VANNES
The
City of Vannes dates from the first century B.C. when
it was known as Darioritum and like many of the important Breton towns the
original "old town" is situated within the fortified city walls. Large sections
of the ramparts still remain and walking around these offers exceptional views
of the town. At the centre of the old town lies the cathedral whose construction
was started in the 13th century. Among the many sites to see within the walls is
the Morbihan Archaeological Museum which gives a fascinating insight into early
settlements in Brittany with examples from excavations at the many megalithic
sites such as Carnac. Situated at the head of
the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes has a large port area. The visitor is free to
meander around the port simply looking at the boats or may take one of the many
boat excursions on offer. Vannes has a good
selection of restaurants and shops and the tourist office runs themed tours of
the town throughout the year. In the countryside
around Vannes there are a number of castles and nature reserves where the
visitor can pass a pleasant time in the calm surroundings.
With its
ramparts built in the 14thC and 15thC, La Tour du Connetable, the medieval town,
the Saint-Piere Cathedral, the museum of Les Beaux-Arts, the Prehistoric Museum,
Vannes forms a unique architectural grouping.
Domaine
de Kerguehennec
The Domaine,
property of the "Departement", is a sacred meeting place between history and
inheritance. The Centre of Contemporary Art presents a collection of sculptures
in the park (170hectares). Exhibitions in the 18thC Chateau
and the surrounding area.
Opening
Times:
February and
November 10h - 18h not Mondays,
during the season until 19h.
Chateau de
Rochefort-en-Terre
On the site
of a medieval fortress dominating a little town of character, the chateau the
property of the "Departement", exhibits pictures and collections of the former
owners, the American painters Alfred and Trafford Klots. A visit to the newly
opened museum will complete your visit. As ell as permanent exhibitions there
are also temporary displays.
Opening
Times:
April, May,
October - Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays 10h -12h14h-18h30,
School holidays - 14h 18h30 June, September - every
day 10h - 12h/14h - 18h30
July, August - every day 10h - 18h30
Parc de
Branfere
An
unforgettable walk among the animals roaming freely in a several times hundred
year old botanical park, around the Chateau of Branfere. The visit is made by
foot, a picnic area has been especially made near the entrance to the park.
Opening
Times
All year
Musee de La
Vilaine Maritime
The museum de
la Vilaine Maritime, is situated in the chateau Des Bassess-Fossess, historical
building of the 16thC and 17thC, housed on two restored levels, collections
dedicated to maritime customs and traditions and the estuary of Vilaine.
Objects, photos, scenes and audio-visual contribute to recreate the atmosphere
of the life on the river at the beginning of the century.
Opening Times
1st June -
21st June - every day, 14h30 - 18h30
22nd June - 15th September - 10h30 - 12h30/14h30 - 18h30
16th September - 29th September - 14h30 - 18h30
October Saturday and Sunday - 14h30 - 18h30
November and December, 15h - 18h
Chateau
du Plessis-Josso
This manoir
was built by a squire to the Dike Jean III in 1330, was fortified and extended
in the 15thC, 16thC and 17thC. The simple design of the chateau makes it a good
example of typical Breton architecture. It gives us a real idea of the life of
an important citizen of the Vannes area during the times of Breton Dukes.
Opening
Times
Guided Visits
every day from 1st July - 5th September from 14h - 19h
From 1st May - 1st November group bookings on demand.
Chateau de
Suscinio
The woods
surrounding the chateau are abundant in wild life covering the Peninsula de
Rhuys, the chateau was a ducal residence from the 13thC to the 15thC. Ruined by
vandalism during the Revolution, Suscinio was acquired and restored by the
Departement du Morbihan which created a Museum of History. There are festivals
throughout the summer.
Opening
Times
April and May - 10h -
12h/14h - 19h
1st June - 30th September - 10h - 19h
1st October - middle December and middle January - 31st March - Thursday,
Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays - 10h - 12h/14h - 17h, Monday, Tuesday and
Wednesday - 14h - 17h
Forteresse
de Largoet
In the middle of the forest,
you suddenly come across a river you
are surprised by a medieval fortress with its
monumental ruins ad its imposing 14th C octagonal keep, the highest existing in
France, a round 15thC tower harmoniously restored and a draw-bridge, the chateau
belonged to many families linked to the history of Brittany: Malestroit, Rieux,
Le Comte de Richemont was a prisoner here in 1474 before becoming King of
England.
