Quiberon which is at the southern tip of the isthmus joining
it to the mainland is a very popular tourist resort particularly for
the French who arrive in large numbers in July and August. It has
splendid south facing beaches making it a delightful place to relax
for a few days.
There are regular ferry services between Quiberon and Belle
Ile (Beautiful Island) and some of the other small islands lying off
the coast. The peninsula Itself has some of the best stretches of
sandy beaches to be found in Brittany and like Quiberon, is very
popular with both the French and foreign visitors.
Auray
Auray is two distinct towns; the actual town of Auray, built high on
the banks of the River Auray and the old port of St Goustan. The town
was badly damaged in the second world war but has been
sympathetically restored. Still remaining are the 18th century town
hall and the Church of St Gildas which dates from the 17th century
and is an interesting mix of
Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Take a walk along the Loch
Promenade which winds its way down to St Goustan where there are many
art and craft shops to visit or take advantage of one of the many
restraints scattered around the port.
Belle Ile
This is the largest of the Breton Islands with a
population of around 4500 and measuring 18km by 5km with 80km of
coastline. Its 4 main towns are Le Palais, Sauzon, Locmaria and
Bangor. The island is an extremely popular tourist resort, attracting
many well known French Stars and politicians as well as visitors from
around the world. The north coast offers a large number of sandy
beaches whilst the south coast offers a more rugged coastline with
spectacular rock formations and caves some of which may be explored
at low tide. Le Palais, the island's main town is the site of the
Vauban Citadel, a fortification dating from the mid 16th century and
now housing the historical museum. Several ferries a day leave from
Quiberon and Nantes. The local tourist office has details of walking
and car tours
Carnac
Carnac
is well known as a prehistoric capital and is one of the most
important prehistoric sites in the world today. The standing stones
(Menhirs) which number over 3000 in and around Carnac were set in
place between 5000 and 2000 B.C. but very little is known about the
people who lived in the region at this time. Carnac is home to the
Archeoscope a centre dedicated to the understanding of the stones and
has excellent displays and video talks in several different languages
giving an insight into what is known about the stones today. There is
also the Museum of Pre-history with very good displays and explanations
Auray is two distinct towns; the actual town of Auray, built high on
the banks of the River Auray and the old port of St Goustan. The town
was badly damaged in the second world war but has been
sympathetically restored. Still remaining are the 18th century town
hall and the Church of St Gildas which dates from the 17th century
and is an interesting mix of
Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Take a walk along the Loch
Promenade which winds its way down to St Goustan where there are many
art and craft shops to visit or take advantage of one of the many
restraints scattered around the port.
Carnac
is well known as a prehistoric capital and is one of the most
important prehistoric sites in the world today. The standing stones
(Menhirs) which number over 3000 in and around Carnac were set in
place between 5000 and 2000 B.C. but very little is known about the
people who lived in the region at this time. Carnac is home to the
Archeoscope a centre dedicated to the understanding of the stones and
has excellent displays and video talks in several different languages
giving an insight into what is known about the stones today. There is
also the Museum of Pre-history with very good displays and explanations