Vannes (pop. 53,900) lies between Nantes and Brest on the Gulf of Morbihan, with which it is connected by the Rivière de Vannes. The interesting old part of the town grew up within the walls and round the Cathedral of St- Pierre (13th-19th century), which has an external chapel in Italian Renaissance style in the form of a rotunda and contains
fine 17th century tapestries and a valuable treasury. From the Promenade de la Garenne there is a good view of the cathedral and the Tour du Connétable (14th-15th century). The Château Gaillard (15th century) is now occupied by an archeological museum.