Gulf (coastal region)
See also Vannes (version Francais)
