L'Ultra Marin® - Ultra Trail
An epic running challenge around the Gulf of Morbihan, featuring various distances through coastal scenery.
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Vannes
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Vannes
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Walk along the city ramparts (Remparts) for the best views of the gardens and timber-framed houses.
- Visit the market at Place des Lices on Wednesday or Saturday mornings for local treats.
- Check the tide times before booking a boat trip into the Gulf of Morbihan.
- Look for the 'Vannes and his Wife' stone sculpture on the corner of a historic house downtown.
- Use the free park-and-ride lots on the outskirts to avoid traffic in the narrow old streets.
🍽 Food
🍽
Galette Bretonne
Savory buckwheat pancakes, traditionally filled with ham, cheese, and a fried egg.
🍽
Kouign-amann
A buttery, caramelized Breton cake, rich, sweet, and a local favorite.
🍽
Breton Cider
Enjoy the local apple cider served in traditional ceramic bowls called bolées.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Halle des Lices
A covered market where you can find fresh seafood and regional specialties every day.
🛍
Marinières
The iconic blue-and-white striped Breton shirts are a high-quality local souvenir.
🧘
Jardin des Remparts
Beautifully manicured gardens at the foot of the city walls, excellent for a quiet stroll.
🧘
Promenade de la Garenne
A shaded walkway above the gardens with views of the port and the old town.
Water temperature…
Vannes is a scenic city in Brittany, located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Morbihan in northwestern France. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, the city was once the tribal capital of the Veneti before being integrated into the Roman Empire. Its exceptionally well-preserved medieval ramparts encircle a historic center filled with colorful half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. A major landmark is the Saint-Pierre Cathedral, which showcases a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. On the corner of a historic building, visitors can find the famous 'Vannes and his Wife' sculpture, a lighthearted symbol of local commercial tradition. The Marina of Vannes is a bustling hub for sailors and the starting point for boat tours exploring the numerous islands of the scenic Morbihan Gulf. Today, Vannes seamlessly blends Breton traditions with modern amenities, serving as a primary center for tourism and yachting.
- Location: Bretagne, France
- Top sights: Saint-Pierre Cathedral · Ramparts of Vannes · Garden of the Ramparts
- Nearby: Séné (5 km)
- Population: ~55.790
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 |
Live webcam – Vannes
See what it looks like near Vannes right now.
Sene › South: Séné - Brittany, France · 4.7 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- The medieval city walls are 1.2 kilometers in length.
- The Gulf of Morbihan contains approximately 40 inhabited islands.
- Saint-Pierre Cathedral was rebuilt between the 15th and 19th centuries.
- The city officially became part of France in the year 1532.
- The 'Vannes and his Wife' sculpture dates from the 16th century.
- The city has held the 'Ville d'Art et d'Histoire' label since 1990.
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.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
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09:00→19:081.2 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 30€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the historic heart of Vannes at Place des Lices, where half-timbered houses reflect the city's rich commercial past. At midday, explore the spiritual side at Saint-Pierre Cathedral and find the charming 'Vannes and his Wife' sculpture. In the afternoon, stroll along the impressive city walls and visit the Lavoirs de la Garenne. End your evening at the lively port, enjoying fresh seafood by the water.
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09:00→19:081.2 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 30€ · Transport 0€
Morning offers some shelter under the medieval timber-framed houses of Place des Lices. At noon, we admire the cathedral and escape the rain in La Cohue Museum. In the afternoon, we walk by the city walls with an umbrella. In the evening, enjoy local galettes in a cozy port-side crêperie.
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09:00→19:081.2 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 26–35 €Entries 30€ · Transport 0€
The winter morning at Place des Lices is quiet and crisp. At noon, the cathedral's spiritual atmosphere warms us before enjoying art at the museum. The walk by the city walls offers clear views. As the sun sets early, we end the day with a hot cider at the atmospherically lit port.
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09:00→20:576.9 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Discover the surroundings of the Gulf of Morbihan by bike. Start at the port and cycle along the Promenade de la Rabine. Reach the Conleau Peninsula for a relaxing midday at the beach. In the afternoon, visit the aquarium before a leisurely return to the port.
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09:00→20:576.9 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
The bike tour starts at the port with gusty winds. Along the Rabine promenade, we feel the sea spray. In Conleau, we take a long break in a sheltered bar. In the afternoon, we visit the aquarium to escape the weather before returning to the left bank.
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09:00→20:576.9 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 31–41 €Entries 24€ · Transport 12€
Morning ride through the fresh port air. The Rabine promenade glistens with frost. In Conleau, we enjoy the winter solitude of the peninsula with a warming tea. In the afternoon, visit the heated aquarium before arriving at the port exactly for sunset.
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09:00→18:3136.1 km drive5 places0/5
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By car, explore the wider surroundings of the Gulf of Morbihan. After a short visit to Vannes old town, head to Arradon for breathtaking views. At midday, enjoy oysters in Larmor-Baden and visit the mystical Gavrinis Cairn by boat.
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09:00→18:3136.1 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 16€ · Transport 6€
Rainy morning in Vannes Old Town. At noon, we drive to Pointe de l'Anse where the Gulf looks grey and dramatic. In Larmor-Baden, enjoy fresh oysters in the dry. In the afternoon, visit the Gavrinis Cairn. In the evening, return to the illuminated port.
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09:00→18:3136.1 km drive5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 16€ · Transport 6€
A clear winter day begins in Vannes Old Town. The drive to Arradon offers wide, frosty views over the Gulf. In Larmor-Baden, we warm up with a coffee before visiting the prehistoric cairn. We close the day at the port as the city lights sparkle in the water.
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Sights in the town Vannes (21)
Frequently asked questions
How to get to the Gulf of Morbihan from Vannes?
Regular excursion boats depart from the port (Port de Vannes) to the islands of Île-aux-Moines and Île d'Arz.
When is the market held in Vannes?
The main weekly market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings around Place des Lices.
What is the most famous photo spot in the old town?
The 'Vannes et sa femme' statue on a timber-framed house at the corner of Rue Noé and Rue Bienheureux.
Can you walk on the city walls of Vannes?
Parts of the ramparts are accessible for walking and offer great views of the gardens below the walls.
Are there family activities in Vannes?
The Aquarium and the Butterfly House (Jardin aux Papillons) at Parc du Golfe are first-rate for children.
Vannes: where is it located?
Vannes is located in Bretagne, France.
Vannes: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Pierre Cathedral, Ramparts of Vannes, Garden of the Ramparts.
Vannes: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Vannes: why is it worth visiting?
Vannes is a scenic city in Brittany, located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Morbihan in northwestern France.
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