Vannes – a medieval town

A potted history

The walled town of Vannes
click to enlarge

Throughout the third century, fortified walls were built around the town to protect it from ‘barbaric tribes’.

Between 1341 and 1364 wars of succession were fought between two families claiming the title Duke of Brittany, which was eventually won by Jean IV.

The union with France

Anne de Bretagne was the last duchess of Brittany, dying in 1514. The demise of Brittany was sealed when her daughter, Claude, married Francois d’Angouleme, the future king of France.

In 1532 Francois 1st stayed in Vannes and negotiated the Treaty of Vannes proclaiming the ‘perpetual union of the Country and Duchy of Brittany with the Kingdom and Crown of France’.

Although Brittany was still permitted to control taxes and maintain its own army, in practice its destiny lay in French hands. The title Duke of Brittany became obsolete, the region’s assets were stripped and its autonomy eroded.

Today, many Bretons today do not ‘officially’ recognise Brittany as part of France and would far prefer to return to self-rule.

Picture post cards of Vannes

The St Vincent town gate which faces the marina click to enlarge

Castle De L’Hermine which housed the Brittany Parliament click to enlarge

The glorious gardens of the Castle De L’Hermine click to enlarge

The Captain of the Guard’s residence click to enlarge

The Parliament’s Wash Houses click to enlarge

You just feel these buildings are tipping over click to enlarge

Party creations from a sweet shop called Glup’s click to enlarge

The woodwork structure is just beautiful click to enlarge

Gorgeous ancient buildings abound in the walled town click to enlarge

So many alley-ways with overhanging buildings click to enlarge

Piers and Lin
from the Saloon of
Play d’eau
Fleming 55

You can get in touch with us any time by using our Contact Form.