The 8 things to do in Carnac

Did you have the right idea to stay in Brittany and now look to visit Carnac? Discover our list of the must-sees of this Morbihanese city full of surprises.

Located on the edge of Quiberon Bay, close to the entrance of the Gulf of Morbihan, Carnac is known for its menhir alignments. Indeed, many tourists go there every year to admire these amazing historically famous rocks. But visiting Carnac should not stop there. Beyond this legendary attraction, Carnac surprises with its landscapes and culture, Breton signatures and Celtic heritages.

1. Walking among the Alignments of Carnac

Great Morbihanese attraction, Carnac’s Alignments represent one of the most beautiful must-sees to visit Carnac. And for cause! This is where we find the greatest concentration of mega-lithes in the world, with near 3800 stones standing .

A true journey through history, some of the sites are freely accessible from March to October, which is ideal for a discovery at its own pace.

Note that this historic heritage is divided into several remarkable areas and points. Know that you can be accompanied by a lecturer guide to try to reveal the mysteries of these rocks. The information is to be taken from the Maison des Mégalithes de Carnac or National Monuments Centre .

You will find several notable alignments:

• Ménec : the most important with 1169 stones on 11 rows;
• Kermario : about 1029 menhirs lined on 10 rows with among them the most beautiful stones;
• Kerlescan : 13 lines bringing together 555 standing stones with a megalithic enclosure at the west end;
• Dolmens, tumuli and other training : during the visit, do not miss the dolmens of Kercado, the tumulus of the Mane Kerioned or that of the Moustoir, the Quadrilatère du Manio revealing the Manio Giant, a rock of more than 6 meters high.

Keep the experience in segway or electric scooter: some providers offer to follow a circuit including some Carnac menhirs. To add some unusual to your trip, we recommend you go for the segway. To you the iodine look of the Breton coast and the mysterious clutches of the historical corners. These segway rides last between one and two hours depending on the circuit, from 30 € per person .

2. Explore the Prehistory Museum

Facing this historical legacy of alignment, the Museum of Prehistory exposes almost everything that has a connection to the megaliths. Each object found and exposed is the witness of the passage of Man on the Breton lands several thousand years ago, when Carnac was a centre of power and commerce.

Many questions remain when faced with these rocks standing. The first museum in the world to focus on megaliths then tries to respond to some of them. Visit Carnac through a pedagogue and surprising discovery, leap into the past and try to pierce the mysteries!

3. Rest at the Grande Plage de Carnac

Another great point of interest to visit Carnac: its Grande Plage. Like many coastal cities in Brittany, Carnac has a beautiful and large blonde beach where the sea extends and withdraws by the tides. Indeed, with its 2 kilometers long, walking around is a real pleasure.

In winter and summer, you can enjoy the sea breeze on your cheeks and the song of the marine birds who come to feed on the seaweeds of the coast. Of course, in the summer, you risk crossing a lot more people. In winter, a few temeraires still swim. In combination... or not!

Good to know. for people with motor disabilities: the Grande Plage has been labeled “tourism and disability” since 2007. In fact, you can go through inclusive facilities and support by qualified staff (in July and August from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m., daily).

4. Relax at the marine thalasso

Visiting Carnac is a dense activity. And who says effort, says comfort. So to do this, go to the marine thalasso of Carnac and evade. The center Thalazur Carnac is a must of the destination to recharge. Accessible in 3 to 6 days, in weekends or on-site treatments, Carnac's marine spa focuses on thalassotherapy, beauty, spa and expert care.

Bath in the sea water cleaned and heated at 30°, discover the outdoor routes when it is night or cold, follow aquagym courses or offer you a personalized treatment (gommage, massage body and face, etc.) or a quiet parenthesis with two hours in the marine spa.

5. Discover the Chapelle Saint-Colomban

Visiting Carnac is inevitably discovering the chapel of Saint-Colomban. Built in the 16th century, it pays tribute to the patron saint of the weak, the Irish monk Colomban de Luxeuil. Tradition wants us to go there to “have spirit”.

Its flamboyant Gothic style is part of French architecture and it is worth registering with the Monuments Historiques de France since February 1928. Its entry is free all year round, every day 10:00 to 6:00 .

6. Taste of the bretonne gastronomy

No way to visit Carnac without taking a piece of Breton cuisine. It is well known that this gastronomy alone is worth the trip. A rich and friendly gastronomy that is not reduced to pancakes, kouign-amann or toffee with salted butter.

Indeed, even if these delicious dishes come into account (especially on the balance), the Breton gastronomy explodes in many other directions. For example, at sea level. The direct contribution of seafood has enabled Bretons to design wonderful recipes.

