Here is our selection of the 6 must-see sites in Vannetaise.
In Vannes, it's hard to undertake any earthworks without stumbling across vestiges of the town's rich past. This heritage can be seen on almost every street corner. L'hotel BEST WESTERN PLUS Vannes centre-ville has put together a small selection of must-see sites in Vannes to make your stay unforgettable and rich in emotion.
The town hall
Let's start with a little history... Succeeding the monarchists as mayor in 1878, the republican Emile Burgault wanted to erect a monument to the glory of the republic. It was 2 years after his investiture that the project took shape. From 1880 to 1886, the imposing edifice, a small-scale copy of the Paris town hall, drained the commune's finances. This controversy is said to have helped the monarchists return to power in 1888.
The washhouses
Built in 1817 and 1821, the Garenne wash-houses are located at the foot of the town's ramparts, which we'll look at in a later section. These washhouses, built on the river la MarleThis is one of the most photographed sites in Vannes.
The Saint-Vincent gate
This town landmark was built between 1620 and 1624. Since 1891, the gateway has housed a statue of Saint-Vincent-Ferrierpatron saint of the town of Vannes. This priest of the Dominican order remained famous for his public preaching. His relics are venerated in the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre de Vannes.
Vannes and his wife
On the corner of 2 streets in the city of Vannes stands the mysterious sign of "Vannes et sa femme" (Vannes and his wife), which seems to peer out at passers-by from a late 15th century house that once belonged to the owner of the house. Gilles de Bretagne. This granite sculpture is said to reflect the ease and conviviality of its owners. Almost 500 years later, the mystery of its significance remains intact.
The rampart gardens
In fine weather, this idyllic setting will transport you back to another era. The gardens of the ramparts offer a green panorama where the river Marle flows. It seems a long time ago that this area was occupied by washerwomen (women who washed clothes by hand) who used it as vegetable gardens.
Burton Tower
Two styles, two eras. In the foreground, the ramparts surrounding the old town were erected between 1364 and 1450, making the town even more attractive. So much so that it is now home to the parliament of an autonomous Brittany. Built in 1914 on the model of the Paris Spring, the building is supposed to symbolise elegance in the heart of the city.
