Golfe du Morbihan

In the crook of Brittany's southern coastline, the Golfe du Morbihan (Morbihan Coast; www.morbihan.com) is a haven of around 40 islands, plus beaches, oyster beds and bird life. Its shallow waters form a breathtakingly beautiful inland sea that's easily accessible from Vannes. Some islands are barely sandy specks of land, while others harbour communities of fishermen, farmers and artistic types seduced by the island lifestyle.

The area is perhaps best known for its profusion of magnificent and mystifying Celtic megaliths – a must for a visit to Brittany. They rise majestically throughout most of the département, charging the area with a sense of ancient mystery.

Further inland lies the handsome town of Josselin, well-known for its huge castle, medieval contours and scenic riverine perch on the River Oust. For further doses of ancient charm, the picture-postcard town of Rochefort-en-Terre is well worth a day's exploration to fully soak up its historic flavours.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Golfe du Morbihan.

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Carnac Alignments
Predating Stonehenge by around 100 years, the Carnac (Garnag in Breton) area is the world's greatest concentration of megalithic sites, with no fewer than 3000 of these upright stones, erected between 5000 and 3500 BC. One km north of Carnac-Ville a vast array of monoliths form several distinct alignments, all visible from the road, though fenced for controlled admission. The best way to appreciate the stones' sheer numbers is to walk or bike between the Ménec and Kerlescan groups.
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Château de Josselin
Guarded by its three round towers and overlooking the canal, the extraordinary town château is an formidable sight that remains the home of the Rohan family today. Beyond the entrance gate, the castle fans out into tree-filled grounds and a central courtyard, which affords a great view of the castle's Flamboyant Gothic façade. The château is filled with treasures, including a medieval-style dining room, a 3000-tome library and a grand salon filled with Sèvres porcelain, Gobelins carpets and an astronomical clock.
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Locmariaquer Megaliths
This unusual neolithic site on the eastern edge of the village of Locmariaquer (13km south of Auray) sits in an area rich in dolmens. This one features three distinct forms. A giant broken menhir (20m long and the tallest in Western Europe) was made from a type of granite that indicates it was transported (it is not understood how) several kilometres. The Table des Marchand dolmen boasts an incredible geometric carving in its interior, while an enormous tumulus covers multiple graves.
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Tumulus de Kercado
The massive burial mound of a neolithic chieftain dating from 3800 BC, the astonishing Tumulus de Kercado lies just east of Kermario and 500m to the south of the D196; look for the signs. Deposit your fee (€1) in an honour box at the entry hut that you walk through to reach the site. You can walk through the passageway (there's a light switch) and stand up within the chamber at the heart of the tumulus.
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Ramparts
Vannes' old town is surrounded by imposing ramparts and gates, which are in turn lined by a moat and, on the eastern edge, simply spectacular flower-filled gardens. Tucked away behind rue des Vierges, stairs lead to the accessible section of the ramparts from which you can see the black-roofed Vieux Lavoirs (Old Laundry Houses) along the water. Or walk rue Francis Decker, on the wall's eastern exterior, to take it all in.
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Cairn de Gavrinis
One of the most special neolithic ruins along the Morbihan coast, this giant cairn is out on the island of the same name. Dating from 4000 BC and measuring more than 50m in diameter, the beautifully situated tomb is well known for its profusion of intricate engravings. You access the site on a 15-minute boat trip from the harbour at Larmor-Baden (14km southeast of Auray), and it's important to reserve tickets in advance.
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Pointe des Poulains
The island's northernmost point juts out dramatically at Pointe des Poulains. Flanked by craggy cliffs and affording sublime views, this windswept headland is Belle Île's loftiest lookout, and was once the home of French actress (and sculptor) Sarah Bernhardt. Her former fortress home is open to the public as a museum from April to October; there is a lighthouse here too, closer to the Pointe itself.
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Aiguilles de Port Coton
Just off the western side of the island, these magnificent rock stacks – depicted in a series of celebrated canvases by Claude Monet in 1886 – resemble aiguilles (needles) and are a must-see for panorama-lovers and photographers. The name Port Coton comes from the way the sea foams around the rocks, creating foam like cotton wool.
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Tumulus St-Michel
This huge tumulus, 400m northeast of the Carnac-Ville tourist office, and accessed off the D781 at the end of chemin du Tumulus (itself off rue du Tumulus), is a gigantic burial mound with a church on top. It dates back to at least 5000 BC and offers sweeping views (exterior access only).