Vannes (Morbihan)

Vannes (Morbihan) mini guide

Vannes is a well preserved medieval town situated on the edge of the Golfe du Morbihan which is a paradise for seafood and fish lovers. The town features old walls, intact fortified gateways, beautiful old wooden houses and canalized waterways.

Vannes played an important role in Breton history as here the act of union with France in 1532 was signed and Brittany was joined to the French crown's territories. The act was finalized in the building of La Cohune, which now contains a collection of museums.

Town offers a truly eclectic mixture of architectural styles. You can admire Romanesque, Gothic, and Italian Renaissance buildings. The St Pierre Cathedral, surrounded by pretty streets, features Gothic style with Renaissance additions, including a round side chapel dedicated to saint Vincent Ferrier.

Vannes aquarium in the Parc du Golfe, south of place Gambetta, is a good attraction for the whole family. It is home to a Nile crocodile that was found in the sewers of Paris in 1984, some four-eyed, four-sexed fish from Venezuela, and no-eyed fish from Mexico.

It is also possible from the Parc du Golfe  to take a boat trip from here to the many interesting morbihan islands.

There is a bike hire sheme in operation where you can hire and park your bike at various locations around the town.

There are a few museums around the town including Musée des Automates which features mechanical toys from the 19th century, and a fine butterfly house - La Papillonneraie.

Vannes is a vibrant place, with a lively cultural scene. In July Vannes celebrates its Jazz Festival.

A huge market takes place on Saturday. Vaness offers also plenty of shops, restaurants, bars where you can have good time with friendly people.

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Guide point	Details
Department:	North West France > Brittany > Morbihan >
Location:	Morbihan département, in Brittany, in the west of France.
Public Transport:	Vannes train station is 25 minutes walk north of the town centre. You are one hour away to Rennes and 3.5 hours to Paris. Buses leave from the "Gare Routiere" alongside.
Tourist information website:	www.tourisme-vannes.com
Tourist information contact email:	info@tourisme-vannes.com
Tourist information switch board number:	+33 (0)2 97 47 24 34
Tourist information address:	Office de Tourisme du Pays de Vannes - CP 23921 - 1 rue Thiers - 56039 Vannes cedex
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Vannes (Morbihan) - Hotels in Vannes (Morbihan) Show accommodation in Morbihan - Self catering in Morbihan - Bed and Breakfast in Morbihan properties with pools in Morbihan -