So, if you have the opportunity, enjoy a cotriad. It is the Breton bouillabaisse, where fresh fish and local shellfish are found and form an original and tasteful dish. Of course, bretonne beer and Breton cider will have to be part of it, without which it will miss something at your meal.

7. Go to the tumulus Saint-Michel

A tumulus is an artificial elevation of the ground, established on a grave. The tumulus of Saint-Michel forms a small hill on which the chapel of Saint-Michel is located. It dates from the fifth century BC, and was the object of archaeological excavations during which many vestiges were found.

Fascinating and mysterious, the cellars of the tumulus visit, excluding renovation work. The view from the chapel is also amazing and is the perfect spot for those wishing to visit Carnac from the sky. Moreover, the legend tells us that the women of sailors came to sweep near the chapel to see the wind blow before going to pray to the fountain a little lower.

8. Visit Carnac, yes, but also the surrounding area

Auray

Auray is a medieval town that has preserved all its charm, especially at the architectural level. Don't miss the beautiful port of Saint-Goustan. The time of a day, find yourself in an authentic atmosphere, in this city with paved streets, where the houses have preserved these facades that remind the history of the Breton region. However, it is possible to go shopping and drink juice in one of the many troquets in Auray.

Lorient

Host of the Interceltic Festival, the city of Lorient Sees a true cult at its Celtic roots and the sea. This is a mandatory crossing if you visit the Morbihan.

Lorient was founded in the 17th century and has since been the birthplace of world trade thanks to its still very active port today. You will not miss ideas to discover Lorient which deserves two to three days of visit, between the many festivals, the City of the Sailing Eric Tabarly, or the beaches...

Vannes

Nestled in the Gulf of Morbihan, the city of Vannes is recognized for its wood-paned houses, become a characteristic. She hides at the bottom of the gulf but is not shy.

Living, dynamic and surprising, Vannes is plural: sometimes a city of art, sometimes a medieval city, it takes on its habits of marina when visitors arrive. Take the time to stroll through the heart of its charming streets. Then, stop the time of a refreshment and embrace this welcoming atmosphere in which you find yourself.

La Presqu’Île de Quiberon

Real Morbihanese asset, peninsula of Quiberon attracts thousands of visitors. And for some very good reasons. First, the Isthmus of Penthièvre is quite interesting: just a few dozen meters wide, a road and a rail, nothing more! Without this isthmus, Quiberon would be an island!

Then, Quiberon is on the Sauvage coast, which man has not been able to tame, for our greatest pleasure: steep cliffs, rocky arches, fiery greenery, beaches and blonde dunes... Moreover, the Quiberon peninsula is one of the best surf spots in Brittany. Do you have your board?

How do I get to Carnac?

To go to Carnac, like for the rest of Brittany, we recommend to rent a car down your plane or train. Not that Brittany is badly served, but let’s say that the car will offer you a better autonomy and the opportunity to stop on the way.

Going to Carnac asks to land in Lorient, Rennes , or Nantes . Lorient Airport is 40 minutes away (53 kilometers), Rennes Airport is 1h30 (140 kilometers) and Nantes Airport is 1h40 (145 kilometers).

These three airports are very well served, including Nantes, with connections throughout the entire area France . You will have no trouble finding the perfect flight for your stay. In case of doubt and to avoid endless research, do not hesitate to use a Compare flights . These sites allow you to refine your schedule and find the best flights at the best prices.

For those who opt for the train, the station closest to Carnac is that of Plouharnel-Carnac, which is not served by national trains like the Auray train station, a little further.

Line 1 of the BreizhGo network connects between Auray and Carnac and allows travellers without a car to reach the city with menhirs. And this, all year round. The rates for this connection are 2,50 € travel and 20 € 10-way cardboard.

Where to stay in Carnac

The offer of accommodation in Carnac is obviously rich, due to the attractiveness of the region. First because Morbihan has a lot to offer. Then, because the Carnac Alignments attract tens of thousands of visitors every year. To find out where to stay in Carnac, you'll need to find out where to stay in Carnac. Compare hotels to find the most suitable accommodation for your needs.

Hotel, guest room, camping, resort or even lodge? There are for all and all budgets. It is the advantage of choosing to visit Carnac: such a tourist attraction creates inevitably an important hotel offering.

Nevertheless, don’t forget to look at the site Airbnb . Many are the ones who offer you this experience where the advantage resides around an autonomous stay, at a price that sometimes defies competition, without lessening on comfort.

That being said, do not fail to inform you about the surroundings of the Grande-Plage: Hotel Churchill , Celtic & Spa , The Diana or gîte du Manoir du Men Guen . But also near the salt marshes: hotels The Unicorn , Lann Roz or the hotel & spa Thalazur . A true poetry resonates in the air, it would be a shame to deprive yourself of it. Finally, the surroundings of Carnac are not left with some very attractive offers, notably the Lodge Kerisper .