Summary
An impressive 272 historic monuments are concealed within the walls of Vannes.
These fortifications are noteworthy as they encircle nearly the entire old town, featuring robust gates and towers.
It is hardly an exaggeration to suggest that a stroll along the cobbled streets and through squares adorned with timber houses from the 15th and 16th centuries might make you lose track of time.
Subsequently, you can embark on a voyage to the Gulf of Morbihan, home to an archipelago of 42 islands enveloped in calm waters that are sheltered from the Atlantic.
Let us explore the best experiences to enjoy in Vannes:
1. Vannes Ramparts
The city was established as Venetorum by the Romans in the 1st century; however, by the 3rd century, the Roman Empire had become vulnerable, necessitating a walled castrum for the settlement.
Over nearly 1,500 years, the walls were expanded and altered, with their current appearance reflecting modifications made in the 1630s with the addition of the Garenne bastion.
Following some demolitions in the 1800s, the walls were designated as protected in 1911. They contribute significantly to the historic allure of Vannes, being among the few surviving city fortifications in Brittany.
The southern and western sections are particularly well-preserved, featuring towers, gates, bastions, curtain walls, and fortified bridges, each with its own historical narrative.
2. Jardin des Remparts
If there is a photograph that encapsulates Vannes, it is the view from Rue Francis Drecker, showcasing the beautiful parterre before the walls, with the cathedral in the background.
The Jardin des Remparts is an excellent location to admire the Garenne Bastion and the three towers: Tour du Connétable, Tour Poudrière, and Tour Joliette, all set within a charming formal parterre featuring geometric lawns, flowerbeds, and meticulously shaped topiaries.
The garden is bordered by the Marle Stream, which played a significant role in the local community until the 20th century, as will be detailed subsequently.
3. Les Vieux Lavoirs
From the bridge of Rue Porte Poterne, which provides access to the walled city via the eponymous gate, one can observe the old washhouses located on the right bank of the Marle Stream.
These timber-framed structures, featuring sloping roofs, often mislead visitors into thinking they are medieval.
In reality, the washhouses are notably more recent, originating from the early 19th century and operating until their closure for hygiene reasons in 1951. They have been maintained since, serving as a nostalgic reminder of the more rustic approach to laundry before the advent of washing machines.
4. Place Henri IV
Situated at the summit of the Colline du Mené, the upper section of the “intra-muros” city, Place Henri IV is a delightful historic square adorned with 15th and 16th-century “colombage” houses, each painted in unique hues.
A crêperie with terrace seating occupies one corner of the square, providing an ideal setting to savor a café au lait alongside a caramel crêpe while admiring the charming ambiance.
This quaint square features six “monuments historiques,” and each house exhibits cantilevered construction, with the upper floors significantly larger than the granite bases.
5. Musée d’Histoire et d’Archéologie
Pause to appreciate the 15th-century Château-Gaillard prior to entering.
What you see before you is the former building of the Breton parliament until 1535. Constructed from granite, it features mullioned windows and a spiral staircase that ascends a polygonal tower.
The interior presents painted wooden panelling, expansive fireplaces, and coffered ceilings.
Particularly noteworthy is the Cabinet des Pères du Désert, adorned with 66 wooden panels painted in the 17th century.
The museum is distinguished by its collection of prehistoric artefacts unearthed from the megaliths near Vannes, specifically at Locmariaquer and Carnac.
View artifacts such as intricate jewelry, polished axes, and pottery appearing as if freshly crafted.
6. Place de Valencia
The patron saint of Vannes is Vincent Ferrer, a missionary who arrived in the city in the early 15th century and passed away here in 1419. His origin in Valencia, Spain, explains the naming of this small square within the fortifications.
The saint is believed to have lived in what is now known as the Maison de Vincent Ferrer, an impressive half-timbered home resting on a granite foundation.
Nevertheless, the main attraction in Place de Valencia may well be the whimsical sculpture of the cheerful couple “Vannes et sa Femme,” carved from granite in the 16th century on a house located at the corner of Rue Noé.
The creator of the sculpture remains unknown; however, it is a treasured piece of Vannes’ heritage.
7. La Cohue
This striking half-timbered structure serves as the venue for Vannes’ fine arts museum.
Nonetheless, La Cohue is primarily worthy of attention due to its historical significance: the oldest segment of the building dates back to the 1200s, and for centuries, its ground floor operated as the covered marketplace of Vannes.
The Breton Parliament convened on the upper levels between 1675 and 1689, while the Estates of Brittany, a type of provincial assembly from the Ancien Régime, gathered here on ten occasions between 1431 and 1703. The upper floor hosts captivating temporary exhibitions of contemporary art, as well as a concise permanent exhibit featuring works by Delacroix and Monet.
