
Steeped in history
Every July, for three days, Vannes brings its rich history to life. Take a stroll in the rampart gardens or the streets of the old town, visit the blacksmith’s forge or the coin-makers’ workshop, admire the falconry displays and the artillery demonstrations, or just enjoy a taste of medieval cuisine. And the magic doesn’t end there, for as night falls you can join in the local open-air dance, or bal populaire, and be amazed as the fire-eaters take to the streets. But it’s also a great time to visit Vannes. With around 272 listed buildings, this town hides a wealth of history behind its ancient castle walls. Built in the shape of an amphitheatre around the Morbihan Gulf, this old medieval city has developed over the centuries around the cathedral of Saint-Pierre, safely within the comfortable shelter of its ramparts.