A Guide to the Best Things to do in Vannes

Last Updated on 12th July 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

Situated in the Morbihan region of Brittany, the town of Vannes is not at the top of every traveller to the region’s bucket list but nevertheless deserves more than a glance. Home to medieval architecture, a fantastic foodie scene, and a charming port, here’s your guide to the best things to do in Vannes.

What is Vannes known for?

Vannes is fairly substantial in size when it comes to Brittany cities and towns, with a population size of over 50,000. The town is famous for its port, walled ramparts which surround the old town, 272 historic monuments, and many timber-framed houses scattered across the city.

Located in the Morbihan region, you would do well to set aside at least half a day in order to allow yourself to fully explore this Breton settlement. For more inspiration about the region, be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Brittany.

Best things to do in Vannes

Vannes Harbour

Vannes history stretches back centuries and one of the key distinguishing landmarks of Vannes is its harbour, which lies on the fringes of the historic city centre.

It’s here where you’ll find the tourist office of Vannes, as well as several popular eateries. Vannes harbour is known as Port de Plaisance de Vannes and is where visitors will find dozens of fishing vessels gently swaying in the salty sea breeze.

Vannes ramparts & rampart gardens (Jardin des remparts)

One of the more impressive features of Vannes is that the historic city centre is encircled with ramparts which date back to the Middle Ages. In order to truly admire the scale of the ramparts, I highly recommend heading to the jardin des remparts.

This open green space is simply beautiful to stroll around and offers one of the best views in Vannes. Today, this area of the city is also used for outdoor concerts. At various times of the year, a larger than life shield of Vannes is created in this area of the city. The symbol of the city is an ermine wearing a cape.

St Vincent Gate (Porte St Vincent Ferrier)

After wandering though the historic port, your first sighting of historic architecture in Vannes, with the exception of a few timber-framed buildings in the port area of the city, is that of Porte St Vincent (St Vincent Gate).

The first gate was installed into the city’s historic ramparts in the 17th-century before being reconstructed in the 18th-century. Porte St Vincent Ferrier is named for a Spanish monk who lived and died in the town during the 15th-century and who has since become the patron saint of Vannes.

Vannes Cathedral (Cathédrale St Pierre)

The impressive Vannes Cathedral features an ornately carved tympanum above the door and is constructed in several architectural styles, including Romanesque and neo-Gothic.

St Vincent Ferrier, the patron saint of Vannes is actually buried in the cathedral today. St Vincent Ferrier was born in Valencia in Spain, died in Vannes in 1419 and was canonised as a Saint in 1456. Discover more about how to visit Vannes’ most important church (including events and opening times) on the Vannes Cathedral website.

Archaeological museum (Château Gaillard)

If you’re wondering what to see in Vannes on a rainy day, then you need to look no further than the museums of Vannes. One of a couple of museums in the town, the archaeological museum of Vannes is set against the backdrop of a historic medieval mansion house that dates back to the 15th-century.

The building was constructed at the behest of Jean de Malestroit, Bishop of Nantes and chancellor to Duke Jean V during the first half of the 15th-century. Set across four storeys, particular highlights of the architecture of the building include a hexagonal tower constructed out of stone.

The roots of the archaeological museum date back to 1912 when the building was acquired by La Société Polymathique du Morbihan who installed several archaeological collections there. The museum not only displays exhibitions about archaeology of the Brittany region, but is also home to the town’s history museum.

Fine Arts Museum (La Cohue)

The second museum in town is that of La Cohue, which is located in the former 13th-century covered market. La Cohue was also where the Brittany Houses of Parliament were hosted from 1675-89. Today, La Cohue can be found steps away from the St Pierre Cathedral and is home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts (fine arts museum).

Place des Lices 

If you’re looking for a further insight into the local culture of the region, then you should be sure to head to Place des Lices on a Wednesday or Saturday morning throughout the year. After all, the Vannes weekly market is easily one of the top Vannes tourist attractions.

Once upon a time, this medieval square (the square dates back to the 14th-century) would have been used to host jousting tournaments. Today, a market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where local vendors tout their wares.

Place Valencia & Vannes et sa Femme

One of the more unique secret spots in Vannes can be found on the corner of Place Valencia. After all, there, on the corner of one of the timber-framed buildings, it’s easy to spot “Vannes et sa Femme,” a set of curious painted granite carvings in the shape of human faces.

