Only two bases
Four nights west of the Gulf, two nights in Vannes: only one accommodation change.
A week of megaliths, characterful harbours, Atlantic coast and Gulf islands, organised around two bases so you spend more time exploring and less time repacking.
The route at a glance
For a first week in Morbihan, the most fluid itinerary combines Auray and Saint-Goustan, Carnac, Quiberon, Locmariaquer, the Gulf of Morbihan and Vannes.
The route below uses four nights around Carnac or Auray, then two nights in Vannes. It remains deliberately flexible: an island day can become a Gulf cruise, a beach can replace a visit and the pace can easily slow down for families.
The logic of the route
South Brittany makes you want to take every detour. This route groups visits by area and leaves room for weather, tides and spontaneous choices.
Four nights west of the Gulf, two nights in Vannes: only one accommodation change.
The route alternates the power of the Wild Coast with the more sheltered landscapes of the Morbihan.
Megaliths, historic harbours, a walled town and maritime villages give each day character.
Each day can be lightened, reversed or replaced depending on the season and your pace.
Suggested route
Auray / Saint-Goustan → Carnac and La Trinité-sur-Mer → Quiberon peninsula → Locmariaquer → Gulf of Morbihan → Vannes.
The itinerary day by day
This itinerary is a source of inspiration, not a standard package. Timetables, crossings and access conditions should be checked for your travel dates.
Start in the streets of central Auray, then walk down to Saint-Goustan harbour. The former trading port is now a pleasant area for an easy first evening beside the Auray river.
Suggested pace: easy arrival, walk and dinner locally.
Spend the morning at the standing stones and Maison des Mégalithes, then head into Carnac. At the end of the day, Anse du Pô offers a different setting of oyster beds and changing light.
Good to know: the megaliths of Carnac and the Morbihan shores have been UNESCO-listed since 2025.
Stroll around La Trinité-sur-Mer harbour, then choose a stretch of coast to suit your mood: beach, gentle walk or bike loop. Keep the end of the afternoon free for Carnac-Plage without over-scheduling.
A good option: a lighter day before the Quiberon peninsula.Leave early for Portivy and the Wild Coast. Continue to Quiberon, Port-Haliguen and Pointe du Conguel. The aim is not to stop everywhere, but to choose two or three coherent stops between cliffs, harbour and walking.
In summer: allow for traffic and do not underestimate parking time.
Leave your first base via Locmariaquer. Megalithic heritage, the harbour and views towards the entrance of the Gulf make a natural transition before heading to Vannes for two nights.
Alternative: replace the megalithic visit with a seasonal crossing to Port-Navalo.Choose an island day on Île aux Moines, reached by boat from Port-Blanc, or a cruise with or without a stop. Once ashore, explore on foot or by bike and adapt your loop to the return boat time.
Essential: check timetables, booking and weather with the chosen operator. For a shorter stay, follow our 3-day Gulf of Morbihan itinerary.Finish with the harbour, Porte Saint-Vincent, the lanes of the walled town, half-timbered houses and the rampart gardens. This last day is easy to adapt to your departure time.
To extend the day: walk along La Rabine or detour via Conleau.
Where to stay?
The best base depends on your travel style. Carnac puts beaches and megaliths nearby; Auray is convenient by train and gives quick access to Saint-Goustan. Vannes then makes it easy to reach Gulf boat departures while enjoying a real evening in town.
Carnac for a coastal atmosphere and beaches close by. Auray for rail access, Saint-Goustan and a central location between Carnac and Vannes.
Vannes for restaurants, heritage and easy access to several activities. Baden or Larmor-Baden for a quieter atmosphere close to some boat departure points.
Prepare the week
In South Brittany, a good itinerary considers boat timetables, traffic and tides just as much as the list of sights.
The peninsula gets busy in high season. Arriving early makes it much easier to choose stops and parking calmly.
Timetables, departure ports and services change with the season. Book island days once the rest of the trip is set.
Wind and sea conditions can affect a cruise. Keep Vannes or a cultural visit as a backup.
They transform harbours, coves and landscapes. They do not dictate the whole itinerary, but can guide the order of walks.
Two highlights and a pause are often enough. The quality of the trip also comes from leaving time for markets, beaches and spontaneous detours.
Museum, walled town, thalassotherapy or cannery visit: each area has credible alternatives if the rain sets in.
Editorial information checked in September 2026 against official sources: Alignements de Carnac, Baie de Quiberon, Baie de Quiberon Tourist Office et City of Vannes. Timetables and access conditions should still be confirmed before departure.
Frequently asked questions
Essential answers before turning this outline into a real trip.
A balanced route can connect Auray and Saint-Goustan, Carnac’s standing stones, La Trinité-sur-Mer, the Quiberon peninsula, Locmariaquer, an island in the Gulf of Morbihan and Vannes.
Two bases are enough: four nights around Carnac or Auray, then two nights in Vannes or on the north shore of the Gulf. This limits accommodation changes.
A car makes travel between Saint-Goustan, Carnac, Quiberon, Locmariaquer and the Gulf departure points much easier. In high season, allow for traffic on the Quiberon peninsula.
Spring and early autumn often offer a good balance of light, visitor numbers and open services. Summer also works well if you book ahead and leave early for the busiest places.
Yes. Beaches, harbours, megaliths and short walks work well for families. Distances and the order of visits should still be adapted to the children’s ages and the weather.
Two ways to travel
The Quiberon - Carnac short break follows a fixed route. To adapt dates, pace, children or budget, Ker Coast creates a tailor-made trip.