Explore the largest megalithic site of its type in the world, a center of European prehistory. 3,000 Menhirs stand in the moor, tracing lines approximately 1 km long. The most impressive alignments are those of Menec, Kerlescan and Kermario. Alongside them, we find the tumulus of Saint Michael and the giant of Manio, a menhir 6.50 m high. To complete the visit, the Prehistory Museum in Carnac presents all the objects discovered on the archaeological sites.
Photo : M. SCHAFFNER
12,000 hectares of Atlantic sheltered from the swell in South Brittany, the Gulf of Morbihan is a real small inland sea. A place where the sea, the land, the sky mingle in changing and unusual landscapes. Several millennia ago, Morbihan was covered by the waters of the Atlantic, while the rivers had already dug their beds. This is why the Ocean ventures so far into the heart of the land towards Vannes and Auray via rias, it surrounds the ancient hills in a true archipelago: Ile aux Moines, Ile d’Arz, Ile de Gavrinis, countless islands and islets, rocky or wooded, sometimes carrying a fishing hamlet or simply flocks of birds. Only a one kilometer wide bottleneck between Port-Navalo en Arzon and Locmariaquer separates the “Mor-Bihan” from the ocean.
Little paradise for walkers and nature lovers.
The southern contour of the gulf forms the Rhuys peninsula. This territory is dotted with typical villages (Arzon, Sarzeau, etc.), indented ports (Le Crouesty, le Logeo, etc.), manor houses and castles (Kerguet, Suscinio, etc.). A summary of generous Brittany, against the backdrop of a small inland sea.
Port-Navalo closes this gulf and presents itself as a charming little seaside resort, with its sandy cove.
In terms of heritage, the Gulf of Morbihan has assets to showcase.
Visit the castles of Kerlévenan and Suscinio : the first surprisingly resembles the Petit Trianon of Versailles; the second embodies the power of the Dukes of Brittany, whose favorite residence it was.
Photo : E LeCornec
Access to the Quiberon Peninsula is via a single arm of land, the Isthmus of Penthièvre, measuring at the narrowest point only 22 meters wide!
Enjoy the unique panorama with the Bay of Quiberon on one side, then the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The contrast is striking between the calm of the beaches of the isthmus and the steep cliffs whose profile emerges on the horizon.
To the west of the Quiberon peninsula, the Côte Sauvage extends for around ten kilometers from the village of Portivy in Saint-Pierre de Quiberon to Château Turpault. Over the years, erosion shapes this granite coast. Steep cliffs, wild coves, arches carved out by the sea…
Constantly whipped by the winds and the sea, the Côte Sauvage offers you an invigorating spectacle
Photo : P. Baissac
From the historic center with its ancient ramparts, its half-timbered houses, its medieval streets to its small marina, Vannes will charm you during a walk or bike ride with the gentleness of the place. As you wander around, remember to look up to observe the old half-timbered and colorful half-timbered houses. Continue your visit to the Saint-Pierre Cathedral. This Gothic-style Roman cathedral is a must-see during your visit to the city. Continue your exploration to the ramparts, built between the 3rd and 12th centuries, which stand overlooking vast French gardens and the Garenne washhouse, leading to the Porte Prison. The ramparts district and the Garenne promenade are entirely pedestrianized. Enough to enjoy a quiet stroll among the flowery gardens and shaded paths.
Every Saturday morning, the Place des Lices market allows you to discover typical products from the region in a unique atmosphere: oysters, chouchen, kouign amann…
After stocking up on regional products, head to the Museum of Fine Arts, called La Cohue. It is located in a former covered market and houses both 19th century paintings and contemporary works. A few streets away, Château Gaillard houses the history and archeology museum.
If you want to live a unique and offbeat experience, the café-bar-artist residence “B.R.E.F.” aims to highlight the arts while organizing events in the heart of the city. It is intended to be an address on the port of Vannes where you can enjoy activities, meet people, exchange ideas and discover different artistic forms.
Photo : Nicolas Vollmer
About twenty minutes from the campsite is the town of Sainte-Anne d’Auray, famous for its prestigious Catholic pilgrimage in honor of Sainte-Anne (Mother of the Virgin Mary and therefore grandmother of Jesus).
Every July 26, the Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne d’Auray welcomes thousands of people on the occasion of its “great forgiveness” (spiritual gathering).
To see: the Sanctuary, the Cloister, and the “Historial” wax museum.
Photo : P. Baissac
Lively district of Auray, you can reach the small port of Saint-Goustan from the town center of Auray via a small cobbled street where workshops and art galleries share the premises. You will then cross the stone bridge with its 4 arches and you will arrive at the port and its multiple café and restaurant terraces. From Place Saint-Sauveur, observe the many half-timbered houses. Pass through the steep streets “Saint-Sauveur” and “Saint-René” to reach the heights of Saint-Goustan.
Photo : @alamoureux
A small coastal river between Auray and Lorient, the Etel ria is a small bay dotted with islets. At the mouth of the ria is the Etel bar, an underwater sandbank formed by the crossing of currents, where remarkable fauna and flora develop.
For a short stroll, we advise you to go to the Pointe d’Etel (mouth of the ria), admire the wonderful spectacle that the ocean offers us on the beach, and stop at the Magouër marine cemetery (it is unusual!). Then go to Saint-cado in Belz in the heart of the Etel ria, you will find a postcard landscape : placed on the water, a small fisherman’s house with blue shutters invites you to daydream. And then, the islet of Saint-Cado which is reached by a small bridge is worth visiting, with its pretty chapel and its ordeal.
Don’t leave without tasting the oysters from the Etel River, the pride of the region.
Photo : P. Baissac
