Vannes & The Gulf of Morbihan   The town of Vannes dates from the first century B.C. when it was known as Darioritum and like many of the important Breton towns the original "old town" is situated within the fortified city walls. Large sections of the ramparts still remain and walking around these offers exceptional views of the town. At the centre of the old town lies the cathedral whose construction was started in the 13th century. Among the many sites to see within the walls is the Morbihan Archaeological Museum which gives a fascinating insight into early settlements in Brittany with examples from excavations at the many megalithic sites such as Carnac.   Situated at the head of the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes has a large port area. The visitor is free to meander around the port simply looking at the boats or may take one of the many boat excursions on offer.   Vannes has a good selection of restaurants and shops and the tourist office runs themed tours of the town throughout the year.   In the countryside around Vannes there are a number of castles and nature reserves where the visitor can pass a pleasant time in the calm surroundings.   Gulf of Morbihan   The Gulf of Morbihan is an inland sea with large a number of Islands within its boundaries. The Gulf measures 20km by 15km at its widest point and is tidal having a narrow channel opening into the Atlantic Ocean. The largest island in the Gulf is Monks Island (Ile ay Moins) with a population of 600. The island is a beautiful tourist resort with sandy beaches and a tranquil atmosphere. The second largest island is Arz which has a population of around 300 and a number of megalithic monuments. Many other islands in the Gulf are privately owned and uninhabited. On the Gavrines Island there is one of the largest and best preserved stone tumulus in existence . It is possible to see but visits are strictly controlled