Valves

Historic Breton town: medieval ramparts, timber-framed houses and marina.

Vannes: Journey to the Heart of History, Gastronomy and

Vannes, an emblematic city in southern Brittany, is an invitation to discover the region's rich historical and cultural heritage. Nestling on the banks of the Morbihan Gulf, the city is famous for its ramparts, timber-framed houses and lively port, Vannes is also known for its art de vivre, which combines the pleasures of the table with a love of the sea. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover or a gourmet in search of new flavors, Vannes has it all.

We take you on a journey to discover the hidden treasures of the city of Vannes: must-see sites to explore, culinary specialities to savour, wild beauty to admire in the Morbihan Gulf...

The Unmissable Treasures of Vannes

The historic center and its half-timbered houses

Visit historic center of Vannes is a maze of cobbled lanes where the town's medieval past still seems present. As you stroll these streets, you'll be charmed by the timber-framed houses typical of 16th-century Breton architecture. Place Henri IV, the heart of old Vannes, This is an ideal place to take a break in one of the cafés or restaurants, while admiring the historic buildings that seem to have stepped out of time.

Ramparts and French Gardens

Visit Vannes ramparts, These fortifications, which encircle part of the town center, are among the best preserved in Brittany. A stroll along the fortifications offers a breathtaking view of the beautifully manicured formal gardens below. The ramparts are also home to several ancient towers and gates, including the Porte Saint-Vincent, which links the fortified town to the marina. It's a must-see when you're on your visit to Vannes!

Saint Peter's Cathedral

Dominating the old town, the Saint-Pierre Cathedral of Vannes is a magnificent edifice blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. It houses the relics of Saint Vincent Ferrier, the famous 14th-century Spanish preacher. Its dazzling stained glass windows and majestic interior make it a must-see for religious history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.

The Marina and the Gulf of Morbihan

Visit port of Vannes is a lively place, perfect for a stroll at the end of the day. It's lined with restaurants, terraces and boutiques, and is an excellent starting point for boat excursions into the Morbihan Gulf. Ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world, the Golfe du Morbihan is dotted with islands, the most famous of which are Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz. A cruise in this enchanting setting allows you to discover the natural beauty and tranquility of the Breton islands.

Leisure and Activities in Vannes

Musée des Beaux-Arts La Cohue

Housed in an old medieval market, the Musée de la Cohue is an exhibition space devoted to contemporary art, with permanent collections tracing the history of art in Brittany. The museum allows visitors to better understand the evolution of the local art scene while discovering contemporary works.

Theater and cinema in Vannes

Vannes' Palais des Arts et des Congrès offers a variety of shows, from theater to music. You can also take advantage of the cinemas for an outing with family or friends.

Festivals and Events in Vannes

Vannes is a dynamic city, with a rich cultural program all year round. Visit Jazz en Ville Festival, The summer festival attracts renowned musicians and brings the city's streets alive with the sound of jazz. Every two years, the Gulf Week celebrates the sea with traditional boat regattas and entertainment on the quayside, a great opportunity to discover Brittany's maritime heritage. It's an event not to be missed in Vannes in the Gulf of Morbihan.

Culinary Specialties of Vannes

Seafood and fish from the Gulf

Vannes' proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Morbihan means that the city can offer seafood of exceptional quality. Visit Gulf oysters, Scallops, mussels marinière and sea bass are among the most popular specialties. In Vannes' restaurants, you can enjoy seafood platters accompanied by Breton salted butter and local white wine.

Galettes and Crêpes

Brittany is world-famous for its buckwheat pancakes and sweet crepes. You'll find plenty of crêperies in Vannes, A place to enjoy these delicacies, topped with ham, cheese, egg or seafood for the savoury versions, and salted butter caramel or chocolate for the sweet ones.

Kouign-Amann and Far Breton

As for pastries, kouign-amann, a cake rich in butter and caramelized sugar, is a must for lovers of Breton sweets. And don't miss Far Breton with prunes, one of the region's traditional desserts.

Une Halte Gourmande à Vannes: Halles des lices and Vannes restaurants

For an authentic Vannes experience, don't miss the Halles des Lices and the Vannes market.

Halles des Lices: Located right in the heart of the city, the Halles des Lices are the ideal place to discover Breton gastronomy. This vibrant indoor market is packed with fresh produce, from local fish and seafood to seasonal vegetables, meats and regional cheeses. It's a lively place where visitors can sample specialties like kouign-amann or galettes bretonnes, while discovering typical products like Cancale oysters or local cider. Les Halles des Lices is open Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Marché de Vannes: Located on the Place des Lices, This open-air market is a lively and picturesque place. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the stalls are packed with fresh produce, from meat and fish to seasonal fruit and vegetables. It's the perfect place to sample traditional Breton cuisine, with specialties such as far breton, crêpes dentelle and apple pie.

To complete your gastronomic experience in Vannes, here is a selection of restaurants not to be missed:

1. À l'Image Sainte-Anne : This restaurant has been a Vannes institution since 1948, and before that it was an inn bearing the same name as far back as 1738. Famous for its local cuisine that blends tradition and modernity, the decor is elegant and the atmosphere friendly. Located in downtown Vannes, it offers 100% homemade dishes made with fresh, local produce, emphasizing quality and seasonality.
2. Le 1930 Conleau: Located on the seafront in Conleau, this themed restaurant offers seafood-focused cuisine, with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Morbihan. Seafood platters and fresh fish are the house specialties. In spring, the restaurant boasts an attractive terrace with a beach bar atmosphere. In autumn and winter, the restaurant takes on a Savoyard ambience in both decor and food.
3. La Villa Romana Since 1992, this restaurant has been serving authentic Italian cuisine, featuring wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, a rare specialty in the region. The elevated terrace offers a breathtaking view of the rampart gardens, creating an ideal setting for savoring traditional Italian dishes such as Milanese-style schnitzel or pasta al pesto.
4. Chez La Mère 6 Sous The Bistrot d'art et d'histoire is a bistro with a warm ambience and meticulous decor. Set in a colorful cul-de-sac lined with humorous slates, this atypical restaurant offers traditional, family-style cuisine, featuring local produce and homemade dishes. The menu, which changes regularly with the seasons, offers generous dishes accompanied by a fine selection of wines to suit all tastes. The restaurant also boasts an outdoor terrace, ideal for enjoying fine weather.

These places will allow you to fully discover the region's culinary wealth, from local specialties to creative, modern dishes. You'll find many restaurants in Vannes in which to indulge.

Getaway to Erdeven: eco-friendly stay at Naéco Hostels

After discovering the cultural and gastronomic riches of the city of Vannes, A trip to Erdeven, about 40 minutes from the town, is a great opportunity to discover another facet of Morbihan. Erdeven is famous for its wild beaches, dunes and alignments of menhirs, which bear witness to the region's past.

It's also an ideal place for outdoor sports enthusiasts: surfing, kite-surfing, hiking and biking are just some of the activities on offer. To stay as close as possible to this exceptional natural environment while minimizing your environmental impact Naéco Hostels offers eco-friendly accommodation. Set in verdant surroundings, this establishment offers comfortable rooms made from sustainable materials, perfect for a nature getaway.

Staying with Naéco Erdeven, You can also explore the beaches of Kerhillio or Kerminihy, or visit the Kerzerho alignments, a fascinating megalithic site reminiscent of the famous menhirs at Carnac.

At Naéco Hostels, our priority is to combine pleasure and discovery, while enjoying the natural beauty of Southern Brittany in a way that respects nature.