AURAY. (56)  This charming port town has a population of around 10300 and the most important commerce today is tourism. Like many of these once busy small ports, Auray has seen a complete decline in its maritime activities and its port is now only used for pleasure boats. The town is built on the banks of the Auray River or Loch and overlooks St Goustan which is the old quarter of the town built around the port. This is the site of the landing of Benjamin Franklin in 1776 who came to negotiate a treaty with Louis XVI during the war of Independence. The calm which prevails in the town today belies a turbulent past as it was here in 1364 that the final battle of the many battles fought in the War of Succession took place. Today's visitor can take in the Promenade du Loch, La Place de la Republique, the Church of St Gildas and the St Goustan quarter as well as taking time to wander around the many delightful shops. It is possible to take a boat trip up the Auray River and around the Gulf of Morbihan from the port.