Vannes

The Statue of Saint Émilion commemorates the monk Émilion, who was born in Vannes in the 8th century and later lived as a hermit in the Gironde. Around his hermitage, the town of Saint-Émilion emerged, now primarily known for its wine. The statue can be easily combined with a stroll through the old town and to the harbour.

In Vannes, a city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, you'll also find a surprisingly vibrant and diverse street art scene. These modern artworks create a fascinating contrast to the historic walls and reflect the city's dynamic cultural development. You can expect a wide range of artistic expressions, from large-format murals covering entire facades to detailed stencils and intelligently placed installations. Many of these works address local themes, tell stories from Breton culture, or offer subtle social commentaries. The city serves as an open canvas for artists, making their visions accessible to a wide audience.Our Tip: To discover the best works, you should explore the alleys off the main tourist paths. Walks are particularly worthwhile in the districts around the harbor and in the areas outside the historic city walls, where larger and more impressive murals are often found. Take your time to observe the details and decipher the messages behind the images. A morning visit not only offers optimal light for photos but also fewer passersby, allowing for an undisturbed art experience.

The Place des Lices in Vannes is a historically significant location, whose name harks back to its original function as a jousting arena for knightly tournaments in the Middle Ages. Today, it forms the vibrant heart of the city and is particularly known for its lively weekly market. Here you'll find an impressive collection of well-preserved half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, which lend the square a unique, picturesque ambiance. These buildings bear witness to Vannes' rich history and prosperity in past centuries.Every Saturday morning, the square transforms into a colourful marketplace, where vendors offer regional products, fresh food, flowers, and handicrafts. It's the ideal spot to soak up the local atmosphere and discover Breton specialties. Even outside market hours, the square, with its surrounding cafés and restaurants, invites you to linger. Here you can often observe locals playing Boule, which lends the place an authentic, relaxed atmosphere.Our Tip: Visit the market on Saturday morning to experience the full spectacle. To avoid the largest crowds, it's advisable to arrive early in the morning. For an atmospheric photo of the half-timbered houses, the view from Rue du Mené is ideal, especially when the sun is low.

The Place Lucien Laroche is located in the historic center of Vannes, just a few steps from Place des Lices. Surrounded by half-timbered houses, from here you can easily reach Saint-Pierre Cathedral and the gardens along the city walls. Our tip: In the early morning, it's quiet here, and the light beautifully illuminates the facades.

The Remparts de Vannes, Vannes' well-preserved city walls, are an outstanding example of medieval military architecture in Brittany. Their origins date back to the 3rd century, but they largely took their current form between the 13th and 17th centuries, particularly under the Dukes of Brittany. You can walk along much of these historic fortifications, gaining a unique insight into the defensive strategies of past eras.The walls encompass the picturesque old town and offer charming views from various sections of Vannes' rooftops, Saint-Pierre Cathedral, and the adjacent gardens, often referred to as the 'Jardins des Remparts'. Particularly impressive is the section near the Porte Saint-Vincent and the Tour du Connétable. Here, you can see the massive construction and the strategic placement of the towers. The complex served not only for protection but also as a status symbol for the Dukes.Our Tip: Visit the Remparts early in the morning or late afternoon to get the best light for photos and avoid the largest crowds. A stroll through the adjacent gardens below the walls offers a different perspective and is ideal for grasping the fortification's dimensions. Look out for the various architectural styles that reflect the walls' long history.