Located in southern Brittany, this department is culturally and geographically diverse. With beautiful, white sandy beaches with good facilities and seaside cafes to quaint coastal villages and historical towns and monuments further inland. There are castles and of course the prehistoric Carnac megaliths where there is said to be over 3,000 recorded standing stones. Aside from the chateaux, medieval villages and churches, the area is renowned for its savoury pancakes, pastries and cider. Leisure activities include golf, tennis, horse riding, fishing, water sports and cycling. Visitors can also go out by boat to one of the many islands just off the coast of Morbihan, the most popular of which being Belle-Ile-en-Mer.
You could visit La Gacilly Yves Rocher botanical gardens and museum. With over 1,000 different species of plant and a vegetarium (a museum exploring the histrocial uses of plants in medicine, fragrance, textiles and dyes) displaying various exhibitions this is certainly worth a stop. Vannes is the largest city, with many historic buildings and monuments here are worth visiting. The city was founded by the Romans in the 1st century and the ramparts are fascinating, with gates, towers and even fortified bridges. The Jardin des Ramparts is just spectacular, with geometric patterned gardens and colour-coded flowerbeds. There is an archaeological museum, fine arts museum, 700-year-old Cathedral as well as an aquarium – perfect if you are travelling with children. The gastronomy is particularly delicious, with a focus on fresh seafood, sweet and savoury crepes and locally produced cider.
Brest Airport has multiple international connections and is located 175 km away while Quimper Airport is slightly closer at just over 155 km. You could take the Brittany ferry, which sails from Portsmouth to St-Malo or Plymouth to Roscoff. Alternatively the TGV trains operate throughout the year and most towns and cities have a good railway network.
