What to do in the Gulf of Morbihan
Sene
At the gateway to VANNES, SENE bears witness to its rich past as a fishing and oyster-farming village. Village, churches and chapels (Saint Patern, Saint Laurent, Notre Dame, Bellevue), pointe de Montsarrac, pointe du Billa, croix de la brassée, de Gornevez, calvary of Montsarrac, dolmen of Gornevez, Tenero tower, Anna fishing port, Mousterian nautical base, fishermen's houses, nature reserve of the Séné marshes, footpaths and walks (circuits des culs salés, circuit des gabelous).
Damgan
A seaside resort renowned for its beaches and water sports activities, DAMGAN combines maritime heritage, dynamic tourism and the Breton way of life. Village, old fishermen's houses, Gulf of Morbihan nature park, Penerf harbour, Saint Pierre church, Kervoyal calvary, beaches, sailing, paddle, kitesurfing, creeks and coves (Kervoyal is intimate and unspoilt), coastal paths and walks.
Lauzach
A small Breton village away from the main tourist routes, LAUZACH offers breathtaking views of the Breton countryside and seascapes. Activities and sites to see include Village, charming stone houses, churches and chapels (Saint Cyr, Sainte Juliette, Saint Tugdual and Saint Pierre), small stable, ancient fountains, Gorvello distillery, walks and forests and the Vilaine valley.
Trefflean
Surrounded by lush green countryside, TREFFLEAN embodies the tranquillity and authenticity of Brittany. Activities and sites to see include Village, churches and chapels (Saint Léon de Tréffléan, Saint Mathieu, Saint Jean Baptiste de Bizole, Notre Dame de Cran), Delan or Randrecard ponds, fountains (Sainte Léon, Sainte Juliette, Cran de Tréffléan, Sainte Apolline), matchbox castle museum and walks including the Cran trail.
Ploeren
Close to VANNES, PLOEREN stands out for its balance between historical heritage, cultural dynamism and an exceptional natural environment. Activities and sites to see include Village, churches and chapels (15th-century Saint Martin and Notre Dame de Béléan), Kernours megalithic site, Papy's garden, coastal paths, walks and beaches and water sports.
Saint Nolff
Nestling in a picturesque valley, SAINT NOLFF offers a remarkably beautiful unspoilt natural environment (ponds, woods, etc.) and is home to a wealth of cultural activities, including a contemporary music festival in September, contemporary art exhibitions and a packed arts programme, as well as a village, churches and chapels (Saint Colomban, Sainte Anne, Saint Armand, Saint Mayeul dating from the 16th century), walks, the Gourvinec mill and an oppidum (11th century).
Elven
At the heart of the Golfe du Morbihan Regional Nature Park, ELVEN boasts France's highest octagonal keep and a host of peaceful walks. Activities and sites to see include Village, churches and chapels (Saint Clément, Saint Germain, Camarec, Saint Alban), Largoet tower and fortress, La Boissière, Kerfily and Aqua Golfe swimming pool.
Valves
VANNES offers a harmonious blend of medieval heritage and contemporary dynamism: Town, narrow streets, typical houses, Saint Patern district, medieval district, squares (Lices, Henri IV), port, gates (Notre Dame, Poterne, Saint Jean, Saint Vincent, Calmont), churches, Saint Pierre cathedral, chapels, convents, ramparts, gardens, washhouses, museums (Beaux-Arts La Cohue, history and archaeology, Aéro Musée, Hôtel de Limur), Greguennic bastion, Châteaux (Gaillard, L'Hermine), Conleau peninsula and medieval buildings.
Meucon
Surrounded by forests, moorland and streams, it's the ideal place to enjoy a relaxing break. Activities and sites to see include Village, Romanesque churches and chapels (Sainte Madeleine, Saint Barthelemy and its washhouse, Saint Adrien), Guern aqueduct, Gallic stele, Cranuhac bread oven, Norbat calvary, Norbat houses and Cadual fountain.
Plougoumelen
Built in 1219, the village of PLOUGOUMELEN offers a rich architectural heritage and varied landscapes between land and sea. Bordered by the River Auray, the village is made up of landscapes typical of the rias of the Gulf of Morbihan, between hedged farmland and marshes. Things to see and do Village, churches and chapels (Saint Phillibert and Lestreviau), Château de Pont Sal, thatched cottages at Cahire and the double cross.
Sulniac
Renowned for its peaceful surroundings, SULNIAC is crossed by the river of the same name, which flows into the Gulf of Morbihan. Things to see and do The village of Gorbello, churches and chapels (Saint Pierre, Sainte Marguerite, Saint Roch and its cross and Saint Jean Baptiste dating from the 15th century), the hamlet of Gorvello and the oratory of Saint Vincent Ferrier.
Island of Ilur/Ile d'Arz
ILE D'ILUR is the 3rd largest island in the Gulf of Morbihan. Fortified in the Middle Ages, it is now an unspoilt natural site that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna (including rare seabirds). There are no shops on the site (bring your own food and water). Activities and sites to see include Village, hamlet, nature reserve made up of beaches, cliffs, wooded areas, remarkable landscapes and hiking trails.
Saint Ave
To the north of VANNES, SAINT AVE has been inhabited since 5000 BC. Activities and sites to see include Village, churches, chapels (Saint Gervais and Saint Protais, Notre Dame du Loc dating from 1475, Saint Michel dating from 1524), Kerozer and La Gouarnaie woods, 60 km of hiking trails (mill circuit running alongside mills and streams) and summer festival Thursdays with open-air concerts.
