capital of Morbihan
Vacations in Vannes
Vannes: sightseeing tour
With its ramparts (with or without guided tours), museums, indoor leisure activities (go-karting, bowling, laser game, “black light” mini-golf, billiards, children’s playground) for the whole family – parents, children, teenagers, grandparents… Vannes has it all! This Breton jewel in southern Brittany is also the land of menhirs.
Escape to Arz Island! A nature getaway with family or friends, departing from Vannes and Séné. Tickets on sale at the campsite reception near Vannes.
Port des aventuriers
You won’t be disappointed in Vannes! You can take advantage of sailing, sea kayaking or windsurfing courses at the Vannes nautical base. For further information, visit the following websites: plasmor.fr, lamouettesinagote.com, enezkapad.com
Take advantage of being by the sea to try scuba diving, or, for more experienced divers, take the opportunity to discover the seabed of the Gulf of Morbihan, the Ria d’Etel and the ocean: venetes.free.fr
For thrill-seekers, take advantage of the activities on offer at theVannes Meucon aerodrome:
- Aéro Tandem (tandem jumps, thrills and chills, an unforgettable experience)
- ULM (discovery of the Gulf of Morbihan) and its islands such as Gavrinis
- Skydiving (introductory jumps, courses…)
- Hot-air ballooning (fly over the Gulf of Morbihan, bordering or crossing this small inland sea)
- Helicopter (sightseeing tours)
- Seaplane (a feast for the eyes and a guaranteed thrill, discover the islands by seaplane)
Places to visit in Vannes :
Vannes in the Morbihan department boasts an impressive historical heritage. In fact, it’s a must-see for all vacationers in Brittany. The heart of the old medieval city’s historic center and its smaller quarters are packed with monuments and religious buildings, as well as museums and gardens for families to visit. In the inner city, for example, you’ll discover picturesque alleyways, half-timbered houses and some of the most emblematic monuments. Then head to the port of Vannes near the Bay of Quiberon and enjoy a stroll along the water’s edge, before enjoying a meal in one of Vannes’ restaurants.
Saint Pierre de Vannes Cathedral
Saint Peter’s Cathedral is a Gothic-style religious monument built in the 11th century, on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral in the heart of the historic city. With over 500,000 visitors every year, it is the most visited monument in Vannes. Despite the vicissitudes that have damaged it, renovation work has enabled it to remain in a remarkably well-preserved state. Today, it houses some remarkable 12th-century works of art. A visit to Saint Peter’s Cathedral will give you a closer look at the choir, chapels and bell tower. Around the cathedral, you’ll also discover some magnificent houses that bear witness to Vannes’ rich historical past.
Cultural pearl
Musée de la Cohue
The Musée de la Cohue is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Vannes, a must-see for art and history lovers. It is located on Place de Saint-Pierre, the former covered market of Vannes. The museum houses works by Geneviève Asse and contemporary works by other artists. Geneviève Asse’s works and donations can be seen on the second floor of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Vannes. Discover also the permanent collections of modern and contemporary art, paintings by private collectors and collections donated by the Centre Georges Pompidou – Musée National d’Art Moderne in Paris. You’ll get a great overview of painting from the second half of the 20th century. The museum is open daily from June to September, from 1.30 pm to 6 pm, and from Tuesday to Sunday at the same times the rest of the year.
Ramparts of Vannes
Built between the 3rd and 17th centuries, the Vannes ramparts (1450 m) were designed to protect the city of Vannes. A visit to these fortifications is a must for all visitors. Destruction in the 19th century ruined a third of Vannes’ city walls. Despite this, they remain the best preserved in Brittany. One third is now hidden by the urban fabric, and the remaining third is still visible. While visiting the fortifications, you can stop off at gates such as Saint-Vincent, Calmont, Poterne, Saint-Jean and the Prison Gate. Discover the Tour du Connétable and the Gallo-Roman wall. The rampart garden and small washhouse are also a popular place for strolling. Don’t hesitate to enter the city to discover the old houses, the Vannes market, very famous among Morbihan markets during market days, historical festivals, etc.
Château de l’Hermine
Château de l’Hermine is one of Vannes’ major monuments. The ancient fortified castle integrated into the ramparts as we know it today dates back to 1785. It was built on the ruins of the ancient fortress occupied by the Dukes of Brittany until the mid-15th century. The residence was transformed into a neoclassical mansion when Louis XIV sold off the château piece by piece to finance the war, before donating it to the city of Vannes in 1697. Daytime or nighttime tours will let you soak up the magic of the place.
Château Gaillard de Vannes
Château Gaillard, Vannes’ landmark building, now houses the history and archaeology collections of the Musée de Vannes. The building dates back to the 15th century. Originally a private mansion, it was later transformed into an auditorium for the Parliament of Brittany, then the headquarters of the Société Polymathique du Morbihan, and finally became the current history and archaeology museum. Visitors can enjoy temporary exhibitions of the archaeology collection, featuring over 700 objects dating from the Palaeolithic to the Gallo-Roman period.
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