Introduction

Facing the Gulf of Morbihan, Vannes is a delightful fortified city of timber-framed houses. Its name derives from the Veneti, a seafaring Celtic people. The town later became known as Gwened in Breton, a name akin to Gwynedd in Wales.

History

Resettled by the Romans under Emperor Augustus, the city became the seat of the Kingdom of Vannes following the collapse of the Roman Empire.

As the Duchy of Brittany was formed, the old Celtic kingdom evolved into the feudal County of Vannes in 799.

In 1532, the Union of Brittany and France was proclaimed in Vannes.

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