'''Vannes''' is the 5th city of Brittany in France.

Get in

'''By train:''' The high-speed TGV from Paris goes to Rennes. Switch to the regular-speed SNCF train to Vannes. NOTE: the main train ''direction'' is not marked Vannes.

See

'''The Medieval Village'''

The medieval village has several pedestrian and vehicle entrances. The port-side entrance to the ''rempart'' surrounded old town is just next to the port. Follow signs on the roads to ''le port'', there is ample parking. Outside the walls of the village, there are several cafes on the port-side. Just inside the walls, you will find many boutiques and ''Creperies''.

The ''Eglise'' in the old village at the top of the hill. The square nearby is often graced by musicians in the summer, while the cobblestone streets are used for costumed parades calling back centuries ago. Bastille Day in Vannes is a spectacle with horse-drawn carriages, costumes for men, women and children of all distinctions, and a small zoo of live animals...

'''The Port'''

'''The Castle'''

'''The Parks'''

Do

Buy

The ''Fayencerie'' in Vannes (located in the medieval town, near the ''eglise'') has beautiful pottery for sale. Though not exactly local to Vannes-proper, the pottery is very popular with locals and tourists alike.

The boutiques of the medieval town are best for prime-time shopping: find clothing, nautical-themed gifts, lingerie, home and bath goods, jewelry, and many other gifts.

The larger stores like Carrefour and Leroy Merlin are off the main highway, all centralized. There are many good independent stores mixed into the mass development.

Eat

''Galettes'' are a '''must''' in Vannes: there are so many varieties, everyone is safe (carnivors, pescetarians, and vegetarians alike). Seafood is fresh and oysters are readily available. ''Les pizzas'' are also found. For dessert, similar to the galette (made with buckwheat), ''crepes'' (made with plain wheat) are a '''must'''.

If you visit the Golfe de Morbihan, there are many local restaurant gems: serving ''les menus gastronomique''. The spa hotels of the Morbihan or ''les Thalassotherapies'' generally serve decadent meals. Every village in the Vannes area has a local favorite, not to be missed.

Drink

'''''Cidre'''''

'''Wines of the Loire'''

Sleep

Known as a vacation spot to the french people, the Golfe de Morbihan is prevalent with rental properties and spa hotels.

Also, with Vannes as the closest train station for the ''Presqu'Ile'', many people rent cars in Vannes and stay near the beaches. Camping cars are popular too.

For hotels in the area, search in Vannes or the ''Golfe de Morbihan''.

Visit around

'''Carnac'''

'''Golfe de Morbihan'''

'''Rochefort-en-Terre'''

'''Quiberon'''

'''Belle-Ile'''

'''Ile-aux-Moines'''

'''The Presqu'ile'''

'''The Suscinio Castle'''