Le Guern
Awarded the «Brittany rural heritage commune» label in 1994, LE GUERN has a listed village, churches, chapels (Notre Dame Saint Jean, a 15th-century flamboyant Gothic church), fountains, wash-houses, a traditional bread oven and the BRANFERE botanical and zoological park, which since 1965 has offered more than 1,500 semi-liberty animals from all 5 continents, 70 botanical curiosities and the PARABOUT park (2,900 m2 of nets suspended up to 13 metres high) in 45 hectares of gardens.
Plescop
PLESCOP has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. Activities and sites to see include Village, churches, chapels (Saint Pierre aux Liens from the 11th century, Notre Dame de Lézurgande from 1455 and Saint Hamon from 1456), Palastre dolmen, rising sun cross, Saint Simon fountain, festivals (Roue Waroch in February, open-air jazz evenings in August), farmers' market, leisure and fun parks (YAKAPARK, BREIZG SOCCER and ESCAPE GAME in VANNES).
Billiers
Renowned for its peaceful surroundings and varied landscapes (beaches, cliffs, woods and salt marshes), BILLIERS has an interesting architectural and natural heritage: Village, churches, chapels (Abbaye de Prières, 15th century Sainte Maxime), Port Nart, Pen Lan lighthouse, Vilaine estuary and bay, Grays cairn, Lovers' Beach, 17th century Château de Cran, walks and hikes.
Noyal Muzillac
NOYAL MUZILLAC in the VANNES district is crossed by the river of the same name, which flows into the Gulf of Morbihan. The area is undulating, wooded and bordered by numerous waterways, making it the ideal place for walks and hikes. Activities and sites to see include Village, churches and chapels: Saint Marti (15th century), Château de Kerguenec (17th century), walks and hiking trails.
Arradon
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the River Vincin, ARRADON offers a variety of landscapes typical of Brittany. Its two landmarks are the church of Saint Pierre (15th century) and the Château de l'Hermine (15th century). Other attractions include the village, Arradon Point, a small ferry from SENE to SAINT ARMEL, and walks and hikes through the woods.
Auray
Known for its rich historical and religious heritage and its lively marina throughout the year, AURAY is an important place of pilgrimage. Activities and sites to see include Upper town, timber-framed houses, narrow streets, lower town, marina, churches, chapels (Saint Gildas, Sainte Anne d'Auray and its sanctuary, basilica and cloister), Saint Goustan harbour, Kerisper bridge over the river LE LOCH and its legendary market.
Locqueltas
Situated in the Lanvaux moors and crossed by the river of the same name, LOCQUELTAS boasts a rich architectural and historical heritage. Things to see Village, churches, chapels (Saint Gildas from the 12th century), park of unusual sculptures at la mare au poivre, Château de Locqueltas (15th century), Pont Berthois pond, Coetcandec cross, remains of the Meucon camp, old railway line, Goah Glas fountain, walks and hikes.
Monterblanc
MONTERBLANC is crossed by several rivers, including the ARZ. Its architectural heritage, woods, forests, hedged farmland and moorland make this village an interesting place to visit: village, churches, chapels (15th century Saint Pierre and Mangolérian, remarkable fountains, Notre Dame), airfield, Château de Monterblanc and riding club.
Plaudren
PLAUDREN has several megalithic monuments. The town's symbol is the squirrel known as AR RAH KOED in Breton, meaning "the cat of the woods". Known for its lush green valleys typical of the Lanvaux moors, PLAUDREN is the source of the ARZ river. Attractions Village, churches, chapels (Saint Bily), megalithic monuments (La Quenouille de Gargantua, Men Goarec covered walkway), Saint Bily wood and the RAH COED hiking trail.
La Roche Bernard
LA ROCHE BERNARD is situated on the banks of the river Vilaine. It has a rich medieval past, with trade in grain, wine and salt. What to see Village, old quarter on a rocky promontory, old houses, narrow streets, Saint Bernard harbour, marina (more than 500 boats and a popular place for a stroll), river cruises, Morbihan bridge offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Baden
BADEN offers unique landscapes of hedged farmland, hamlets and isolated farms, seascapes and countryside. Starting point for boat trips to the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan (Iles aux Moines...). What to see : Village, churches, chapels (Eglise de Baden, Penmern, Locmiquel, Mériadec), coastal paths, walks, white harbour marina, Penmern tide mill, Toulvern dolmen and museum of passions and wings.
Le Bono
LE BONO boasts a wealth of remarkable historical and architectural sites, spanning 5,000 years of history. In the Middle Ages, the town was a major maritime centre, with more than 400 sailors and 100 boats. What to see The village, the old suspension bridge dating from 1840, the Kernours burial mound dating from 3000 BC, the picturesque port of Le Bono, walks and circuits along the river Le Bono and kayaking along the river Le Bono.
Crach
Its name comes from the Breton KREAC'H or KREH, meaning hill or hillock, in reference to the location of the village. What to see Village, megalithic site with dolmens and covered walkways, churches, chapels (Saint Thuriau, Plas Kaër, Saint Jean, Kervin Brigitte, and Lomarec), Latz tidal mill, water sports on the Crac'h and Auray rivers, Kervilor cove, Cuhan island, Saint Jean bay, hiking, walking and cycling trails.
Colpo
Founded in 1864 by Élisa NAPOLEON BACIOCCHI (niece of NAPOLEON I and cousin of NAPOLEON III), COLPO is famous for the Château de Corn er Houët (19th century) and the megalithic site of Larcuste (Bronze Age cairns). Also worth seeing: Village, chapels (Notre Dame housing the tomb of Élise NAPOLEON BACIOCCHI, Notre Dame de Kerdroguen from the 16th century), walks including the GR38, Lanvau moors, woods, hedged farmland and rivers.