Just a stone’s throw from your Morbihan campsite
Visit Auray, the medieval town and the port of Saint-Goustan from your campsite
Auray town center, a postcard setting around every corner
A living heritage to discover on foot
Just 10 kilometers as the crow flies from our campsite in Carnac, discover Auray, labeled a Town of Art and History in Southern Brittany. With its charming old stones, artists’ studios, cosy restaurants and lively cafés along the harbour, this small Breton town is a must-see during your stay in Morbihan.
In the Middle Ages, this strategic location – the gateway to the Quiberon peninsula – saw the construction of a bridge, a port and a castle by the Dukes of Brittany. Although the fortress disappeared in the 16th century, the timber-framed houses and ashlar buildings still bear witness to the town’s past grandeur. Today, a heritage trail takes in the town’s oldest streets, such as Rue du Château, the church of Saint-Gildas and the chapel of Père Éternel, not forgetting Saint-Goustan, a small medieval port for which Auray is famous.
The port of Saint-Goustan, a place steeped in history
A port of history and character
Nestling on the left bank of the River Auray, the port of Saint-Goustan is a popular tourist destination, with its picturesque quays, colorful half-timbered houses and moored old sailing ships .
In the Middle Ages, Saint-Goustan was a busy fishing and trading port. In particular, it served as a landing point for goods from England.
On December 3, 1776, Port Saint-Goustan made history. It was here that Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, landed in France – in complete secrecy – with the aim of reaching Versailles and sealing a treaty of alliance with Louis XVI during the American War of Independence.
From Auray town center, two charming routes lead to Saint-Goustan. One crosses the ruins of the old ramparts, offering an unparalleled view of the port, often immortalized by photographers. The other follows the Rue du Château, where painting studios and art galleries abound. Art permeates every nook and cranny of the commune, and as you leave Saint-Goustan along the Loch, you’ll discover yet more studios nestled along the water’s edge.
Book your campsite near Auray and discover its medieval port, rich heritage and many summer activities.
Our favorite addresses in Auray
Local inspiration between city and port
- Chez Ginette: between the town center and the port of Auray, a cool and stylish fashion boutique, with well-known brands in the world of skateboarding, but not only! Address: 38, rue du Château.
- AtAtelier Bis’Art, Sylviane Spitzer creates her own textile decorations and paintings. The designer makes cushions and works them “like a painting”. Address: rue du Belvédère.
- For lunch or dinner, there’s a succession of brasseries with a lovely view of the mythical port of Saint Goustan. Try l’Armoric, where the caramel beurre salé crepes are excellent, as is the monkfish tajine.
Where to shop in Auray
Meeting local producers
The Auray market is held every Monday morning in the town center. It attracts up to 400 traders in summer, and 150 to 200 in low season. From Monday to Saturday, bakers, cheesemongers, pork butchers and fishmongers share the halls all year round.
On Thursday evenings, starting at 5pm, an organic market brings together local producers and market gardeners in Place Notre-Dame.
If you’d like to buy locally, the Pleine Campagne store, set up by farmers in Auray, sells local produce. Open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Address: 1, rue Léaulet, Auray. Tel: 02 97 29 05 12.
