(Photo c.ledu - http://www.port-navalo.com/)

Antic Darioritum in Roman times, Vannes became in the Middle-ages, one of the principals fortified towns of Brittany, residence of the Dukes of Brittany. Its flourishing harbour allowed tradesman of the 16th and 17th centuries to erect beautiful mansions.

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The enclosed town unveil its tresures on walks. Enter by the Saint-Vincent gate (18th) which looks out onto the large Gambetta square, ideal on evenings or in summer to have a cup of coffee. go up to the Lices square where stands a covered market of 1912 and the "hôtel de Francheville (17th)" (the mansion of Francheville). The Valencia square, displays a statue of Saint Vincent Ferrier while in the crossing of Noë street and P.R. Rogues street, two polychromatic figures of the 16th century,"Vannes et sa Femme", can be noticed. Here stands also the museum of archeology of the Morbihan, at the Gaillard castle (tél. 33(0)2.97.47.35.86).

The cathedral, dedicated to Saint-Pierre, is a nice building of the 15th century which has been modified until the 19th century. Here are kept the relics of Saint Vincent Ferrier who died in Vannes in 1419. The fine arts museum, presents rich collections linked to breton patrimony, is located in the old "cohu" (tél. 33(0)2.97.47.35.86). Leave the enclosed town by the gate of the Prison to have a walk in Saint-Patern district with beautiful wooden houses.

The garden going along the 600 meters of fortifications which did the reputation of Vannes, just like its washthubs hidden in a bend of the Marle. Have an overall view on the top of the Garenne plateau.
The harbour comes quite up to the town, bringing its maritime touch to the medieval surrounding. The Rabine quay is a nice place to have walks. Don't also miss the peninsula of Conleau which offers a beautiful viewpoint on the gulf.

(Photo c.ledu - http://www.port-navalo.com/)

Beauties of the "petite mer" (small sea) and its multiple islets unveil themselves in a boat trip (Compagny Navix, Tél. 33(0)2.97.46.60.00 or Compagnie des Iles, tél. 33(0)2.97.46.18.19). You can from here reach "l’île aux Moines" (island of monks) too.

From the gulf, you'll find the automatons museum (tél. 33(0)2.97.40.40.39), the oceanic and tropical aquarium (tél. 33(0)2.97.40.67.40) and the butterflies garden (tél. 33(0)2.97.46.01.02).

Practical guide to Vannes: 51.759 habitants, "Vannetais"
Paris (460km) ; Nantes (111km)
Rennes (111km) ; Brest (187km)

Mairie: Place Maurice Marchais
Code postal: 56000
Tél :02.97.01.80.00
Fax :02.97.01.80.01

Office de tourisme: 1, rue Thiers
Tél. 02.97.47.24.34
Fax. 02.97.47.29.49

E.mail: office.tourisme.vannes@wanadoo.fr
ville@vannes-bretagne-sud.com
Site: http://www.tourisme.fr/vannes

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