Being in the south of Brittany Morbihan has a warmer climate than the rest
of Brittany. With the mild winters and warm summers, it's attractions can
be enjoyed all year round. The departément is named after the Gulf
of Morbihan, 'Morbihan' meaning in Breton 'little sea'. The Gulf is almost
an inland sea, with it's own microclimate. The coastline offers miles of
sandy beaches, and off it are over 40 islands and islets.
Inland lie farmland, golden moors, beautiful river valleys, and forests.
The main rivers are the Sarre and the Blavet, and in their scenic, winding
valleys can be seen deer, otters and a variety of bird species. To the west,
the River Scorff flows down from the hills, meeting the Blavet at Lorient.
The Blavet, which meets the coast at Lorient, was canalised in 1842 and
has a towpath of 360 km. The River Sarre is a tributary of the Blavet, and
is a European nature conservation site harbouring a wealth of flora and
fauna.
The Forest of La Brocéliande of Grail Quest fame and where Merlin was enchanted by the Lady of the Lake, is to be found in the Paimpol region of Morbihan, south west of Rennes. Now only a remnant of the large primeval forest it used to be, it still retains an air of mystery. In the north of Morbihan is Lac Guerledan, with water activities, boat trips, beaches and swimming.
Vannes
Vannes is the capital of Morbihan and has a history going back to 54BC, and was occupied by the Romans. In the Middle Ages it became an important fortified town and was the home of the Dukes of Brittany. The mediaeval town centre is very attractive, with half-timbered houses and plenty of shops, bars and eateries. The archeological museum, in the old Brittany House of Parliament is worth a visit, and there are plenty of other attractions, including water taxis to the Gulf islands.
Lorient
Lorient at one time was the main port for trade with the far East (L'Orient). It is located where the Blavet and Scorff rivers meet at the Bay of Biscay. It's ports, rebuilt after World War II, include a Naval submarine base, naval shipbuilding yards, a major commercial fishing port (Lorient Kéroman) and the pleasure boat harbour. The University of South Brittany is here, as well as several other colleges. The shopping here is very good, there are many attractions in the town and there is quick and easy access to very beautiful countryside. The Interceltic Festival takes place at Lorient in August. The Isle de Groix lies just off the coast, a small inhabited island with beaches and cliffs which has a nature reserve.Travel:
By road: it can be reached via autoroute 24 from Rennes (88 miles) It is 183 miles from Paris.
By air: The airport is just outside Lorient: Aéroport de Lann-Bihoué - 56270 Ploemeur Téléphone : 02 97 87 21 50
Trains: SNCF railway station
Pontivy
Pontivy lies in the lovely Blavet River valley, with the river and the Nantes-Brest canal to enjoy. It's history has twice been named Napoleonville. Here can be seen the more modern Napoleonic architecture, as well as the mediaeval old town with it's half-timbered merchant's houses.Kernescleden
Not far from Pontivy is this charming little village with a population of less than 400, with a beautiful church built in the early 15th century by the Dukes of Rohan. A further attraction in the village is a toy museum.Josselin
Josselin, 30km south of Pontivy, was the home of the Dukes of Rohan, one of whom started the construction of the spectacular castle in the 15th century. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Brambles has a high tower from the top of which is a stunning view. The old town features old half-timbered buildings.Carnac
Carnac is famous for the huge
number of menhirs, dolmen, tumuli and cromlecs in the area, some dating
back to about 1000 BC. Over three thousand standing stones are arranged
in parallel lines culminating in a semi-circle around Menec. The
site is fenced in summer to allow vegetation to regrow, but can be accessed
in winter months. Check with the tourism office, where maps can be obtained:
http://www.ot-carnac.fr/version_anglaise/plage.php
Some photos of the alignments can be found on this website: http://www.crystalinks.com/carnacstones.html
Carnac is sheltered by the Quiberon Peninsular so has a mild climate
in which to enjoy it's beaches.
Locmariaquer
Situated at the neck of the Gulf, this lovely village and oyster port is one of the main prehistoric sites, with huge menhirs. Beautiful beaches and lots of boat trips as well.Gourin
A popular market town on the south side of the Montagnes Noires, in the centre of Brittany. ,55km from Pontivy, 50km from Lorient &45km from Quimper