12 Best things to do in Vannes, France, in 1 to 6 days

Introduction

Vannes is a charming fortified city in Brittany, in the west of France. Its old town is a maze of cobbled streets, medieval gates, and colorful half-timbered houses. At its heart stands the impressive Saint-Pierre Cathedral, while the nearby port opens up to the stunning Gulf of Morbihan.

Whether you’re passing through or staying longer, Vannes is well worth a stop. Even a few hours are enough to enjoy its historic charm, but it also makes a great base to explore the surrounding region.

Read: The Perfect 2-Week Western France Itinerary

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Getting there

The easiest and most flexible way to reach Vannes is by car—ideal if you plan to explore the nearby villages and the Morbihan Gulf at your own pace.

If you’re arriving from Paris, you have two great options:

By train: Take a direct TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Vannes. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes and is both fast and comfortable.
By bus: For budget travelers, Flixbus operates direct lines from Paris to Vannes. The trip takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes.

Once in Vannes, you’ll find it easy to explore the town on foot, but having a car is a big plus if you’re planning to venture into the surrounding countryside.

See all your train options online

Moving Around

Vannes has around 25 bus lines that could get you around the city. But if you have a car, there a plenty of parking around.

From Vannes, you can also get by train or bus to Lorient, or take a boat and go visit the famous Ile aux Moines, or start with a tour of the Morbihan gulf and end your day on Belle Ile en Mer for a couple of days.

Don’t forget to book in advance your rental car

When to Visit

Vannes is a year-round destination, but the experience varies with the seasons. Whether you’re exploring the medieval streets or cruising through the Gulf of Morbihan, each time of year offers something unique. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you decide the best time for your visit:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Vannes. Flowers bloom in the city gardens, temperatures gradually rise (10–18°C), and the crowds are still light. It’s a perfect season for strolling the ramparts, visiting nearby islands, and enjoying outdoor cafés.
Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to visit. With temperatures ranging from 20–26°C, the weather is ideal for boat tours, day trips to Belle Ile en Mer, and outdoor dining. Expect more tourists, especially in July and August, so it’s wise to book accommodation and tours in advance.
Autumn (September to November): Early autumn, especially September, is one of our favorite times to visit Vannes. The weather stays mild (15–22°C), the summer crowds thin out, and the city still feels vibrant. Later in the season, expect cooler air and a more peaceful atmosphere—great for a slower pace and local experiences.
Winter (December to February): While quieter and cooler (5–10°C), Vannes still has its charm in winter. It’s a good time for city breaks, museum visits, and enjoying the festive atmosphere if you’re there in December. Some coastal and island activities may be limited, but the old town remains lively.

Tip: Late spring and early autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to enjoy both the city and the surrounding Gulf of Morbihan.

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Where to Stay

Whether you’re planning a short stop or using Vannes as a base to explore southern Brittany, the city offers a great mix of accommodations. From charming boutique hotels in the heart of the old town to peaceful retreats near the Gulf of Morbihan, here are a few top picks to make your stay comfortable and memorable.

(€) Kyriad Prestige Vannes Centre-Palais des Arts – A reliable and modern option within walking distance to the city center. Comfortable rooms and convenient parking make it great for road-trippers.

(€€) Hôtel & Spa Le Maury, Vannes, The Originals Boutique – This boutique hotel blends style and relaxation, featuring a wellness area and elegant rooms, perfect for couples or those wanting a relaxing stay.

(€€€) Domaine du Liziec Vannes – MGallery Collection – For a more luxurious experience, this upscale hotel offers refined rooms in a peaceful setting just outside the city, with high-end amenities and beautiful grounds.

Here are all your hotel options near Vannes

What to Eat

Here again, crepes are an absolute must-try—both sweet and savory versions are simply delicious and a true taste of Brittany! But if you’re looking to dive deeper into the local cuisine, here are a few more specialties to try:

Kouigin Patatez: A hearty potato pie, traditional and comforting.
Godaille: A flavorful fisherman’s soup, perfect for seafood lovers.
Far Breton: A dense, custard-like cake often made with prunes.
Kouign Amann: A rich, buttery cake with caramelized layers—one of Brittany’s most beloved desserts.

Whether you grab a crêpe in the old town or settle into a cozy bistro, Vannes has something to satisfy every craving.

Read: All our gears and equipments for hiking, blogging, vlogging and so much more…

Things to do in Vannes

Wander Through the Medieval Streets of Vannes

One of our favorite things to do in Vannes is to simply wander through its charming old town. The cobbled streets, colorful half-timbered houses, and impressive medieval gates create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a fairytale. It’s the perfect place to get lost, soak in the history, and snap a few postcard-worthy photos.

