centre historique de vannes

Hard to put into words but the feelings one gets from seeing all of the ancient half-timbered buildings is delightful from the fact that they are still standing and at the same time poignant for the fact they remind us that our trip in life is relatively short. I always enjoy visiting cities like Vannes where it often feels like you could be in an earlier era and imagine what it was like living in those times. At some point during your visit, you will scratch your head and wonder, "How is that building standing?" If you are staying in Vannes, the Kyriad near the train station is a nice hotel and is reasonably close to the old city.

No amount of rain and cold can detract from the charm of the old city-centre. Visitors gaze in astonishment at the lop-sided buidlings, wondering how the wooden beams have survived the centuries. Wander along the little lanes and marvel at the charming view you'll find at every turn. Your camera will be working non-stop, I promise.We were there on a quiet winter's day: I expect it's jam-packed in the summer, and deservedly so.

Love these medieval buildings, they are crooked, lean at angles you would think wouldn't be structurally possible and are well maintained throughout Vannes.If you have been to Chester or York in the UK you would see the similarities. Walking through the cobbled streets you feel the sense of history and its a privilege to experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era.Take time to look up! Take time to examine the visual delight of street upon street of history. To the friendly and welcoming people of Vannes.....I thank you!

Vannes is a fantastic place to spend the day. The city has alot of history and walking around taking photos is a must. We went on a Saturday when the market was in full swing and was not disappointed, although this was November the city was crowded but still room to stop for an espresso at a street side cafe and watch the locals. Parking was found down by the harbor next to the marina and is free between 12-2pm but there is also plenty of park buildings. Negotiating the small streets with the car was fun hahahaha.

In visting Vannes you first problem is parking! so when your near the center grab t f you see a space, otherwise try 'Place de la Republique, where the main Post Office is.The port to the South is a mass of interesting boats both old ad newer plastic ones. Walking around the town is a delight of centuries of Architecture, houses with gargoles, little coutyards, impressive modern, passageways beconning you to go through, a cathedral, I could go on and on. The tourist Office not far from the NW end of the Harbour will give you a map. You'll enjoy this city with its multiple interests apart from a full range of shops and food places. Have Fun!!

The historical center is a typically fascinating Brittany town. Not a small village but off season was not crowded and very nice. The market is good and the locals truly pleasant and seem pleased to meet you.

Vannes is a lovely place for a stopover and the evenings we were there were truly balmy for September. The bars overlooking the river were very busy, but there are plenty of nice little bars and restaurants set back a few streets from the main tourist traps. Each to their own, of course, but we were served very quickly in the bars in the historic city and felt the prices were reasonable.

Guidebooks to Brittany seem to favour Dinan as regards the most attractive mediaeval city. However, although I agree that Dinan is lovely, it's my view that Vannes is equally pretty and interesting.The reason I make that point is that, if you are not staying in the North of the region, Dinan can be a long way to travel and, if you are not keen on a 2 or 3 hour drive, it may be useful to know that other ancient cities may be much closer to your base and are of comparable charm.Vannes consists of a historic centre with colourful, half-timbered buildings and pleasant squares, a cathedral, partially walkable city ramparts, a pleasant port and riverside area and a number of parks and gardens. So there is plenty of variety for a day's visit.As with all of these touristic centres, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops aimed at visitors abound. Street performers seem to be of a slightly upmarket nature (harpists and woodwind quartets) and on Wednesday and Saturday there is a vast, sprawling and excellent market that becomes extremely busy.Parking is plentiful and access straightforward.The more modern part of Vannes, surrounding the historic centre is also attractive in its own way and worth a look if you have time.Strongly recommended.

Really worth spending a day in Vannes. The old centre is small enough to do in a day and there is enough there to look at and wonder around.The gardens around the ramparts are particularly gorgeous.We went on the little tourist train to get a feel for the place - only 6 euros each and it showed us right around the centre

Vannes is a beautiful city and well worth a visit. It is steeped in history and the old city alongside the modern port is an interesting contrast. The best time to walk about the historic centre of Vannes is on a Sunday morning. No crowds, no market, no shoppers and so a great opportunity to see the historic buildings, the city wall, the ramparts. You can take photos without crowds getting in on the picture. Don't miss out on visiting the city!

Charming city - great mediaeval character but lots of modern facilities too. Good bus service around the city but most of it is explorable easily by foot

This is an absolutely beautiful city, steeped in history and has amazing buildings and a good variety of restaurants.

A very nice medieval city with modern shops as well as the usual tourist souveniers to buy. The cafes are well worth a visit whether it is just for a drink, ice cream or full meal.

Vannes is a town of complete contrasts. The port area with its' modern yachts, paved sidewalk and impressive new tourist information centre sits comfortably side by side with the cobbled streets and medieval buildings of the old town.There are numerous places to eat and/or drink and a variety of shops. The Ramparts and the old washhouse provide good photo opportunities, as do the ancient buildings and cobbled streets.The little train is an ideal starting point to get to know the layout before discovering further points of interest on foot.Well worth visiting for a few hours.

The Center of town has old Walls/ buildings,Two Museums and a nice market on Wednesday & Saturdays. The harbor is nicely set out just south of the gate on the place Gambetta.