BrittanyFrance56

The port of Vannes,founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans was originally called Darioritum.

We have been to Vannes before and completely missed the area by the ramparts.It was only because we took the train ride below that we discovered this historic part of the town.

The church of Saint Patern dedicated to the first bishop of Vannes in the 5th century.The church was a major stopping place for the Tro-Breiz(Breton for Tour of Brittany) which began in the middle ages.This was a Catholic pilgrimage that linked the towns of the seven founding saints of Brittany.

The Garenne Gardens

The Wash Houses-Constructed in the nineteenth century close to the medieval fortifications of the city.

La Prefecture-1865-This magnificent building resembles a chateau at the time of Louis 13th.

Some good views of Conleau, Vannes.A haven for leisure boating, Conleau is also the ferry port for the Ile d' Arz.The aquarium and butterfly park are situated here.

And....

Vannes-In mid July each year Vannes has a festival of costumed processions and jousting tournaments.

The cathedral of St Peter dates back to the 12th century although there have been changes made since then .The most remarkable aspect is the Chapel of Saint -Sacrement erected in the 16th century in the Italian Renaissance style.

Vannes is located along the Gulf of Morbihan, at the confluence of the Vannes River. It is a market town and often linked to the sea.

Another view of Conleau

Timber FramedBuildings-Vannes has a large number of these buildings throughout the towncentre.The oldest date from the 15th century.

Quimper-Photo Gallery 2

Pointe Du Raz-Photo Gallery 2

Photo of the prison gate,taken from the train.This is one of the oldest ways into the walled town.Used as a prison during the 18th century, in time it became referred to as the Prison Gate.It is a fine example of a fortified gate, controlled by a double drawbridge system, one for the cart gate, and the other for pedestrians.

Saint Meriasek was a 4th century Breton saint.

Meriasek was a Breton from a wealthy background . He crossed the Channel to found an oratory in Camborne, Cornwall. Encountering persecution, he returned to Brittany to found a chapel in Josselin and was reputed to have healed many people and even driven off the local thieves. He was elevated to become bishop of Vannes but continued to wear rags and live a simple life.

His sacred well in Camborne was believed to have healing powers.

St Vincent sited at the Cathedral of Saint Peter