Where to go and what to do in the Morbihan

Places to visit

Markets
There are markets to visit in the Morbihan every day of the week. Most are mornings only and vary in size and interest according to the time of year and location.
Auray has a large market all day and in season a huge carousel dominates the town square. It has a good shopping centre.
From the market square in Auray, a walk down a steep cobbled street leads you to
Port St. Goustain (shown below) – Auray’s old town and harbour – worth a visit.
Pontivy – once known as Napoleonville, is a town of two faces. The old market area shows its medieval history in contrast to the “new town” built as a base by Napoleon. The river Blavet forms part of the Nantes/Brest canal.
Josselin – situated on the river Oust and one of the finest medieval castles in Brittany. English speaking guided tours are given mid July to end of August.
Vannes – a popular town on the Gulf of Morbihan with well preserved old quarter (below) full of character and surrounded by 13th century ramparts which you can stroll around and get a fine view of the old town and gardens . Several restaurants provide a good view over the modern marina.
River Blavet – provides boat trips, canoeing, walking, fishing and cycling.
Quiberon – the Quiberon Peninsular is famous for its exposed Atlantic coast – the Cote Sauvage with its rocky bays, but the east side and Quiberon itself is sheltered with fine sandy beaches. Boat trips from Quiberon take you to Belle-Ile (beautiful island) and other islands in the Golfe du Morbihan. You can take your car on the ferry or hire one on the island. Bikes can also be hired.
Suscinio Castle – on the southern edge of the Golfe de Morbihan. Built in the 13th – 15th century. Greatly restored and now a museum, a visit would form part of a great day out along the Rhuys Penisular with plenty of walks and beaches between it and Port Navalo (below) on its furthest tip.
Carnac – megaliths, standing stones, dolmens and tumuli abound in Brittany, but never more so than here. More than 3000 stones, known as alignments, stretch across the area around Carnac. The St. Michel Tumulus, a Bronze Age long barrow containing burial chambers can be explored with a guide. The Lines of Menac and megaliths at Locmariaquer are also worth a visit. Neighbouring Carnac-Plage is a modern resort with a fine beach bordered by a scattering of pine trees, hotels and villas.
Broceliande – the Forest of Paimpont is reputed to be the mysterious Broceliande of Arthurian legend. It contains megaliths erected about 3000 BC. At Trehorenteuc there is some really good walking and Horse Trekking routes. In the forest there is a sculptured area featuring a golden tree (shown below).

Another place to visit is Huelgoat – an amazing jumble of giant rocks at the end of a lake into which the river disappears beneath them to reappear further down the gorge. A walk between these gigantic rocks takes you down paths to a wilderness with different spectacles on the way. At the base of the gorge, forest walks and a cafe/restaurant await you.
Things to do
Walking – there are a great many well-marked walking routes in Brittany, including both Grande and Petite Randonnées. There is easy walking along the Nantes-Brest canal as well as more challenging walks along coastal paths, forests and in the more hilly central area.
Cycling – many of the walking routes are also open to cyclists. In addition, the traffic on most roads is light and cycling a pleasure. Bike hire is available at St Nicolas des Eaux and Pontivy.
Water Sports – there are many places for Canoe and Kayak lovers. They can be hired locally at St Nicolas des Eaux, Pontivy and Baud.
The Lac de Guerledan, Brittany’s largest lake has several locations from which you can hire Canoes, Pedaloes and small sailing dinghies. The whole area surrounding is also great for walking and cycling.
Golf – Our local course is Golf de Rimaison, 15 minutes drive from Kermaux. Full details of this golf course and many more in Morbihan and the rest of Brittany can be obtained from this useful website listed below. Good for organising a golfing holiday!

http://www.brittanytourism.com
/eng/preparez/golf/golf.cfm
Fishing – for anglers there are numerous lakes and trout streams nearby.
The River Blavet is one of France’s finest angling rivers yielding Pike, Carp, Perch, Tench etc. Sea fishing in the Golfe de Morbihan is also excellent. Angling permits are available locally at Plumeliau plus bait and accessories. A permit allows the holder and family to use up to 4 rods.

Go-karting – there is a racectrack locally at Plumeliau, 5 miles away and one at Z.A. La Madeline, west of Auray.

There is an indoor racetrack near Lorient – also an ice-skating rink.

Horse Riding –an ideal place for riding and trekking, there are many equestrian centres in the Morbihan and the equivalent of the National Stud is based at Hennebont.

Equestrian Centres

 National Stud

Boat Trips – You can take a trip up or down the River Blavet at St Nicolas des Eaux.

Or for a grand day out there are trips to the islands such as Belle Ile from Quiberon or to the Ile D’Arz from Vannes. Or you could take a lunch cruise around the Golfe du Morbihan. Another from Locmariaquer will give you a 5 hour round trip stopping at the Ile des Moynes (for lunch I expect), before returning.

 

Wildlife and Adventure Parks – there is a diversity of parks to choose from.

Branfrere Park is a zoo and botanical garden of some 80 acres between Vannes and La Roche Bernard. The animals wander freely in an 18th century garden setting and it is possible to get close to the animals. Six lakes and an elegant 17th century restored castle adds to the charm.

Parc Aquanature near Priziac, west of Pontivy. 15 kilometres of footpaths, a Deer park, freshwater aquarium, accompanied horse rides and guided tours form part of the experience.