Where to spend a weekend in Morbihan?
Each and every Breton department is unique. Morbihan is no exception to this rule. With endless interesting places, Morbihan is a joy to all travellers who visit. Between land and sea, there are plenty of options to spend a weekend in Morbihan and discover its atypical towns and numerous islands.
A weekend on the seaside of Morbihan
For those who don't know, the region of Morbihan in Brittany is a region of islands, each one more incredible than the next.
Discovering emblematic islands during your weekend in Morbihan
In the Gulf of Morbihan, one of the most well-known islands is the Île du Quiberon with its natural wild beauty and magnificent landscapes. You will love to see the beautiful Brittany with its soft sand and transparent waters. The Bay of Quiberon is unique – land on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Straight from Quiberon, take a boat to Belle-Île-en-Mer, Houat island, and Hoëdic.
On these islands, Mother Nature reigns. Houat is a small island only 4km long and 1.5km wide, making is endearing and popular amongst lovers of the wild. From its waters, you will have a magnificent panoramic view of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
L'île de Hoëdic is a gorgeous island that has an amazing atmosphere to offer its visitors. You can dock up on the island to discover Neolithic sites at Fort Vauban, or even check-out its pastel church with its pretty fountain where woman back in the day would fetch their water.
The Gulf of Morbihan – an exceptional vacation spot
There is no way you can take a weekend trip to Morbihan without making time for an excursion of the Gulf of Morbihan. You might find it hard to believe, but it is among the top 3 most beautiful bays in the entire world, along with Halong Bay and San Francisco. The Gulf of Morbihan is made up of 12 000 hectares of water that form a small inland sea. This is actually how this department got its name: from the Breton words mor-bihan, meaning “small sea”. This small sea is made up of over forty islands and islets. It's the perfect time to take hop on a cruise ship in Brittany and discover some of them.The main islands being Île d’Arz and Île Aux Moines. As you will find, there are only a few hundred residents living on the islands.
A weekend on the shore of Morbihan
Heading to the city of Vannes
After you seaside escape, place your feet back on solid ground and explore the charming city of Vannes. Between its art and history, dive into the medieval universe where the land and sea become one. Leave your luggage at the Ker Goh Lenn*** Residence, not far from Plescop. Feel at home in your vacation accommodation for your weekend in Morbihan, with the buildings gorgeous grey slate roof, typical of the area. Enjoy the heated pool and the wellness area, complete with a hammam spa, sauna, and jacuzzi. Only 15 minutes away from the city of Vannes, it is the ideal location to make the most of your surroundings.
You can visit the Vannes marina, which welcomes old ships with deep nautical and maritime heritage. After you admire the boats, you can go discover the city's amazing monuments. Explore the ramparts and the french gardens of the Promenade De La Garenne. Pay a visit to La Cohue, the museum of fine arts of Vanne, which houses old halls that date back to the Middle Ages. Right beside La Cohue, check-out Saint-Pierre, the longest cathedral in Brittany. For picture perfect architecture and postcard decor, don't miss Vanne's historical centre full of half-timbered Tudor style houses.
Discover the great tales and legends of Brittany
Once you've discovered what the seaside has to offer, you can begin to discover life on shore of this amazing region. Brittany is a land of legends where many old tales were born. To discover this for yourself, head to the megalithic site of Carnac and see its prehistoric monuments such as its columns of menhirs. Among all of the ancient menhirs and dolmens of Morbihan, Carnac's are not only the most famous but also the most impressive, with its giant broken menhir at the site of the megaliths of Locmariaquer. At the heart of the bay of Quiberon, this site is a part of the list of historical monuments of the 19th century.
The unique villages of Morbihan
For an authentic village experience, take a visit to the small town of La Gacilly. Nestled in the heart of Morbihan, La Gacilly is renowned for its pretty houses made of stone and its artistic craftsmanship. The name sound familiar to you? The calm and beautiful city is famous thanks to the French cosmetics brand Yves Rocher, and also to one of Europe's largest outdoor photography festivals that takes place there.
Want to find some time for tranquility and relaxation during your weekend in Morbihan before you continue exploring Brittany? The Ar Peoc'h Residence in Rochefort-en-terre is the perfect place. The village of Rochefort-en-Terre is one of the most stunning villages in France. It is home to a fortified castle fortress, as well as many old historic buildings and monuments. There is nothing better than taking a stroll through the cobblestone streets lined with flowered walls. Whatever you do, don't miss out on stopping by La Place Saint-Michel. Overlooking the sandstone, you will have an exceptional panoramic view of the hills, which once was the source of shale for the buildings and houses of the city.
Not very far, you will find Josselin, a small town full of rich character. It's there that you will find the gateway to the famous forest of Brocéliande. While there, don't be surprised if you come across fairies and elves!