Opening
Times
March and October - Saturday
and Sunday, Bank Holidays, School Holidays - 14h - 18h30
April and May - Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays, School Holidays - 10h30 - 18h30
1st June - 30th September - every day 10h30 - 18h30
Chateau de
Comper en Broceliande
The ch�teau belonged to many grand families of Brittany and of
France, among which were De Gael, de Laval-Montfort, de Coligny, de Charette.
But the site with its deep woods and its large lakes, it's celebrity is due to
the legend of La Fee Viviane, La Dame du Lac. Le Centre de Imaginaire Arthurien
present annual exhibitions and audio-visuals in the chateau and animations in
the park. Le Centre Arthurien also organises guided visits in the forest.
Opening
Times
1st April - 1st October -
10h - 19h
April, May and September closed Tuesday and Friday
June, July and August - closed Tuesday
Chateau
du Crevy
The chateau
whose history goes back to the 3rdC, keeps beautiful memories of the military
architecture of the 14thC. Today, it contains twelve decorated pieces, an
important collection of civil costumes from 1730 - 1975. Temporary exhibitions.
Opening
Times
July and August - every day
10h - 18h
1st April - 11th November - groups by arrangement
Gulf of Morbihan
The Gulf of
Morbihan is an inland sea with large a number of Islands within its boundaries.
The Gulf measures 20km by 15km at its widest point and is tidal having a narrow
channel opening into the Atlantic Ocean. The largest island in the Gulf is Monks
Island (Ile ay Moins) with a population of 600. The island is a beautiful
tourist resort with sandy beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. The second largest
island is Arz which has a population of around 300 and a number of megalithic
monuments. Many other islands in the Gulf are privately owned and uninhabited.
On the Gavrines Island there is one of the largest and best preserved stone
tumulus in existence . It is possible to see but visits are strictly controlled.
Quiberon
Quiberon
which is at the southern tip of the isthmus joining it to the mainland is a very
popular tourist resort particularly for the French who arrive in large numbers
in July and August. It has splendid south facing beaches making it a delightful
place to relax for a few days. There are regular
ferry services between Quiberon and Belle Ile (Beautiful Island) and some of the
other small islands lying off the coast. The peninsula Itself has some of the
best stretches of sandy beaches to be found in Brittany and like Quiberon, is
very popular with both the French and foreign visitors.
Auray
Auray is two distinct towns;
the actual town of Auray, built high on the banks of the River Auray and the old
port of St Goustan. The town was badly damaged in the second world war but has
been sympathetically restored. Still remaining are the 18th century town hall
and the Church of St Gildas which dates from the 17th century and is an
interesting mix of
Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Take a walk along the Loch Promenade which
winds its way down to St Goustan where there are many art and craft shops to
visit or take advantage of one of the many restraints scattered around the port.
Belle Ile
This is the
largest of the Breton Islands with a population of around 4500 and measuring
18km by 5km with 80km of coastline. Its 4 main towns are Le Palais, Sauzon,
Locmaria and Bangor. The island is an extremely popular tourist resort,
attracting many well known French Stars and politicians as well as visitors from
around the world. The north coast offers a large number of sandy beaches whilst
the south coast offers a more rugged coastline with spectacular rock formations
and caves some of which may be explored at low tide. Le Palais, the island's
main town is the site of the Vauban Citadel, a fortification dating from the mid
16th century and now housing the historical museum. Several ferries a day leave
from Quiberon and Nantes. The local tourist office has details of walking and
car tours
Carnac
Carnac is well known as a prehistoric capital and is one of the most important
prehistoric sites in the world today. The standing stones (Menhirs) which number
over 3000 in and around Carnac were set in place between 5000 and 2000 B.C. but
very little is known about the people who lived in the region at this time.
Carnac is home to the Archeoscope a centre dedicated to the understanding of the
stones and has excellent displays and video talks in several different languages
giving an insight into what is known about the stones today. There is also the
Museum of Pre-history with very good displays and exhibits.
Southern
Brittany Cottages
