Vannes is found on the southern coast of Brittany, and is a sizeable town - and also the capital of Morbihan. Vannes is also one of the unmissable highlights of a visit to Morbihan. There is a great deal to discover in this fascinating and attractive historical town, so allow plenty of time to explore properly.
Explore Vannes
Start your visit perhaps at the port, in the south of Vannes. Newly renovated this is an extensive harbour full of boats with a long walkway that follows along the sides of the harbour. This walkway continues on into planted avenues of trees, and if you are feeling energetic it continues for several kilometres until it reaches the popular port and peninsula at Conleau (also recommended).
The Vannes Tourist Office is also situated along this harbourside walkway.
You can enter the old town through the medieval gate at the northern end of the harbour to discover some very attractive streets to explore, with numerous colombage (half-timbered) houses, making it one of the prettiest towns in Brittany.
Constructed largely in the 16th century, the old town is a pleasure to explore with something new to admire around every corner. (We could question the historical authenticity of the brightly painted 15th century houses but they are so pretty we won't let ourselves be distracted by historical inaccuracies...)
Several of the houses also feature old wooden carvings and other features - the best known of these is a carving of a man and woman known as 'Vannes and his wife'. This 16th century house has been greatly modified over the centuries - principally with the addition of large windows and a shop front - but is still very charming.
You can also see houses with slates hung from the front of the building, another traditional Breton architectural trend. The ground floors of the houses contain an extensive selection of shops, boutiques and cafes so it is never difficult to find somewhere for a pause!
Leave the old town for a while by the north-west corner to see several more recent 'important' buildings including the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall), the 16th century townhouse called the Hotel de Limur; and a very impressive College (just right of the Town Hall).
Re-entering the old town but this time keeping to the east, head next towards Vannes cathedral. The cathedral is an interesting mix of architectural styles and a particular highlight is the Chapel of Thomas Ferrier, built in the 16th century but beautifully light and airy.
If you keep walking towards the east behind the cathedral and along the Rue Porte Prison you will find another of the original gateways into the town at Porte Prison. From here you can follow the road outside the original ramparts that once protected medieval Vannes.
The walls are very impressive in themselves, and further enhanced by the gardens below the walls and further extensive formal and informal gardens running up the hill behind the prefecture (road opposite the Porte prison).
Follow the ramparts and little river to see the sturdy tower in the walls called the Tour de Connetable de Richemont. This imposing tower of five stories was built in the 15th century and was used by the head of the Duke's armies and has retained many of its original features, such as the defences you can see on the outside of the tower. In fact the tower was originally part of the courtyard of nearby Chateau de l'Hermine.
From here you can follow the 'promenade de la Garenne' with nicely maintained gardens in the castle moat and you will soon reach the pretty little buildings next to the river which are the original lavoirs (washhouses) for Vannes, and re-enter the old town to continue exploring the pretty medieval streets.
Museums in Vannes
The Museum of Fine Arts is directly opposite the cathedral in a medieval covered market and contains an interesting collection of art from Delacroix to modern contemporary works.
Another noteworthy museum in Vannes is the Museum of Archaeology in Morbihan in the beautifully preserved Château Gaillard and featuring prehistoric artefacts as well as furnishings and items from the 15th-18th centuries. The Château Gaillard is more of a grand town house than a castle, and recognisable by the full height five sided tower that dominates its facade. It originally housed the Breton parliament.
Places to visit near Vannes
As we mentioned, the port at Conleau is a worthy side excursion. If the crowds in Vannes become a bit too much, set off for the port, then take a boat trip around the islands of the Morbihan Gulf, or perhaps visit the Ile-aux-Moines or the Ile d'Arz. As your boat carries you around the little islands you see all kinds 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 for its neolithic monument - in this case a chamber, where you can still see decorative carvings on many of the rocks.
The Rhuys Peninsula, heading towards Arzon and Port de Crouesty 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, to follow the coastal paths a little (see the individual place guides), and of course to spend some time on one of the many fine sandy beaches.
You can find more travel ideas in the Morbihan guide and the Brittany guide.
Photos of Vannes
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Arrange a visit to Vannes
Hotels in Vannes
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Map of Vannes and places nearby
Visit near Vannes with France This Way reviews
Morbihan Gulf
The Gulf of Morbihan, almost a protected lagoon on the southern coast of Brittany has various islands and places of interest
Morbihan Gulf guide
Ile-d'Arz
The beaches and scenery along the coastal footpath combine to make the Ile d'Arz, in the Morbihan Gulf, very popular with visitors
Ile-d'Arz guide
Ile aux Moines
In the Morbihan Gulf, the Ile-aux-Moines is also very easy to reach - very enjoyable to spend a day exploring but you might not be on your own!
Ile aux Moines guide
Sarzeau
See Suscinio Castle and the Gardens of Chateau de Kerlevenan in Sarzeau before heading to one of the beaches to the south
Sarzeau guide
Sainte-Anne d'Auray
This ensemble of religious monuments in Sainte-Anne-d'Auray was a most unexpected discovery in southern Brittany
Sainte-Anne d'Auray guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Morbihan
Tourist classifications for Vannes
Vannes has received the following tourist classifications: listed town of Art and History ; historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); village in bloom (ville fleurie) 4*;
Address: Vannes, Brittany, 56000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 47.654, longitude -2.759
Plan your visit to Vannes, Morbihan
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Source - Marle: site of natural beauty
- Pont de Kérino: site of natural beauty
- Aquarium de Vannes: aquarium (2 km)
- Moulin à marée de Campen: site of natural beauty (3 km)
- Vincin: site of natural beauty (3 km)
- Pont du Vincin: site of natural beauty (3 km)
- Embouchure - Vincin (Rivière de Conleau): site of natural beauty (3 km)
- Presqu'île de Conleau: site of natural beauty (3 km)
- Embouchure - Marle: site of natural beauty (3 km)
- Maison rose (Séné): site of natural beauty (4 km)
- Réserve naturelle nationale des marais de Séné: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Anse de Mancel: site of natural beauty (7 km)
Market days in Vannes, France
Regular market(s) are held in Vannes each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Vannes (Francais)