Saint-Gwenaël street

Rue Saint-Gwenaël, a paved lane along the cathedral

The Vannes audio-guided tour takes you along Rue Saint-Gwenaël, a pretty little paved street that runs beside the cathedral. This medieval lane, with its irregular course, keeps a particular charm in the heart of the walled town.

From Rue de la Paix to the duke's oven

The street was first called Rue de la Paix, then Rue du Four du Duc, because the ducal oven stood at number 13. Running along the south side of the cathedral, it links the upper part of the town to its lanes. At numbers 17 and 19 stand the houses regarded as the oldest of the roughly 170 half-timbered houses preserved in Vannes.

What there is to see

The oldest archive found for these houses dates from 1476, but experts believe their construction may go back to the previous century. Along the lane, observe the cobblestones, the leaning façades and the closeness of the cathedral. Rue Saint-Gwenaël still echoes with the eras it has crossed and is an integral part of the city's historic heritage.

Practical information

Rue Saint-Gwenaël runs beside Saint-Pierre cathedral, in the heart of the historic centre of Vannes. It is a paved street, freely accessible on foot at all hours. The houses are private and are contemplated from the street; sensible footwear is advised on the cobbles.

Why was it called the duke's oven?

The ducal oven was located at number 13 of the street, which long earned it the name Rue du Four du Duc, before it took its present name.

Where are the oldest houses in Vannes?

At numbers 17 and 19 of Rue Saint-Gwenaël stand the half-timbered houses regarded as the oldest in Vannes, with an archive dating from 1476.