Vannes, the keystone of the Gulf of Morbihan, has the priceless privilege of a marina in the heart of the city. You can stroll around the ramparts or in the alleys of the old town, especially during the Arvor festival, an essential event to celebrate Breton culture. Rendez-vous from August 13 to 15 in the heart of the capital of Morbihan!
Medieval atmosphere
Vannes, the capital of Morbihan, is built in an amphitheatre at the bottom of the Gulf of Morbihan. The city of Vénètes is therefore a starting point for excursions to the famous little sea. But it is also known for its medieval old town, grouped around St. Peter's Cathedral, and surrounded by ramparts. These ramparts were built between the 3rd and 17th centuries to protect the city of Vannes. For several decades, the city has been undertaking the rehabilitation and enhancement of the parts of the ramparts it owns. A key element of the Vannet heritage and a tourist element par excellence, the ramparts of Vannes are among the few urban fortifications that still exist in Brittany. A walk not to be missed. St. Peter's Cathedral, also known as a "small minor basilica" since a pontifical decree of 1870, was rebuilt from the end of the 12th century on the foundations of the old building and offers a great diversity of styles (Romanesque, Neo-Gothic, Renaissance), a consequence of the many transformations undergone until the 19th century. In Gothic style, it was built on the site of the former Romanesque cathedral. Its construction took place over five centuries, from the 15th to the 19th century, and if we include the duration of the bell tower, which is the oldest part of it, we arrive at a construction time of seven centuries. The nave and choir are from the 15th century. There you will find the tomb of Saint Vincent Ferrier. The cathedral treasure is in the former chapter house (1782) of the ambulatory, decorated with 18th century Louis XVI woodwork. A real opportunity to gather in a very beautiful building!
The city of Vannes was founded at the end of the 1st century BC after the war between the Venetian people and Caesar's legions. The city welcomed the bishopric and the Catholic religious orders in 465 during the Council of Vannes which consecrated Patern. The Saint-Patern church, located in the district of the same name, is a Catholic religious building dedicated to Saint Patern, the first bishop of Vannes in the 5th century. Just like the cathedral of Vannes, the Saint-Patern church was destroyed in the 10th century during the Norman Invasions in Brittany. The building was rebuilt in the following century and was an important stage of pilgrimage throughout the Middle Ages. Saint Patern, the first bishop to be certified by the bishopric of Vannes, is one of the seven founding saints of Brittany.
City of Nominoe and royal city of Brittany, Vannes became after the war of succession of Brittany the seat of the ducal power. The theatre of the Union of Brittany in France in 1532, Vannes experienced exceptional religious growth during the 16th and 17th centuries before sinking into languor until the 1870s and the installation of regiments. The post-World War I period marked the time of change, while the post-World War II period marked the time of economic and demographic growth.
A garden city
Vannes is also a garden city, 10 hectares are dedicated to them. Here are some gardens not to be missed: the garden of the ramparts (the jewel of the Vannetais gardens, 30,000 flowers are needed for its decoration), the intimate garden of the Trussac manor house (rue de Rumor), the French garden of the Hôtel de Limur (characterized by a succession of three terraces, each on different levels. Entrance via rue des Tribunaux), the collection garden or the garden of Château de l'Hermine, among others. The Pays de Vannes has many hiking trails on its land. Many coastal, hiking and cycling paths are also available for more sporty walks. Two itineraries are proposed: that of the right bank of the port which points towards the maritime part of the city, and that of the left bank of the port which leads towards Vannes and its gardens. The tourist office organizes one Sunday afternoon a month a hike in the country of Vannes. With the help of a guide and a lecturer, these walks are an opportunity to discover the history and richness of the city in the field.
As for the museum, the one of History and Archaeology is not to be missed. Because Château-Gaillard, the seat of the Parliament of Brittany in the 15th century, is today dedicated to the preservation of prehistoric and historical evidence. In this museum, the first floor presents nearly 900 objects from excavations carried out in Morbihan, according to a chronological itinerary, from the Palaeolithic to the Roman period. Among the remarkable pieces are a series of four necklaces from the Mesolithic necropolis of Hoëdic, exceptional funerary furniture (polished axes, ornaments), unique in Europe, discovered in the great tumuli of the Neolithic period, and many metal ensembles from the Bronze Age and the Gallic period, including the Armorican soft axe. Finally, a room presents many antique objects discovered in Vannes and Morbihan, illustrating various aspects of daily life (crockery, architectural decoration, jewellery, bronze objects,...). The other floors have numerous collections on the following themes: "Scientists and travellers", "From excavation to museum", and "Vannes in the Middle Ages, a 1,000-year history"
The festivals of Arvor, live the authentic Brittany
Since its creation, the Vannes Festival Committee has organised festivals and events around Breton culture, highlighting the dynamism and youth of groups and bagads, thus ensuring the sustainability of Arvor's festivals. Fest-noz, shows, bagadou concerts, sailors' songs, initiation to dance, parades in costume or the election of the new Queen of Arvor punctuate these three days of celebration with a good-natured atmosphere, which ends in a climax with the inevitable fireworks display shot over the ramparts. To attend, go to the capital of Morbihan between August 13 and 15. Atmosphere guaranteed!
Smart info
When? When? It can be visited all year round, but spring is ideal for exploring the city. Nature is awakening and the climate is particularly mild. Feel free to get up at dawn.... A sunrise over the Gulf of Morbihan will be forever etched in your memory. To attend the 2017 edition of the Arvor celebrations, please visit us between August 13 and 15.
Getting there. By plane (Lorient - Lann Bihoué airport 45 minutes away and Nantes-Atlantique international airport 1 hour away), by train or by car (about 4 hours 30 minutes from Paris or Bordeaux).
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