8. Vannes Cathedral
Spanning seven centuries in its construction, Vannes Cathedral presents a blend of architectural styles, comprising Romanesque, Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Neo-Gothic elements—all fashioned from granite.
The most ancient feature, which is also quite visible, is the bell tower on the façade, which dates back to the 1200s and is the sole remnant of the original cathedral.
Additionally, you can track the trail of Vincent Ferrer, as his statue graces a pillar in the main portal, and his tomb can be found in a chapel on the building’s northern side.
9. Porte Saint-Vincent
This principal southern entrance to the fortified city served as the entry point for maritime travelers into Vannes since the 16th century.
The elongated harbor commences just below Place Gambetta, and a short walk to the north leads you to this Baroque gateway.
Its less medieval facade, in comparison to the rest of Vannes’ defenses, stems from its construction at the end of the 1500s, designed to facilitate convenient access to the port, which had recently been reconfigured to connect with the city.
As you pass through, Vincent Ferrer extends his blessings from a niche above, while Vannes’ coat of arms is sculpted in granite below.
10. Vannes Aquarium
An excellent option for a rainy day or for families with restless children, Vannes Aquarium is located a few minutes southwest of the fortified city.
The aquarium houses 50 tanks organized into three primary zones: temperate seas, tropical seas, and tropical freshwater environments.
The highlight of the warm freshwater zone is an extraordinary resident: Eleanore, a Nile crocodile, who was captured in the Paris sewers beneath Pont-Neuf in 1984. She weighs 250 kilos and measures over three meters in length.
The temperate zone is crucial for conservation efforts in the Gulf of Morbihan, featuring residents such as the seahorse and cuttlefish, both of which are listed as endangered in this region.
11. Château de l’Hermine
Integrated into the city walls stands this exquisite château, best appreciated from a height along Rue Alexandre le Pontois.
The elegant palace visible today dates back to the 1700s and succeeded a far more imposing castle that served as a residence for the Dukes of Brittany from the 1300s to the 1500s.
King Francis I resided here during the months leading up to Brittany’s unification with France in 1532, and the building’s current form hosts significant exhibitions.
In May, one can engage with Vannes’ maritime heritage through the Photo de Mer exhibition, held in the delightful formal gardens adjacent to the Marle’s right bank.
12. Port de Vannes
On sunny days, you can take a leisurely stroll along the docks at the port, which extends from the walled city to the Gulf of Morbihan.
Sailboats line the majority of the port, including notable vessels such as Le Corbeau des Mers, a lobster-catching sloop from 1931, and Les Trois Frères, the last remaining Sinagot fishing boat, constructed in 1941. Adorning the entire west side of the port is a classic French tree-lined esplanade that has recently been resurfaced.
The local tourist office is conveniently located along this esplanade, should you seek additional local insights.
13. Gulf of Morbihan
At the port, you can embark on a boat excursion around the magnificent Gulf of Morbihan, which hosts 42 islands and is largely isolated from the ocean except for the narrow straits between Port-Navalo and Kerpenhir.
With over 12,000 hectares to explore, the opportunities are nearly limitless. Activities range from biking and hiking to island-hopping cruises that visit charming small ports featuring pink granite fishing cottages and traditional waterwheels.
The majority of the islands and islets are uninhabited, allowing you to land for tranquility and seclusion, thus claiming your own personal oasis in this unparalleled natural setting.
14. Semaine du Golfe
Every other year, around the Feast of the Ascension in April or May, the seascape comes alive with sails during the Semaine du Golfe, as seventeen towns surrounding the gulf embrace the maritime spirit.
During this week, two grand maritime parades take place, accompanied by a massive flotilla that fills the bay for three consecutive days.
Additionally, in summer, you may wish to unwind at the only beach area in Vannes, the Plage de Conleau, which is complemented by an outdoor swimming pool fed by the ocean.
15. Food and Drink
Seafood must take precedence in Vannes, for you may experience some of the freshest shellfish available.
A plateau de fruits de mer, showcasing an abundant selection of prawns, langoustine, oysters, crab, mussels, and more, is a culinary delight.
If this piques your interest, a short drive will lead you to the oyster farms in Séné and Larmor-Baden, where informative sessions and tastings are offered.
Additionally, one cannot overlook the crêpe in Brittany, as it holds a significant place in local culture: whether sweet with Nutella or caramel or savory with egg, cheese, and ham or saucisson, there is much to savor.
Moreover, refreshing cider is produced abundantly throughout the Gulf of Morbihan, characterized by a smooth texture and light acidity.
