Situated in the Gulf of Morbihan, in the southern part of Brittany, France, Vannes is undoubtedly the pride of Brittany with its 272 historic monuments, its magnificent old defenses surrounding nearly the whole city, and its picturesque timber houses dating back to the 14th and the 15th-centuries. There are countless reasons to visit Vannes. This is a destination with fascinating history, world-class culture, exceptional natural beauty, and wonderful people. There are a number of things to do in Vannes. Therefore, for a fantastic vacation, go ahead and check the ideal locations to visit in Vannes, which has a population of 54,020.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Ramparts de Vannes
The medieval old town has preserved its architectural richness, including beautiful 13th-century ramparts. Roaming around the well-preserved medieval streets of Vannes is indeed a feast for the eyes. Dating back to the 1st-century, the Romans built this town. After many expansions and modifications over the centuries, the government decided to protect this site in 1911. Today, Vannes Ramparts have a very strong impact on the city of Vannes since they are the remnant fortifications in Brittany.
Old City Walls of Vannes
Address: 4 Rue des Vierges, 56000 Vannes, France
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
2. Saint-Vincent Gate
Another great stop is Saint-Vincent Gate. The main southern access to the walled city, it is through this entryway. The reason it has a less medieval look than the remainder of Vannes’ defenses is because the gap between the walls was created at the end of the 1500s, to permit quick access to the port, which had been reconfigured to approach the city.
Porte Saint Vincent
Address: 1 Place Gambetta, 56000 Vannes, France
3. Castle of the Hermine
Outside the town walls to the East is the beautiful Castle of the Hermine, which was once the home of the Dukes of Brittany from the 13th to the 15th-century. The castle we see now is from the 17th-century, which is a replacement of the older much more formidable castle. It is now an exhibition space with pretty gardens. In May you can take advantage of Vannes’ tradition at “the Photo de Mer exhibition,” held in the sweet formal gardens on the bank of the Marle.
Château de l'Hermine
Address: 5 Rue Porte Poterne, 56000 Vannes, France
Contact: +33 825135610
Website: Château de l'Hermine
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Museum of History and Archeology
Vannes has two museums: the Gaillard Castle and La Cohue. The Gaillard Castle is a 15th-century mansion house and accommodates the museum of archaeology and the town’s history. This museum is a reflection of the city’s rich architecture and history. You’re standing in front of what was the location of the Breton parliament until 1535. Tourists will be awed by the wide selection of vintage treasures. From the prehistoric artifacts recovered from the megaliths near Vannes, jewelry, polished axes and pottery to the Cabinet of the Fathers of the Desert, with 66 wooden panels painted in the 17th-century.
Château-Gaillard
Address: 2 Rue Noé, 56000 Vannes, France
Contact: +33 297016300
Website: Château-Gaillard
5. La Cohue - Museum of Fine Arts of Vannes
La Cohue, a 13th-century covered market that hosted the Breton Parliament from 1675 to 1689, is now a museum of fine arts. The oldest portion of the building is from the 12th-century, and for a considerable length of time, the ground floor was Vannes’ marketplace. There are some charming temporary contemporary art displays on the upper floor and a concise permanent show that exhibits Delacroix and Monet’s works.
La Cohue - Musée des Beaux Arts de Vannes
Address: 15 Place Saint-Pierre, 56000 Vannes, France
Contact: +33 297016300
Opening Hours: from 1:30pm to 6pm (except Mondays)
Website: La Cohue
6. Vannes Cathedral
Vannes Cathedral or Saint-Pierre Cathedral was built between the 13th and the 18th-centuries. This charming cathedral is well worth a visit. Vannes Cathedral is built from granite with a combination of styles, from Romanesque, Gothic, and Italian Renaissance to Neo-Gothic elements.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes
Address: 22 Rue des Chanoines, 56000 Vannes, France
Contact +33 297471088
Website: Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Vannes
7. Port of Vannes
Sailboats are moored for almost the whole length of the port, and there are a couple to pay special mind to: “Le Corbeau des Mers”, a lobster-catching loop from 1931, and “Les Trois Frères”, an uncommon fishing vessel built in 1941 and called “Sinagot”, the remnant of its kind.
Port of Vannes
Address: Quai Bernard Moitessier, Vannes
Website: Port of Vannes
8. Gulf of Morbihan
Looking for a new vacation destination? The Gulf of Morbihan, where there’s an archipelago of 42 islands, is one of nature’s gifts to mankind. The “Parc du Golfe” is about a mile (1.6 km) south of the town center and it is here that you can go on boat trips around the Gulf of Morbihan. The Gulf of Morbihan is the ideal destination for beach lovers. It offers a grandiose view of the sea, with its crystal clear waters and welcoming ambiance. Also, it is perfect for bike rides and treks to island-hopping cruises.
Gulf of Morbihan
Website: Gulf of Morbihan
9. Vannes Aquarium
Vannes Aquarium is a few minutes southwest of the walled city. It has a huge collection of tropical fish, seahorse, and cuttlefish. Strangely enough, you can watch “Eleanore,” a Nile crocodile which was captured in Paris sewers in 1984. She is more than three meters (10 foot) long and weighs 250 kilos (551 lb.).
Vannes Aquarium
Address: 21 Rue Daniel Gilard, 56000 Vannes, France
Contact: +33 297406740
Website: Vannes Aquarium
10. The Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly Garden or “Jardin aux Papillons,” is an amazing little butterfly paradise. It is a glass dome filled with a huge variety of plants where of hundreds of butterflies fly free. Children will stroll around and enjoy the visit after learning about the life cycle of the butterfly. It’s well worth a visit, especially when you know that it is located just beside the aquarium.
The Butterfly Garden
Address: 18 Rue Daniel Gilard, 56000 Vannes, France
Contact: +33 297406740
Opening Hours: from 11am to 5:30pm
Website: The Butterfly Garden
11. Casino of Vannes
Opened on June 17, 2015, the Casino de Vannes is set temporarily on the premises of the Gulf Park. It is open each day of the year from 10 am to 3 am in the morning. On the games side, the casino provides a room hosting 120 slot machines and five game tables (poker, blackjack, and roulette).
Casino de Vannes
Address: 3 Rue Gilles Gahinet, 56000 Vannes, France
Contact +33 297675777
Opening Hours: From 10 am to 3 am
Website: Casino de Vannes
Nearby attraction
12. The Ramparts Garden – Châteaubriant Castle
Vannes is beautiful, but it also has neighbours who offer lovely experiences. If you are keen on a quick drive from Vannes, you can make your way to The Ramparts Garden – Châteaubriant Castle in Châteaubriant. It should take nearly 2 hours’ drive to reach this attraction via N165. You will be awed by the ancestral gardens that embed the three towers, Connétable Tower, Poudrière Tower and Joliette Tower. These towers were all built in a charming formal parterre with geometric yards, flowerbeds, and exact topiaries.
The Ramparts Garden – Châteaubriant Castle
Address: Place du General Charles de Gaulle, 44110 Châteaubriant, France
Vibrant Vannes
So what are you waiting for? Do it now even with a tight budget and have the most wonderful vacation. Go on and indulge yourself. Explore the world. Vannes is really worth recommending.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to