Auray Guide

Auray sits in Brittany, France, where a river runs down into the Gulf of Morbihan, and that river splits the town in two. On the left bank is the upper town, with the triangular Place de la République and its half-timbered houses. On the right bank is the harbour quarter of Saint-Goustan, where most visitors end up. The municipality belongs to the Golfe du Morbihan regional nature park.

The two halves are joined by an old stone bridge, and crossing it is the best thing you can do here. A hiking trail also leads from the top of town down to the port, with views over the harbour on the way. At the bottom you land on the Quai Franklin, a granite quay lined with timbered houses and steep streets. Expect to use your calves on the way back up.

Saint-Goustan is a marina on the River Loc'h, and boats leave from it for trips into the Gulf of Morbihan. If you would rather steer yourself, you can hire a boat for 2 h from Ty Bagou and follow the river as far as the suspension bridge at Le Bono. That is a calmer way to see the water than a tour, because you set the pace.

Korrigames runs an outdoor escape game through the streets and the port that tells Breton legends. It suits children, seniors and groups, and it gives you a reason to look at the corners of Saint-Goustan you would otherwise walk past.

The upper town has its own pace. Place de la République carries a town hall built in 1882, and the church of Saint-Gildas stands a short walk away. When the weather turns, families can head to ALREKIDS, an indoor play park of 800 m2 for children aged 1 to 12, with a 200 m2 outdoor terrace.

Auray also works as a base for the surrounding area. The pilgrimage site of Sainte-Anne-d'Auray lies about 6 km outside town. Guided Segway, electric scooter and electric fatbike tours leave from Auray for the menhirs of Carnac and last between 1 h and half a day. Every September a popular road race between Auray and Vannes sets off, as it has since 1975.