Towns and villages of Morbihan

Auray

Often bypassed by tourists, Auray is well worth spending some time on. The town has one of France’s largest oyster beds and a picturesque old quarter. There’s also an interesting market on Mondays, which is good for arts and crafts. The harbour is definitely one to see.

Carnac

This is a bustling, popular resort with an enormous south-facing sandy stretch making up several beaches. Essentially there are two parts to Carnac: Carnac Ville, where the shops, the civic offices and so on are to be found, and Carnac Plage, with its beaches, cafés, amusements and nightlife.

The standing stones are historically important, dating back several thousand years. The alignments, or lines, of these stones are scattered throughout the area, and the museum of prehistory helps to explain things.

Josselin

Josselin is home to one of France’s greatest castles, once the home of the mighty Rohan family. The family motto was revealing:
‘I am not king, Prince I would not stoop to be. I am the Lord Rohan’.
This gives a little insight into the family’s idea of its own importance.

Locmariaquer

Here there is a capstone measuring 6m by 4m, known as the Table des Marchands. Also, the Grand Menhir Brise which originally stood 20m high but now is in four pieces.

Quiberon peninsula

This beautiful peninsula shows two sides: its wild Atlantic shore, which is traversed by a dramatic corniche, and its sheltered eastern coast of tranquil harbours and white sands.

In some parts, the peninsula is no more than seven metres wide during high spring tides and is only a causeway. The port of Quiberon lies at the tip of the peninsula, and from here, ferries sail to Belle-Ile.

St. Anne d’Auray

This village lies 4 miles inland from Auray and is probably the most important shrine in Brittany. Legend has it that Ste. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, was born and married in Armorica. The pardon of Ste. Anne is on the 25th and 26th of July when pilgrims come from all over France to pray to the grandmother of Christ.

La Trinité-sur-Mer

Once a pretty little fishing village, this is now a rather chic sailing resort with a large marina. Whether you enjoy sailing or not, it’s a great place to go for a bite to eat, followed by a gentle stroll around the marina, ‘choosing’ your ideal yacht! Boat trips leave from here and tour around the fabulous Gulf of Morbihan.

Vannes

Vannes has a long history. The walled town around the unusual cathedral is a mediaeval gem, carefully restored over recent years, with many of the narrow streets and little squares within the walls being barred to traffic.

Due to its position at the head of the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes is a good point to check up on the cruises offered by the Vedettes Vert company, whose depot is on the Promenade de la Rabine. These cruises can also be picked up at Locmariaquer, Port Navalo or Auray, and they do vary depending on the season and cost, so be sure to choose one that will fit in with your itinerary.