Vannes, a town of art and history
Historic capital of the Duchy of Brittany, Vannes has kept its ramparts, its half-timbered houses and Saint-Pierre cathedral. The Garenne wash-houses, lined with flowers in summer, make an unmissable photo stop. Wandering through the cobbled lanes of the walled town, you come across Vannes and his wife, a sculpted couple that has watched over the square since the 16th century. A drink on a crêperie terrace, and the conversation flows naturally.
Lorient, a town facing the open sea
Rebuilt after the war, Lorient turns its face towards the Atlantic and Groix island. You visit the Keroman submarine base, now a cultural and sailing site, the Keroman fishing harbour, one of the largest in France, and the Éric Tabarly Sailing City. Each summer, the Interceltic Festival of Lorient, launched in 1971, gathers all of musical Brittany around its great bagadoù pipe-band competition.
Auray and Saint-Goustan
On the banks of the Loc’h river, Auray hides a small gem below the upper town: Saint-Goustan harbour, its paved quays, leaning houses and stone bridge. Benjamin Franklin landed here in 1776, a sign that the place has charm to spare. A drink on a café terrace, then a walk up the lanes to the upper town, make for a very Breton date. On Lyad, people from the Morbihan share their addresses; it is up to you to find someone to push the door open with.
Date ideas
- Vannes
- Vannes ramparts
- Garenne wash-houses
- Lorient
- Submarine base
- Interceltic Festival
- Auray
- Saint-Goustan harbour
