Archaeological Site
Carnac AlignmentsPredating Stonehenge by around 100 years, the Carnac (Garnag in Breton) area is the world's greatest concentration of megalithic sites, with no fewer than…
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.
Explore Golfe du Morbihan
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Golfe du Morbihan.
Castle
Château de JosselinGuarded by its three round towers and overlooking the canal, the extraordinary town château is an formidable sight that remains the home of the Rohan…
Archaeological Site
Locmariaquer MegalithsThis 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…
Historic Site
RampartsVannes' 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…
Archaeological Site
Cairn de GavrinisOne 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…
Natural Feature
Aiguilles de Port CotonJust off the western side of the island, these magnificent rock stacks – depicted in a series of celebrated canvases by Claude Monet in 1886 – resemble…
Archaeological Site
Tumulus de KercadoThe 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…
Natural Feature
Pointe des PoulainsThe island's northernmost point juts out dramatically at Pointe des Poulains. Flanked by craggy cliffs and affording sublime views, this windswept…
Archaeological Site
Tumulus St-MichelThis 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…
Archaeological Site
Alignements du MénecOpposite the Maison des Mégalithes, the largest menhir field – with 1099 stones – is the Alignements du Ménec, 1km north of Carnac-Ville.
Museum
Maison des MégalithesThe main information point for the Carnac alignments is the Maison des Mégalithes, 1km north of Carnac-Ville, which explores the history of the megalithic…
Church
Basilique Notre-Dame du RoncierRinged by some highly impressive gargoyles, parts of the Basilique Notre-Dame du Roncier date from the 12th century, including its Romanesque pillars. The…
Museum
Musée de PréhistoireThe Musée de Préhistoire is chock full of the finds from the megalithic sites throughout the region, so it serves as a fantastic primer to the area and…
Gallery
La Cohue – Musée des Beaux-ArtsOpposite the cathedral, the building called La Cohue has variously been a produce market, a law court and the seat of the Breton parliament. Today it's a…
Archaeological Site
Géant du ManioYou can find this huge, dwarfing menhir among pine trees about 300m east of the Kercado turnoff along the D196; there's a parking area just off the road…
Museum
Musée d'Histoire et d'ArchéologieHoused inside the 16th-century Château Gaillard, this small but intriguing museum contains precious neolithic artefacts unearthed throughout the region,…
Fort
Citadelle Vauban & Musée d'Art et d'HistoireThe dramatic citadel, strengthened by the architect Vauban in 1682, dominates little Le Palais port. Inside, the informative museum's displays concentrate…
Archaeological Site
Cairn de Petit MontThis broad neolithic tomb sits on the southern shore the Rhuys Peninsula, on the southern edge of the Golfe du Morbihan. Built between 4500 and 2500 BC,…
Cathedral
Cathédrale St-PierreOn the eastern side of place St-Pierre looms the 13th-century Gothic Cathédrale St-Pierre, being ambitiously restored in parts at the time of writing…
Historic Building
Maison de Vannes et Sa FemmeOn the corner of rue Noë and rue Pierre Rogue, look for the famous Maison de Vannes et Sa Femme, which sports a timber carving of a portly 16th-century…