What to do in Vannes?

1. Discover the historic center and its ramparts

Category: €€/Cultural/Sports

Description: Coming to Vannes means immersing yourself in a strong history of several centuries. Therefore, it's best to start your journey by venturing into its historic center to discover its legendary ramparts, which constitute one of the most important points of the city. To give you an idea, the ramparts are actually the foundation of Vannes' tourist heritage. It's an intriguing place in every way, due to its tumultuous history that we leave you every opportunity to discover on site. Indeed, for those who are interested in Vannes' past, and more generally in that of Brittany, then you will have all the leisure to learn every detail. Little info: just a few cables away, you'll come face to face with the Constable's Tower, which once was both a residential tower and a defense tower.

2. Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Category: Free/Cultural

Description: Did you know? Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Vannes is the most visited cathedral in Brittany. When you walk along Rue des Chanoines, it's impossible for you to miss this splendid monument, Gothic in style and with a magnetic and enchanting aura. This is a place built on the ancient remains of a Romanesque cathedral. Also, if there are connoisseurs among our readers, seeing the photo above you will quickly realize by noticing its architecture that it's actually a basilica. It has housed the relics of Saint Vincent Ferrier since 1419 and was also a pilgrimage site in the past. Saint-Pierre Cathedral is also called "minor basilica". Open every day from 8:30 AM to 7 PM, visitors have greatly appreciated the single nave with ribbed vaulting that was bordered with chapels.

3. Henri IV Square

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description:From time to time, it's good to know how to take a break from your visit and have a good time. That's also what vacations are about: doing nothing, lounging, having a drink, and just chatting. Don't you agree? Henri IV Square is one of the most charming places in Vannes. It's a bit like the flagship place where residents enjoy coming for a good coffee after work: the key words are "relaxation" and "tranquility". It's a perfect place after discovering the historic center, its ramparts, as well as Saint-Pierre Cathedral. The setting is warm: with the superb half-timbered houses, which gives the square a little fairy-tale side, straight out of a fairy tale. It's the perfect time to forge new bonds and make beautiful acquaintances if you're traveling alone and looking for locals' advice on Vannes' somewhat secret places.

4. The Marina

Category : Free, Cultural

Description: Brittany and sea air are one. So much so that when visiting Vannes, you absolutely must visit its port, in the middle of the city facing the Gulf of Morbihan: both a commercial port and a marina. To stop there, you simply need to take the main channel of Port Navalo. There, you'll come across the departure point for maritime connections to neighboring islands. Many tourists enjoy coming to walk there at the end of the day, when the breeze gently touches your neck and temperatures are a bit cooler. Witnessing the departures of boats loaded with their cargo is quite impressive, you can see the many shipyards at the port. Finally, there are many restaurants, bars, shops, and markets near the port. You'll surely make a stop there!

5. The Museum of Fine Arts

Category: €/Cultural

Description: You need to count about 1h30 to 2h for a complete visit of the Museum of Fine Arts located near Saint-Pierre Square. Also called the Cohue Museum, it has been listed as a historical monument since 1929. Created in 1982, and open every day from 10 AM to 6 PM, it's housed in a former medieval hall and will take you through its rooms through a diversified route: from Delacroix's Christ on the Cross, a famous painting, to somewhat more recent works. Everything you're likely to find inside the building, taking into account temporary exhibitions as well, can provide you with information about Vannes' history, or even Brittany more generally. Notice to all history buffs, it's in these places that you'll want to spend your entire afternoon, lost among all these works. Beauty in its purest state...

6. A hike around the Gulf

Category: Free/Sports

Description: Yes, you're in Brittany. So it's clear that a hike is in order. After all, nothing beats a visit like an escapade in the middle of nature. So leave aside the historic center to nestle in a green setting where sea air is king. Fill your backpack well, not forgetting to bring a good pair of sneakers and several liters of water, and go on an adventure in a place that's sublime in every way. The Gulf offers a hiking circuit that's certainly quite long, and quickly exhausting, but nevertheless far from difficult and therefore within reach of the youngest. It's a perfect outing to do as a family, and ideal for high-level athletes who have only one idea in mind: to do this hike trail running, becoming one with the surrounding nature. And above all, don't forget to enjoy the many viewpoints, they're sublime!