Saint-Gwenaël street

Saint-Gwenaël Street is a pretty little cobbled street that winds alongside the cathedral. This medieval alleyway, with its irregular layout, was first called Rue de la Paix and then Four du Duc Street, which was located at number 13.

The street is lined with fine half-timbered houses, including number 17/19, which is thought to be the oldest of the 170 preserved half-timbered houses in Vannes. The oldest archive found dates back to 1476, but experts believe that they were built a century earlier.

Nevertheless, Saint-Gwenaël Street still echoes with its past, and is an integral part of Vannes’ historic heritage. If you continue walking, you will come across the Brulée Square, at the back of the cathedral. This strange name is a reminder of a devastating fire that left its mark on the town’s history.

In 1844, the timber-framed houses adjoining the cathedral burnt down, but the cathedral’s imposing stone walls kept the flames at bay and protected the rest of the town. This tragedy deeply marked people’s minds. So much so that it was decided to leave the space created by the fire, and name it the Burnt Square, in commemoration of that dreadful day.