Sonorités d'Été Exhibition
Immerse yourself in the sounds of summer at this unique exhibition blending art and acoustics in Auray.
Plizio Visual Lab
Auray
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
ℹ️Practical info — Auray
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Photograph the Saint-Goustan port from the old stone bridge, especially at high tide in the late afternoon light.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the cobbled streets leading down to the harbor are steep and can be slippery.
- Avoid trying to park down at the lower port; park in the upper town and walk down the ramps.
- Monday morning is market day in the upper town-arrive early for the best selection of Breton specialties.
- The artisan shops tucked into the narrow streets around the port often do not open until late morning.
🍽 Food
🍽
Galettes de Sarrasin
Try savory buckwheat crêpes at a traditional crêperie down by the historic harbor.
🍽
Kouign-Amann
Buy this rich, buttery, caramelized Breton pastry fresh from a bakery in the upper town.
🍽
Fresh Oysters
Order local oysters from the nearby Gulf of Morbihan on the terrace of a dockside restaurant.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Les Halles d'Auray
Visit the indoor market for local Breton cider, cheeses, and artisanal sausages.
🛍
Saint-Goustan Crafts
Browse the small galleries and artisan workshops lining the historical streets.
🧘
Promenade du Loch
A shaded, quiet walking path along the Loch river, away from the bustling main waterfront.
🧘
Le Verger
A terraced park area in the upper town offering a remarkable, peaceful panoramic view over the port.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Local Memory: Film Screening about Auray
A touching documentary film presenting the history and identity of Auray through the stories of its residents.
Guided Tour: The Cadoudal Mausoleum
Learn about the history of Georges Cadoudal while visiting his impressive mausoleum in Auray.
Visit to the Madeleine Chapel
Discover the architectural charm and peaceful atmosphere of the historic Madeleine Chapel in Auray.
Guided Tour of Saint-Goustan Port
Explore the history and charm of the historic Saint-Goustan port in Auray with a professional guide through its scenic streets.
Apéro Klam - Emezi
Enjoy a social evening with live music by Emezi and refreshing drinks in the heart of Auray.
Piano Concert by Francis Wirth
Talented pianist Francis Wirth performs a selection of beautiful pieces in an intimate concert setting.
Art Deco Church of Charles-de-Blois
Discover the Charles-de-Blois church, a stunning example of Art Deco architecture located in the station district of Auray.
Hike: Discovering Unknown Megaliths
Join a guided walk to discover the mysterious and lesser-known megalithic structures hidden in the local landscape.
Nautical Jousts on the Loch
Experience the excitement of traditional nautical jousting competitions on the river Loch, a unique and lively local spectacle.
Positioned along a ria of the Loch river, Auray is primarily defined by the historic port of Saint-Goustan. This meticulously preserved quarter is accessed via a sturdy 15th-century stone bridge. The steep, cobblestone streets leading away from the water are tightly lined with medieval half-timbered houses, originally built by wealthy maritime merchants. The port holds a specific place in history as the landing site of Benjamin Franklin in 1776, when he arrived in France to negotiate support for the American Revolutionary War. Narrow stone staircases connect the sheltered docks to the elevated upper town, where the central market halls (Les Halles) host weekly gatherings. Local producers fill these markets with fresh oysters, salted caramel, buckwheat flour, and artisanal cider. The town's deeper history is anchored by the 1364 Battle of Auray, a decisive clash that ended the War of the Breton Succession. Currently, the former merchant warehouses and historic residential buildings host a collection of independent art galleries, antique shops, and traditional crêperies, maintaining the bustling heritage of the settlement.
- Location: Bretagne, France
- Top sights: Saint-Goustan Port · Saint-Gildas Church · Saint-Sauveur Chapel
- Nearby: Brech (6 km)
- Population: ~14.417
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 12 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 69 | 60 | 47 | 46 | 41 | 42 | 44 | 37 | 81 | 88 | 91 |
Geography
Facts
- Strategically located at the head of the Auray Ria.
- Saint-Goustan is one of the most visited ports in Brittany.
- The city won the 'Villes et Villages Fleuris' award (3 flowers).
- Part of the Regional Natural Park of the Gulf of Morbihan.
- Home to a high density of art galleries and artisan studios.
- Connected to the coastal train 'Tire-Bouchon' in summer.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Auray (7)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Auray?
The historic Saint-Goustan port, with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, is the highlight.
Was Benjamin Franklin really here?
Yes, in 1776 he landed at Saint-Goustan port to seek help from France during the Revolutionary War.
Is the town far from the sea?
Auray is on the Loch River, leading to the Gulf of Morbihan; the coast is only about a 15-minute drive away.
Are there good restaurants at the port?
Yes, the quay is lined with crêperies and cafes serving fresh Breton galettes and cider.
Can you explore Auray on foot?
Absolutely, the town center and port are connected by steep but appealing alleys convenient for walking.
Auray: where is it located?
Auray is located in Bretagne, France.
Auray: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Goustan Port, Saint-Gildas Church, Saint-Sauveur Chapel.
Auray: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Auray: why is it worth visiting?
Positioned along a ria of the Loch river, Auray is primarily defined by the historic port of Saint-Goustan.
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