Auray offers several clearly distinct points of interest to consider when planning your trip: its historic urban layout, harbour and paths through the landscape. The harbour of Saint-Goustan retains its maritime heritage. Auray-Saint-Goustan comprises two historic districts: in the upper town, the Church of Saint-Gildas is the focal point, while the lower town lies on the banks of the Loch. The historic area of Saint-Goustan can be explored entirely on foot along the Auray River. This lets you consider the town’s history, harbour and riverside walk as separate ways to experience Auray.
Historic Streets and Architectural History
The “Coeur historique” walking route takes you through Auray’s oldest streets. The Chapelle du Saint-Esprit dates from the 13th and 14th centuries. This gives you a useful distinction to consider when making your choice: the walking route focuses on Auray’s historic street layout, while the chapel offers a tangible connection to the architecture of the 13th and 14th centuries. You can therefore focus your cultural visit on either the town’s layout or a single building.
Two Walks with Different Character
The “Le Hameau de Kerléano” walking route crosses a protected area along sunken lanes. Compared with the “Coeur historique,” the focus shifts from the oldest streets to a landscape-oriented path. This gives you a clear choice: would you like to explore the historic urban layout, or take a walk that follows sunken lanes through a protected area?
Harbour and Coastal Landscape
The coastal path leads to the mudflats and salt marshes of Anse du Govillo, which are associated with the region’s oyster-farming history. Unlike a cruise, the focus here is not on travelling by water, but on the coastal landscape and its history of use. Conditions on the coast may vary, so take this into account when planning your trip. Auray lies entirely within the Gulf of Morbihan Regional Natural Park. From Saint-Goustan, you can take cruises along the rias or towards the Gulf of Morbihan; operators and schedules may change. Check the available dates before planning a trip. A path in Auray starts at the harbour of Saint-Goustan.
Market Day and Getting There
A market featuring local producers takes place on Place Notre-Dame in Auray on Fridays; the weekly schedule may change. The high-speed rail line connects Auray with Paris in 2 hours and 40 minutes; journey times and service patterns may change. For trip planning, the market and the train are two different points of reference: Friday can help you choose your travel dates, while the journey time gives you an idea of how long it takes to get there from Paris. Check the latest market schedule and train timetable before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Lignol, Brandivy, Lanvaudan, Carnac, Camors, Île-Aux-Moines, Colpo, Gâvres.
Return to the main travel overview: Morbihan.
