In Southern Brittany, on the Atlantic coast, in the department of Morbihan, the sea bathing town of Carnac is located between Plouharnel and La Trinité-sur-Mer, less than 15 km south-west of Auray. Extensively spread between land and sea, the commune is made up of dunes, moors, woods, fields and wetlands, with chapels and calvaries.
Strange menhirs
A stop should be made at the prehistory museum, which has splendid collections allowing you to travel over 450,000 years, with more than 6,000 objects, maps, models and fun activities. Then go and have a closer look at the astonishing alignments of more than 3,000 menhirs of all sizes, ranging in age from 4,000 to 6,000 years old, as well as a few dolmens. Their origins, always mysterious, are explained at the house of megaliths. Equally intriguing is the 12-metre high Saint-Michel mound, which is capped by a chapel. A pyramidal spire adorns the church of Saint-Cornély (17th-18th centuries), which celebrates the cult of the horned beasts.
Bathing time
Facing due south, the large beach of Carnac stretches languidly sheltered at the bottom of the pretty bay of Quiberon, ranked among the most beautiful in the world. It is here that beautiful and colourful villas line up. You can also enjoy nearby 4 other sites for swimming and relaxing, bordered by pine forests. The quays of Port-en-Dro are an invitation for fishing or boating. And for your well-being, a large thalassotherapy centre is nestled near the former saltworks.
On foot or by bike
The network of footpaths and cycle paths allows for pleasant family walks, for example to the fountain and the chapel of St. Columban, or to the picturesque little oyster port on the Po River. The sunshine and the mild climate favour palm trees, mimosas, strawberry trees, eucalyptus and holm oaks, complemented by the generous flowering of the streets. Leisure activities and shows take place in the green theatre of Césarine's garden. Breton dances and music are often performed there.
Very touristic surroundings
From Carnac, easily escape westwards to discover the spectacular rocks of the wild coast of the Quiberon peninsula, but also to Belle-Ile-en Mer, or the lesser known islands of Houat and Hoëdic. To the east, the salt marshes of the Kerdual and Kervillen coves lead you to La Trinité-sur-Mer, a mecca for sailing and tourism, with in particular the residential site of the shaded tip of Kerbihan. By Locmariaquer, the superb Golfe du Morbihan and its profusion of islands are also really close by. Finally, don't hesitate to head north, to discover the exceptional heritage of the historic cities of Auray and Vannes, and the popular pilgrimage sanctuary of Sainte-Anne d'Auray.
Campsites near the seaside resort of Carnac
With its family atmosphere, the campsite Les Bruyères *** welcomes you from April to September with more than 150 pitches, a third of which are rented. Activities, playground, heated indoor swimming pool, nothing is missing for a pleasant stay in a calm and rural setting, close to the menhirs alignments, 3 km north-west of the town of Carnac and 5 km from the beach.
Discover a selection of campsites near Carnac.