Here are all your hotel options near Vannes

Vannes Cathedral

While exploring the old town of Vannes, make sure to stop at the Roman Catholic Cathedral Saint-Pierre, originally built in 1450. This impressive Gothic and Renaissance-style cathedral stands in the heart of the city and offers a peaceful place to admire intricate stained-glass windows, detailed stonework, and centuries of history. It’s a must-see for architecture lovers and history buffs alike.

Climb the Connétable Tower

From this historic defensive tower, enjoy your first elevated view over the beautifully landscaped Ramparts Garden. The Connétable Tower is part of Vannes’ medieval fortifications and gives a great glimpse into the city’s military past while offering a stunning perspective of the old town and its green surroundings.

Admire the Ramparts Garden

Don’t miss the most scenic viewpoint in Vannes: the Ramparts Garden. This beautifully manicured space stretches along the old city walls and offers postcard-perfect views of the ramparts, medieval towers, and charming old wash houses set beside a peaceful stream. It’s the ideal place for a relaxing stroll or a quiet break surrounded by history and flowers.

Admire the Vannes Town Hall

Take a moment to appreciate the elegant architecture of the Vannes Town Hall from the outside—and if it’s open, step inside to see even more. The building is a masterpiece, inspired by Paris’ Hôtel de Ville, with intricate stonework, grand staircases, and ornate interiors that reflect the city’s historical prestige.

Here are all your hotel options near Vannes

Stroll Along the Port of Vannes

Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Port of Vannes, where sailboats and yachts line the quay. This scenic spot is perfect for soaking in the maritime atmosphere, watching boats depart for the Gulf of Morbihan, and grabbing a drink or bite at one of the many cafés nearby.

Things to do Around Vannes

Explore Belle Ile en Mer

Take a day trip—or even better, spend a couple of days—on Belle Ile en Mer, Brittany’s largest and most stunning island. With its dramatic coastline, secluded beaches, and charming villages, it’s our absolute favorite getaway in the region.

Read: Discover Belle Ile en Mer: Brittany’s Hidden Island Gem

Explore Ile aux Moines

Take a day trip to Ile aux Moines and either cycle through peaceful village lanes or hike the scenic GR34 coastal trail. A perfect escape into nature just off the Brittany coast.

Read: Discover Île aux Moines: The Pearl of the Gulf of Morbihan

Visit Ile d’Arz

Much like Ile aux Moines, Ile d’Arz is a charming island in the Gulf of Morbihan. Ideal for a relaxing day trip filled with nature, quiet beaches, and scenic walking trails.

Explore Suscinio Castle

Visit the impressive 13th-century Suscinio Castle, once the residence of the Dukes of Brittany. Surrounded by marshes and the Atlantic breeze, this beautifully preserved fortress is open for self-guided visits—no booking needed, just come and enjoy the experience.

Discover the Carnac Dolmens

If you’re fascinated by ancient history, a visit to the Carnac dolmens is a must. Dating back over 7,000 years, this remarkable site features more than 3,000 standing stones (menhirs) aligned across 4 kilometers. It’s one of the most impressive and mysterious prehistoric sites in Europe.

Take a Day Trip to Lorient La Base and Explore the Submarine Flore

Just a bit further from Vannes, you can embark on a fascinating day trip to Lorient La Base, Nazi Germany’s largest Atlantic submarine base. Discover the impressive concrete pens, learn about WWII naval history, and step inside the Cold War-era submarine Flore for a unique and immersive experience.

Read: Lorient La Base:The Complete Submarine Guide

6-Day Itinerary Around Vannes and the Gulf of Morbihan

Whether you only have half a day or a full week, here’s how to make the most of your time in Vannes and its stunning surroundings.

Day 1 – Explore Vannes Old Town (½ to full day)

Wander the charming streets of the medieval old town
Visit the Vannes Cathedral
Climb the Connétable Tower and admire the views over the Ramparts Garden
Stroll through the scenic Ramparts Garden and old wash houses
Step inside the beautiful Vannes Town Hall
End your day at the Port of Vannes

Day 2 – Head to Belle Ile en Mer

Take the morning ferry from Quiberon
Start exploring the wild beaches and charming villages of Brittany’s largest island

Day 3 – Continue your adventure on Belle Ile en Mer

Spend another day soaking in its beauty by scooter, bike, or car
Don’t miss the Needles of Port-Coton or the beach at Donnant

Day 4 – Discover Ile aux Moines

Take a boat from Port Blanc and enjoy a peaceful day biking or hiking the GR34 trail around the island

Day 5 – Visit Suscinio Castle

Travel back to medieval times at this impressive 13th-century castle—no booking needed, just show up and explore!

Day 6 – See Carnac Dolmens & Lorient Submarine Base

Marvel at the 7,000-year-old Carnac stones
Then head to Lorient to tour the WWII submarine base and Cold War submarine Flore

Read: The Perfect 2-Week Western France Itinerary

“Chacun voit midi à sa porte” …

About the authors

We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.

We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.

Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.

We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.