From Rennes to Quimper, Southern Brittany is just a train ride away!

Vannes is a great place for a stroll and is only 1 hour by train from Rennes. Behind its magnificent ramparts, this City of Art and History has retained its medieval character (and charm), with cobbled streets and colourful timber-framed houses. Need inspiration? Take a guided tour to learn more about the heritage and history of the City of the Vénètes. Your clients will also discover a city that is very much in tune with the times, with its lively terraces, trendy concept stores, street art on every corner… and even, just beyond the port, the hashtag Vannes!

There’s nothing more relaxing than a stroll along the shores of the Gulf of Morbihan. The Conleau peninsula is just an hour’s walk from the ramparts of Vannes. There, from April to October, you’ll find a “Petit Passeur” (small ferryboat) that runs crossings to Séné, opposite. Following the “Sentier des Gabelous” trail (which is 14.5 km long and takes roughly 4 hours to complete), your clients will discover Port-Anna, home of the Sinagots, the old sailing ships that are the symbol of the Gulf. They will also pass by oyster beds, with oyster tasting available at Captain Marée or La Belle d’Ilur. And let’s not forget the beautiful views of the islands: Boëdic (private) and Boëde, listed as a Sensitive Natural Area (Espace naturel sensible). A real dose of the “Petite Mer”!

From Séné, you can set sail for the Île d’Arz. It’s best to visit out of season to get a true sense of the island’s tranquillity. It takes just a few hours to walk around this calm and peaceful archipelago. Your clients will fall in love with the unspoilt countryside, the narrow streets full of flowers… and the incomparable views over the Gulf of Morbihan. They can also stop for a swim in one of the pretty little coves along the way. And don’t forget to stop off at the Berno tide mill, set into the sea wall. A visit to the “Marins et capitaines” (sailors and captains) museum plunges visitors into the rich nautical history of Arz. From here, you can return directly to Vannes. Looking for a magical and timeless moment? Spend the night on the island!

We guarantee that the Gulf of Morbihan is even more beautiful from the water! Take your clients on an eco-friendly tour to get up close and personal with its landscapes, islands and birds…

• Option 1: set sail from Séné on board the Corbeau des Mers, a historic ship which answered the Appeal of 18 June 1940. No engine on board, just everyone manoeuvring to hoist the mainsail… under the guidance of Eric, the skipper, who knows the Gulf like the back of his hand!
• Option 2: slip into a kayak and take a trip along the water’s edge… A great way to feel the power of the currents and the influence of the tides. You can hire a kayak to go out on your own or join a guided tour, departing from Séné, Baden or Arradon.

Before setting off for a day at sea, you can stock up on good local produce. A visit to the Vannes market (Wednesday and Saturday mornings) or the Halles de Lices (open in the mornings) will give you a good idea of the wealth of local produce on the Gulf of Morbihan. Fish and oysters, charcuterie, fruit and vegetables, kouign-amann, chocolates… You can also discover a number of local specialities in the shops in the city centre: sweet and savoury biscuits from the Biscuiterie des Vénètes, salmon from Fumage Artisanal D’Arzon, salt from Saint-Armel, Nicol cider, beers from the Awen microbrewery… So many ideas for gifts to take home.

Lorient is only 30 minutes from Vannes by train. And there are bike hire facilities right outside the station! Your clients will be amazed by this city and its six ports. Not to mention the multihull competition centre in Lorient-La Base. It’s THE place to be, with its terraces, shops such as 727 Sailbags, which recycles boat sails into bags and cushions, and the Cité de la Voile. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of ocean racing, this tour (for individuals or groups, available in French and English) is a must. You can even go on board with a skipper or zip-line over the water at 60km/h. Excitement guaranteed! In August, the Festival Interceltique de Lorient (Lorient Inter-Celtic Festival) is a great celebration of traditional Celtic music… as well as more modern sounds.

There are two ways to cross the roadstead of Lorient: on board the Key Largo, a superb hybrid-engine speedboat for private excursions (as far as Port-Louis) or by boat-bus (bicycles allowed)! Once in Port-Louis, your clients can stroll around this beautiful town overlooked by its magnificent citadel. From the top of its ramparts, the view over the port is unbeatable. Inside, the Musée de la Compagnie des Indes (French East India Company Museum) brings to life the history of a maritime trade perfumed with spices. You’ll feel like you’re at the end of the world on the Gâvres peninsula (which is easy to walk around). Fall in love with its fishermen’s cottages, its dune beaches, its Maison Glaz (a magnificent ecological centre)… With the island of Groix just opposite!

Head for Cornouaille. Situated on the banks of the Odet, Quimper is the very definition of a Breton city. The city boasts cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and the Saint-Corentin Cathedral with its impressive Gothic spires… For art lovers, the Musée des Beaux Arts collection is one of the richest in France. Quimper is also the birthplace of earthenware: a visit to the factory is a must – to see how the famous name bowls are made. As is a visit to the Armor Lux workshops, where the timeless (and essential) marinière striped sailor clothing is made. To end the day in style, you can enjoy a “Made in Breizh” beer at the Baleine Déshydratée… in a truly festive atmosphere!

Head to Quimper’s nautical centre, whose building is in the shape of a boat. Here your clients will hop into a kayak for a delightful trip down the Odet River – One of the most beautiful rivers in France, wild and unspoilt. Enjoy a gentle 14km journey through blue and green scenery to Bénodet, a 5-star seaside resort and the pearl of the Breton Riviera. A stroll along the coastline, a swim on the white sandy beach… and your clients can take the shuttle back to Quimper. Depending on the tide, this walk, which is suitable for children aged 5 and over, takes you from Bénodet to Quimper. For the less sporty, there is also the option of a boat trip.