Discovering Vannes
The story of Vannes
Founded at the end of a ria, Vannes must thank the Romans for providing the basis for the medieval fortified town. Towards the end of the 14th century the town became one of the favourite residences of the Dukes of Brittany. The battlements were extended towards the port, doubling the area within the town walls.
Within the town walls many timber-frame houses can be found in the narrow streets surrounding the Cathedral, which was rebuilt from the 15th century onwards. This “wooden town” is complemented by a “stone town” dating from the classical period. Sea trade had reached its zenith and new quays were added to the port.
This maritime activity collapsed during the 19th century. Starting in the 1860/1870 period, the County Town of Morbihan constructed new public buildings and enjoyed renewed activity with the arrival of the railway and the installation of two regiments.
The town’s evolution
Founded over 2,000 years ago, at the inland edge of the Gulf of Morbihan, the growth of Vannes was based on its harbour, which was very busy until the 19th century.
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Vannes over the centuries
The favourite residence of the Dukes of Brittany at the end of the Middle Ages, Vannes became the Prefecture (County town) of Morbihan in 1791.
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