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Top 10 Things to Do in Vannes

Vannes is located on the Gulf of Morbihan at the mouth of Marle River and Vincin River to the north-western of France. The name Vannes comes from the Veneti, Celtic people, who originally inhabited the area before the Roman invation led by Julius Ceasar in 56BC.

It is characterized by its fortified walls, towers and gates that surround nearly all of the old city. The town has managed to preserve its historical structure so much so that there so many world-famous sites and attractions. Here are 10 interesting things to do in the city that has managed to seamlessly merge modern times with historical time.

1. Ramparts de Vannes

Vannes remparts – Wikimedia Commons

The Ramparts de Vannes is a symbol of the city, being one of the very few fortifications that are in relatively good structural condition. The fortifications were built between the 3^rd and 17^th century to protect the city of Vannes. The city had a violet history where it had been besieged by its enemies more than five times. As a protective measure, the walls were erected to strengthen and protect it from its enemies.

As a result of active heritage protection societies, the city walls have been well preserved and have managed to withstand the test of time. You can walk around the wall admiring the architectural work, take in the wonderful aroma created by flowerbeds that surround the wall and admire the monuments that cover the wall.

2. Place Henri IV

Vannes place Henri-IV – Wikimedia Commons

Place Henry IV is a roughly 400 meter public square inside the city walls on the highest point of the Mene hill. Originally the Bretons had named the square Men-Guevr stone goat but in the 18^th century, the name was changed to Mallievre. During the revolution time, in 1789, the square was renamed to its current name.

The square is surrounded by half-timbered houses with slated roofs, dating as far back as the 14^th century, that make you feel like you have just time-traveled to ancient Vannes. As you roam around the square try tacking the 5 structures with the square that are declared historical monuments. Have fun haunting for these buildings and learning about their great history.

3. Musee de Prehistoire

Carnac megalith alignment – Wikipedia

The museum is completely dedicated to the Neolithic period, 5500-2200BC. The museum is where you can learn about the strange structure such as the monolithic graves and the artistic alignment of stones that lie out there. The museum also assists you to know the day to day lives of the people during this time via various displays.

The museum鈥檚 birth is closely linked to James Miln, a Scottish scientist. Having studied the megalithic monuments in his country he came to Carnac to see if there was a connection between the structures that are found here as well. He excavated the area and upon his death in 1881 his brother built the museum which stored his archeological discoveries with the area. His apprentice Zacharie Le Rouzic contributed to the collection as well.

4. Jardin des Ramparts

Vannes jardin des remparts – Wikimedia Commons

The Jardin des Ramparts is a 1.5-hectare public park bounded to the west by the ramparts of the old town. The garden was opened to the public in early 1950. After the Second World War the mayor of the city, Mayor Francis Decker, acquired the wastelands on the eastern side of the city walls and transformed it into a French-style garden.

The Vannes River runs through the garden making it even more gorgeous with the various brightly colored flowers colors reflected on the calm flowing water. At night the garden is well light and makes it appear magical and mystic. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed on the grass but there are well-laid paths all around the garden.

5. Museum of Fine Arts

Vannes La Cohue – Wikipedia

The locals also refer to it as the Musee de la Cohue. The museum was created in 1982 in the La Cohue, a building with its own rich history. The museum is opposite the cathedral and displays 19th-century聽paintings, sculptures and engravings. There is also a rotating exhibition of contemporary art.

La Cohue is a hall that was declared a historical monument in 1929. The oldest parts of the building date back to the 1200s. The hall belonged to the Duke of Brittany and was used as a market area on the ground floor. The first floor was used as a parliament of Brittany from 1675 to 1796. In 1970 the building was restored in 1970 before housing the Fine Arts Museum.

6. Cathedral of Saint Peter

Vannes cathedral front – Wikipedia

Popularly known as Vannes cathedral was constructed between the 11^th and 18^th century. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Vannes and was declared a basilica minor by Pope Pius IX on 5^th June 1870. The church is completely built of granite.

The cathedral is a m茅lange of styles with the Romanesque style noticeable on the bell-tower fa莽ade, it is the oldest feature on the church, the church鈥檚 northern transept is late Flamboyant Gothic style and the exterior fa莽ade carved in 1857 in a neo-Gothic style.

7. Place de Valencia

Vannes place Valencia – Wikimedia Commons

It is a small public square of less than 500 meters square located inside the first enclosure of the city鈥檚 intramural. The square is named after Saint Vincent Ferrier who came to preach to Vannes in 1418. The half-timbered house of Saint Vincent is located within the square and has been listed as a historical monument since 1929.

Saint Vincent is the patron saint of Vannes. He was born in Valencia, Spain and came to Vannes as a missionary in the 15^th century. Hence the name of the square that is dedicated to him. As you take a sip of coffee on one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area try spotting the granite sculpture painted in a loony way at the entrance of the Chateau Gaillard of Vannes and his wife.

8. Les Vieux Lavoirs

Vannes Vieux lavoirs – Wikimedia Commons

Les Vieux lavoirs are old washhouses on the right banks of the Marle Stream designed by Albert Robida. These timber-framed buildings with sloping roofs trick people into thinking they are medieval, they were built around 1797 and 1809 and enlarged in 1827 to cope with the increasing number of washerwomen. The washhouses were declared historical monuments in July 1928.

In 1928 the building was acquired by the town hall of Vannes. In 1951 washing in the dirty was prohibited by the same town hall resulting in the building’s closure.

9. Port of Vannes

Port de Vannes – Wikimedia

The port of Vannes is a commercial, passenger and marina port dating back to the 11^th century. The port stretches 1,200 meters from the walled city to the Gulf of Morbihan. Since 2007-2009 the port has been redeveloped to include a number of habor offices, cultural kiosk, office for tourism, green space and underground parking.

Stroll around the port and look out for Le Corbeau des Mers, a lobster-catching sloop dating as far back as 1931, Les Trois Freres, a one of a kind fishing boat that was built back in 1941 and enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the tree-line along the western side of the port. You can also observe the day to day running of the port.

10. Gulf of Morbihan

Port de Vannes – Wikimedia

At the port, you can board a boat for a voyage around the spectacular Gulf of Morbihan, which has 42 island and islets. The name of the gulf comes from the Breton word 鈥淢or Bihan鈥� meaning 鈥渓ittle sea鈥�. Morbihan is almost completely closed off from the ocean except for the narrow straits between Port-Navalo and Kerpenhir. Most of the islands and islets are inhabited so you can go ashore for perfect seclusion.

Dubbed the pearl of southern Britanny where the ocean invades the countryside. The largest two islands are l鈥檒le-aux-Moines and l鈥檒le-d鈥橝rz. The area surrounding the gulf features megalithic structures such as passage dolmes, giant menhirs, stone circles, stepped pyramids with underground dolmen and many more.