Remparts Garden

The rampart gardens, flowered setting of Vannes

The Vannes audio-guided tour takes you through the rampart gardens, now a must of any visit. Laid out to set off the fortifications, they offer one of the finest images of the walled town.

Old moats turned into a garden

It was the mayor of the time who had the idea, in the 1950s, of turning the old moats into a garden, aware of the tourist appeal and potential of the ramparts. This French-style garden, essentially decorative, stretches out in front of the walls. Each year, tens of thousands of flowers are planted there, colouring the paths and framing Vannes in a fine multicoloured setting.

What there is to see

The garden magnificently stages the stone ramparts. If you come in spring, you will have the chance to see the Japanese cherry trees in blossom. A tip: climb onto the ramparts to enjoy a fine overall view of the flowerbeds and the city. It is one of the most photographed places in Vannes, in every season.

Practical information

The rampart gardens stretch at the foot of the fortifications of Vannes, outside the walled town. Access is free; the paths are on the level, but climbing onto the ramparts requires a little effort. The garden is particularly flowered from spring to autumn.

How was the garden created?

In the 1950s, the mayor of the time had the old moats of the ramparts laid out as a French-style garden, to enhance the fortifications and their tourist appeal.

When is the garden at its finest?

The garden is in flower from spring to autumn. In spring, you can in particular admire the Japanese cherry trees in blossom along the ramparts.