"Vannes: Ancient Brittany" Top 5 Page for this destination Vannes by ExGuyParis

Vannes Travel Guide: 132 reviews and 372 photos

The Strikimg Beauty of Vannes in Brittany

Vannes was the capital town of the Dukes of Brittany (Bretagne). A walled town, a port, it today retains much of its ancient charm.

Sections of the wall date from the third century-- the Gallo-Roman era. "Newer" segments were built in the 1400's. The wall features impressive towers and gates into the city.

Inside the walls you will find many (more than 170) cross-timber houses-- maisons à pans de bois-- some from the 15th century.

Vannes is the perfect place for aimless wandering. You will constantly find things that delight the eyes and the spirit.

O'er the ramparts we watched...

O'er the remparts we watched...

The French word for ramparts = remparts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Breathtaking Beauty

Intro Updated Nov 7, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (6)

The Remparts and the Gardens Things to Do (4)

The beauty of Vannes is astonishing; it is a bit like Disneyland, but real. The plantings are breathtaking, the old... more travel advice

19th Centry Laundromat Things to Do (4)

The washhouse along the river, built in the early 1800's. Here, the women of Vannes did the laundry. more travel advice

Stone Love Things to Do (4)

This couple, carved in granite, adorn a house built around 1500. Nobody knows who they were, or why they are there. One... more travel advice

Today, it has space for tourists - Vannes

Tower of Law, Tower of War Things to Do (4)

The Tour de Connétable (tower of the constable), in the eastern wall, was built in the 15th century. Five stories high,... more travel advice

Favorites (2)
See All By the sea

Been to Vannes?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (19)

Reply
- Report abuse
Maryimelda Dec 13, 2012 at 7:38 PM

You've convinced me. I've put Vannes on my list for 2013. Great photos.
Reply
- Report abuse
gwened Nov 16, 2011 at 2:32 AM

Nice page on Vannes, where I work.Cheers
Reply
- Report abuse
nickandchris Jul 17, 2006 at 2:59 AM

This looks a most beautiful place.
Reply
- Report abuse
Kate-Me Jan 10, 2006 at 5:43 PM

Merci beaucoup! C'est tres jolie. I hope to visit here in May. Greetings from Downunder _ Kate
Reply
- Report abuse
herzog63 Nov 13, 2004 at 3:11 PM

I love the "Moments Rest" photo!! I thought it was a painting!!! Charming page!! Wonder if they saw the Northern Lights in Vannes........hehe
Reply
- Report abuse
Maillekeukeul Nov 7, 2004 at 7:05 AM

It seems to be a charming city... I've often heard of it, but never been to...
Reply
- Report abuse
belgianchocolate Aug 6, 2004 at 6:53 PM

Next time I'll visit this city as well. :-)
Reply
- Report abuse
allaboutnice Jan 25, 2004 at 7:41 AM

looks extraordinarily beautiful
Reply
- Report abuse
Geisha_Girl Aug 7, 2003 at 1:49 PM

Such a remarkable portrait, Paul. All the charm of Bretagne in one town ! I love the STONE LOVE pic. Imagine having your image cast in stone for centuries and nobody even knowing your name.......
Reply
- Report abuse
jide08 Mar 21, 2003 at 8:44 AM

Very nice photos. But I see some blue sky in two of them. Did you add that colour on your computer?