MORBIHAN

With a spectacular rugged coastline, medieval towns and prehistoric sites, Helen Parkinson finds Morbihan to be a magical destination

- Helen Parkinson

The spiritual standing stones of Carnac which keep guard over the Morbihan countryside are emblematic of this popular north-western département and its proud Breton heritage.

The Neolithic megaliths, built around 7,000 years ago by the pre-Celtic people of Brittany, form one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites, intriguing and transfixing those who come to admire them. They’re just one of the myriad reasons to visit this unspoilt corner of southern Brittany.

Land of plenty

From winsome medieval towns and France’s favourite village, to peaceful islands and more than 900km of dramatic, rugged coastline, marvellous Morbihan has everything going for it. Quintessentially Breton, it’s the only French département to take its name from the Celtic language: mor bihan means small sea and refers to the sheltered natural harbour of the Golfe du Morbihan.

Almost 750,000 lucky people call Morbihan home and the two largest communes are Lorient – host of the renowned Festival Interceltique – and lively prefecture Vannes.

Smaller but equally spectacular is the feted Plus Beau Village of Rochefort-enTerre, which also received the accolade of Village Préféré des Français (France’s favourite village) in 2016. Visit in spring or summer and this idyllic spot will be in riotous bloom, geraniums bursting from window boxes and troughs.

Brittany also has its fair share of Petites Cités de Caractère (small towns with character, of which Rochefort is also one); peaceful La Gacilly, synonymous with cosmetics supremo Yves Rocher, Josselin with its great castle, and the fortified La Roche-Bernard.