Literally translated into English as “Mr & Mrs Vannes,” these smiling sculptures date back to the 16th-century, though no one knows why they were originally carved and the sculptures were only given their name at the end of the 19th-century.

Vannes Hôtel de Ville

Every town and city (and many villages) in France have their very own Hôtel de Ville (town hall), though that of Vannes is particularly impressive. Situated outside of the twisted, narrow, and winding roads of the historic city centre, this part of down is distinctively different with its wide boulevards and open spaces. The Hôtel de Ville de Vannes dates back to the 19th-century.

Enjoy the view from the Connetable Tower (Tour du Connétable)

If you’re wondering what to do in Vannes and you enjoy lovely scenery, then hands down one of the best views to be found anywhere in Vannes is that from the ramparts at the top of the steps next to the Tour du Connétable.

This tower is the highest tower in Vannes and was added to the ramparts in the 15th-century. In the past, it was also used as a home. The tower is named for Connétable Arthur de Richemont who was the Duke of Brittany from 1457 to 1458.

Old Lavoirs (Lavoirs des Remparts)

One of the more hidden gems of Vannes which is quite literally hidden in plain sight is that of the old lavoirs, which can be found alongside a babbling brook and close to the towns’s ancient ramparts. The wash station was built between 1817 and 1821 and were restored in 2006.

Even during busier times of the day this historic place which was once used for washing clothing and the like is never too busy and is a quiet reprise from the nearby Jardin des Ramparts, which were created during the 1950s.

As of May 2021, the opening town of the Lavoirs des Remparts are as follows; 1st October to 30th April 8:30-18:40, 1st May to 31st May 8:30-20:40, 1st June to 31st August 8:30-20:50, 1st September to 30th September 8:30-20:40.

Stroll around Vannes

Last but not least, one of the best things to do in Vannes is to stroll around the historic city centre and allow your feet to guide you where they may. En route you’ll spy plenty of timber-framed houses, little cobbled streets, and plenty of independent stores where you’ll be able to pick up delightful souvenirs and gifts with which to remember your trip by.

Take a day trip to Auray

If you’re staying in Vannes over the course of a few days and don’t have access to a car, then it’s worth noting that there are several charming Breton settlements that you can easily visit as a day trip from Vannes.

One of the most beautiful towns in Brittany is the picturesque city of Auray, which is set alongside two sides of the river Loch and features treasures such as the medieval port of Saint-Goustan, a handful of historic churches, and plenty of ancient timber-framed houses. Auray can be visited from Vannes thanks to regular trains which run between the two towns and take just ten minutes.

Vannes Christmas Market

While I would personally recommend visiting Vannes in the summer months as this will guarantee the best weather, it’s worth noting that one seasonal activity that only happens once a year is that of the Vannes Christmas market.

As well as larger than life projections on the historical ramparts, the timber-framed houses and cobbled lanes of the old town are illuminated by street lights. In the month of December, on the marina, there’s a Christmas market featuring around two dozen market stalls.

Things to know before visiting Vannes

If you’re travelling around Brittany, then it’s highly likely that you’ll be visiting with a car. Though larger towns and cities are well connected with train and buses, this is definitely not the case for smaller settlements and attractions in the Western French region.

If you’re coming by car, then the best free car park in Vannes is the Parking du Capucines. We personally parked in the Capucines Car Park as it was completely free and just a few minutes gentle stroll away from the port area.

The port area is home to a Vannes tourist information office (exact address: Quai Eric Tabarly) where you can pick up a free map of Vannes, as well as the local area.

When walking around the town you’ll soon notice small bronze plaques on the floor which will indicate you’re most certainly following the recommended walking trail for the town.

Frequently asked questions about Vannes

What is the population of Vannes?

As of 2015, the population of Vannes was 53,200.

What are the best free things to do in Vannes?

Those visiting Vannes on a budget will be pleased to know that there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer. Some of the best free things to do in Vannes include enjoying the view from the castle walls, visiting the magnificent Vannes Cathedral, and getting lost in the cobbled lanes of the old town.

Is Vannes safe to visit?

Vannes is generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe, though petty crime can still occur. Visitors should be especially wary of pickpockets (pickpockets operate all over Europe and so you should always keep your things close, particularly in crowds).

Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Vannes? Pin this article now, read it again later: