Historic Breton town: medieval ramparts, half-timbered houses and marina.
Vannes, an emblematic city in the south of Brittany, is an invitation to discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region. Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Morbihan, the city is famous for its ramparts, its half-timbered houses, its lively port, as well as its art of living which combines the pleasures of the table and the love of the sea. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover or a foodie in search of new flavours, Vannes has it all.
We take you to discover the hidden treasures of the city of Vannes: must-see sites to explore, culinary specialties to enjoy, wild beauty to admire in the Gulf of Morbihan...
The historic centre of Vannes is a maze of cobbled streets where the medieval past of the city still seems to be present. As you walk through these streets, you will be charmed by the colourful half-timbered houses, typical of Breton architecture of the sixteenth century. The Place Henri IV, in the heart of old Vannes, is an ideal place for a break in one of the cafés or restaurants, while admiring these historic buildings that seem to come straight out of another time.
The ramparts of Vannes, which surround part of the city centre, are among the best preserved in Brittany. A walk along these fortifications offers stunning views of the beautifully manicured formal gardens below. The ramparts are also home to several ancient towers and gates, including the Porte Saint-Vincent, which connects the fortified city to the marina. It is a must-see during your visit to Vannes!
Overlooking the old town, the Saint-Pierre de Vannes cathedral is a magnificent building mixing Romanesque and Gothic styles. It houses the relics of Saint Vincent Ferrier, a famous Spanish preacher of the fourteenth century. Its dazzling stained glass windows and majestic interior make it a must-visit for religious history buffs, but also for architecture enthusiasts.
The port of Vannes is a lively place, perfect for a walk at the end of the day. It is lined with restaurants, terraces and shops, and is an excellent starting point for boat trips in the Gulf of Morbihan. Classified as one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the Gulf of Morbihan is dotted with islands, the most famous of which are Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz. A cruise in this enchanting setting allows you to discover the natural beauty and tranquility of the Breton islands.
Located in a former medieval market, the Musée de la Cohue is an exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art, while offering permanent collections that retrace the history of art in Brittany. This museum allows you to better understand the evolution of the local art scene while discovering contemporary works.
The Palais des Arts et des Congrès de Vannes offers a variety of shows, ranging from theatre to music. You can also take advantage of the cinemas for an outing with family or friends.
Vannes is a dynamic city, with a rich cultural programme throughout the year. The Jazz en Ville Festival, in summer, attracts renowned musicians and makes the streets of the city vibrate to the sound of jazz. Every two years, Gulf Week celebrates the sea with traditional boat regattas and activities on the quays, a great opportunity to discover the Breton maritime heritage. It is an unmissable event in Vannes in the Gulf of Morbihan.
The proximity of Vannes to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Morbihan allows the city to offer seafood of exceptional quality. Gulf oysters, scallops, mussels and line-caught sea bass are among the most popular specialties. In the restaurants of Vannes, you can enjoy seafood platters accompanied by Breton salted butter and local white wine.
Brittany is world famous for its buckwheat pancakes and sweet pancakes. You will find many creperies in Vannes, where you can enjoy these delicacies, filled with ham, cheese, egg or seafood for the savory versions, and salted butter caramel or chocolate for the sweet ones.
As for pastries, the kouign-amann, a cake rich in butter and caramelized sugar, is a must for lovers of Breton sweets. Don't miss the far breton with prunes, which is one of the traditional desserts of the region.
For an authentic experience in Vannes, don't miss the Halles des Lices and the Vannes market.
Halles des Lices: Located in the heart of the city, the Halles des Lices are the ideal place to discover Breton gastronomy. This vibrant covered market is full of fresh produce, from local fish and seafood to seasonal vegetables, regional meats and cheeses. It is a lively place where visitors can taste specialties such as kouign-amann or Breton galettes, while discovering typical products such as Cancale oysters or local cider. The Halles des Lices are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Vannes Market: Located on the Place des Lices, this open-air market is a lively and picturesque place. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the stalls are full of fresh produce, from meat and fish to seasonal fruit and vegetables. It is the perfect place to taste traditional Breton cuisine, with specialties such as far breton, lace pancakes or apple pies.
To complete your gastronomic experience in Vannes, here is a selection of restaurants not to be missed:
These places will allow you to fully discover the culinary richness of the region, ranging from local specialties to creative and modern dishes. There are plenty of highly rated restaurants in Vannes to feast on.
After discovering the cultural and gastronomic riches of the city of Vannes, a getaway to Erdeven, about 40 minutes from the city, is a great opportunity to discover another facet of Morbihan. Erdeven is famous for its wild beaches, dunes and alignments of menhirs, which bear witness to the region's past.
It is also an ideal place for outdoor sports enthusiasts: surfing, kite-surfing, hiking or cycling, there are many activities. To stay as close as possible to this exceptional nature while minimizing your environmental impact, Naéco Hostels offers eco-responsible and friendly accommodation. Set in a green setting, this hotel offers comfortable rooms made of sustainable materials, perfect for a getaway in the middle of nature.
By staying at Naéco Erdeven, you can discover the beaches of Kerhillio or Kerminihy or visit the alignments of Kerzerho, a fascinating megalithic site reminiscent of the famous menhirs of Carnac.
At Naéco Hostels, our priority is to combine pleasure and discovery, while enjoying the natural beauties of southern Brittany while respecting nature.
