Eurostar to Vannes

Vannes is a beautiful town in France, and is the former capital of Brittany. It held this title until 1952, when Brittany officially became part of France, and Rennes became the capital. Vannes was founded many centuries ago and is rich in military history. Not only is it a fascinating cultural hub, it is also surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty. Vannes is one of the destinations available on the connection service of the Eurostar, so it's never been easier to reach.

About Vannes

Some of the town's history can be dated back 1500 years, so it's an incredible place if you are keen on all things military. After you arrive, take a wander through the town centre. The best way to do this is to take a stroll along the Promenade de la Rabine, which will lead you to all the best places, including the historic port. One of the main sights it leads to is the ramparts, which were built in the third century by the Romans. These were extended many years later by the Duke of Brittany, in the thirteenth century. You can wander around the outside, or go in and discover a fascinating history. The entrance to the ramparts is located at the Porte St Vincent gate. The annual Vannes marathon begins at the ramparts, so even today they are a big part of day-to-day life!

One of the best places to sit and people watch is the remarkable Place des Lices. It was here that jousting tournaments organised by the Duke of Brittany himself used to take place. These days, it's filled with lovely cafes and eateries.

A charming place to visit for an afternoon is the Vannes Butterfly House. These incredible tropical greenhouses and filled with exotic flora and fauna. It's so steamy and lush; it's like being transported to the Amazonian rainforests!

Alternatively, you can also explore the deep blue sea in Vannes. Take a trip to the Vannes Aquarium, which is famed as being one of the best in France. There is an abundance of marine life guaranteed to thrill the whole family, including sharks, piranhas, and exotic fish. Don't miss the star of the show: Eleanor the crocodile! She was found wandering the sewers in the 1980s, but the Aquarium has been her home ever since!

Vannes by Eurostar Trains

You can get to Vannes on one of the Eurostar's connection services. This means you'll have to change trains at some point. Eurostar trains depart from St Pancras International, a very easy-to-get-to destination in London. Your simplest option of connection services after getting on the train at London is to change Paris Gare du Nord, but you'll have to take a taxi or get on the metro to catch a connection train from Gare de Montparnasse. Take line four on the metro heading to Porte d'Orléans. Once you are at Montparnasse, there are a number of TGV services going directly to Quimper. All in all, if you travel from London, you can expect the journey time to be about six hours.

Visit the official Eurostar web site to book your train tickets to Vannes.