Top 6 things to do in Vannes

The Vannes region has a lot to offer. It’s a region that’s much appreciated for its maritime character and the many pleasant monuments and squares where you can relax at the end of the day. Fancy visiting a museum? Or go on a hiking adventure? Or simply relax with a cup of coffee in hand? No problem! Navaway knows its readers’ needs like the back of its hand and has come up with a total of six activities that will be perfect for you on your holiday in Vannes. Without further ado, discover them now!

What to do in Vannes

1. Discover the historic centre and its ramparts

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Coming to Vannes means soaking up centuries of history. So the best place to start is by venturing into the historic centre to discover its mythical ramparts, one of the city’s most important landmarks. To give you an idea, the ramparts are in fact the cornerstone of Vannes’ tourist heritage. It’s an intriguing place in every way, thanks to its tumultuous history, which we’ll give you plenty of opportunity to discover first-hand. If you’re interested in Vannes’ past, and Brittany’s in general, you’ll have plenty of time to learn all about it. Here’s a little tidbit: just a stone’s throw away, you’ll come face to face with the Tour du Connétable, which was once both a residential tower and a defence tower.

2. Saint-Pierre Cathedral

Category: Free/Cultural

Description : Did you know? Saint-Pierre de Vannes cathedral is the most visited cathedral in Brittany. As you stroll down the rue des Chanoines, it’s impossible to miss this splendid Gothic monument with its magnetic, bewitching aura. It stands on the ancient remains of a Romanesque cathedral. And if you’re a connoisseur among our readers, you’ll soon realise from the photo above that it’s actually a basilica. It has housed the relics of Saint-Vincent Ferrier since 1419, and was once a place of pilgrimage. St Peter’s cathedral is also known as the “minor basilica”. Open every day from 8.30am to 7pm, visitors have enjoyed the unique cross-vaulted nave lined with chapels.

3. Place Henri IV

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description : Every now and then, it’s good to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy yourself. That’s what holidays are all about: doing nothing, relaxing, having a drink and just chatting. Wouldn’t you agree? Place Henri IV is one of the most charming places in Vannes. It’s the place where people come to enjoy a good coffee after work: the key words are ‘relaxation’ and ‘tranquillity’. It’s the perfect place to stop off after exploring the historic centre, its ramparts and Saint-Pierre cathedral. The setting is warm and welcoming, with the superb timber-framed houses giving the square a fairytale feel. It’s the perfect place to make new friends and meet new people if you’re travelling alone and are looking for advice from locals on Vannes’ secret spots.

4. The Marina

Category: Free, Cultural

Description: Brittany and the sea air are one and the same. So much so that if you’re passing through Vannes, you absolutely must visit its port, right in the middle of the town, facing the Gulf of Morbihan: both a commercial port and a yachting harbour. All you need to do is take the main channel at Port Navalo. There, you’ll come across the departure point for sea links to neighbouring islands. Many tourists like to come here at the end of the day, when the breeze gently grazes the back of your neck and the temperatures are a little cooler. Watching the boats depart with their cargoes is quite impressive, and you can see the many shipyards in the harbour. Finally, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and markets near the port. You’re sure to want to stop off!

5. The Museum of Fine Arts

Category : €/Cultural

Description: A full visit to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, located near Place Saint-Pierre, takes around 1? to 2 hours. Also known as the Musée de la Cohue, it has been listed as a historic monument since 1929. Created in 1982, and open every day from 10am to 6pm, it is housed in an ancient medieval alleyway and will take you through its rooms on a varied tour: from Delacroix’s Christ on the Cross, a famous painting, to more recent works. Everything you’re likely to find inside the building, including the temporary exhibitions, will tell you something about the history of Vannes, and indeed of Brittany as a whole. For all you history buffs out there, this is where you’ll want to spend an afternoon, lost in the midst of all these works of art. Pure beauty…

6. A walk around the Gulf

Category: Free/Sporty

Description : Yes, you’re in Brittany. So clearly a hike is in order. After all, there’s nothing like a visit in the middle of nature. So leave the historic centre behind and snuggle up in a green setting where the sea air is king. Pack your rucksack, don’t forget a good pair of trainers and several litres of water, and set off on an adventure in a sublime setting. The Gulf offers a hike that may be long and tiring, but it’s far from difficult, so it’s within reach of the youngest visitors. It’s a perfect outing for the whole family, and ideal for top sportsmen and women who have only one thing in mind: to do this trail walk, at one with the surrounding nature. And don’t forget to take advantage of the many sublime viewpoints!