Attractions and Places To See around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray include a rich array of cultural and historical sites. This region in Brittany, France, is a significant pilgrimage destination, drawing many visitors annually. It offers a blend of historical monuments, religious sites, and proximity to natural landscapes like the Gulf of Morbihan.
Best attractions and places to see around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray
- The most popular attractions is The Old Suspension Bridge of Bono, a bridge from 1840 in the town of Bono. It…
Last updated: May 25, 2026
The Old Suspension Bridge of Bono
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Pomper Mill
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Sainte-Anne d'Auray
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Notre-Dame de Béquerel Chapel
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Notre-Dame de Lézurgan Chapel
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Always a pleasant and truly distinctive place to visit, with its basilica and religious buildings.
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16th Century late gothic chapel and water spring/wash place located in a quiet forest, a short walk from the road to Plougoumelen in the commune of Bono in Morbihan. Apparently only opened once a year. The chapel, rebuilt in the 16th century, finds its original location on a spring located one meter deep under the current altar; it was probably an ancient place of worship. It was in the 17th century that the nave was extended towards the West by raising the floor by one meter to hide the fountain under the altar and to pave the church. Outside, from the east apse of the chapel, under the large glass roof from the end of the 15th century, a niche under a pointed arch shelters the spring basin. A stone channel allows the water to cross the paved square, before flowing into a hollow cylindrical pile, the overflow of which pours below into a paved space accessed by a few steps. The space is surrounded by four walls decorated with stone benches used for resting pilgrims. The spring water was said to cure mouth and toothaches (and words), and even loss of voice, affecting the talkative and slanderous women of Plougoumelen who spoke ill of the rector. The latter gave them the cleaning of the chapel as penance! This service is currently carried out by volunteers from the chapel protection association; in the chapel, a sculpted monkey covering its mouth with a paw reminds us of this reputation. The Notre-Dame de Becquerel chapel presides over one of the most frequented pardons in the Alréen region. People came on pilgrimage to hear news of distant relatives, sailors, or to find the bodies of those lost at sea. The rite consisted of sweeping the inside of the chapel, then emptying and cleaning the fountain outside. The magazine La Croix des marins indicated in 1901 that the Notre-Dame-de-Becquerel chapel hosted a very popular pilgrimage every August 15, especially among sailor
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Cute little antique shop with an attached mini-café. Very nice and beautiful even in the rain...
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Built in the second half of the 15th century, this small chapel isolated in a green setting owes its presence here to the presence of a spring nearby. The place truly invites calm and contemplation.
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Nice place to see! But be careful friends cyclists and hikers, if you arrive by the wooden footbridge. Before arriving at the chapel even on foot. A little before the small fountain on your left. There are trees and the sap that covers the footbridge makes it ultra slippery! A real ice rink!
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A major place of pilgrimage in Brittany. Basilica, Scala Sancta, cloister and monument of the Count of Chambord
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Very pretty tide mill. Today, it is a flea market.
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Another mill that has made brilliant use of the tides! Today it is used as a sales room by antique dealers. A very nice little place on the V45.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main historical and religious sites to visit in Sainte-Anne-D'Auray?
Sainte-Anne-D'Auray is renowned as a significant pilgrimage site. The central attraction is the Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne d'Auray, which includes the grand Basilica, the historic 17th-century Cloister, and the Scala Sancta. You can also visit the Memorial dedicated to war victims and Yvon Nicolazic's House, where the apparitions of Saint Anne reportedly occurred.
Are there any unique historical structures or mills to see in the area?
Yes, you can explore the Old Suspension Bridge of Bono, a historic bridge from 1840 listed in the inventory of historic monuments. Another interesting site is Pomper Mill, a historical tidal mill that operated until the 1960s and now hosts a flea market. The Treuroux Mill in Brech is also nearby.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray?
The region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, touring, and gravel biking. For example, there are routes like the 'Auray Church – Chapel of the Holy Spirit loop' or the 'Pomper Mill – The Old Suspension Bridge of Bono loop'. For more detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray, Cycling around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray, and Gravel biking around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Sainte-Anne-D'Auray?
Several attractions are suitable for families. The Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne d'Auray, with its impressive basilica and peaceful park, offers a cultural experience. The Old Suspension Bridge of Bono is also considered family-friendly, providing a scenic spot for a stroll. Additionally, the Notre-Dame de Béquerel Chapel, set in a quiet forest, can be a peaceful family outing.
What are some natural features or parks to enjoy in the area?
The Sanctuary Park, a 7-hectare green space surrounding the basilica, offers a peaceful setting for strolls with large trees and fountains. Beyond the immediate vicinity, the stunning Gulf of Morbihan, known for its islands and oysters, is a short drive away and provides beautiful natural scenery.
What other historical sites are easily accessible from Sainte-Anne-D'Auray?
Sainte-Anne-D'Auray is a great base for exploring the rich history of Southern Brittany. Nearby, you can visit the picturesque medieval town of Auray and its Port of Saint-Goustan. The world-famous Megaliths of Carnac, a major prehistoric site, are also within a short drive. Other sites include the Saint-Dégan Eco-museum and the Charterhouse and Field of Martyrs in Brech.
Are there any notable chapels in the vicinity of Sainte-Anne-D'Auray?
Yes, the area is home to several historic chapels. Besides the basilica within the sanctuary, you can visit the serene Notre-Dame de Béquerel Chapel, built in the 15th century and known for its tranquil forest setting. Another beautiful site is the Notre-Dame de Lézurgan Chapel, whose frame is classified as a historical monument.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Sainte-Anne-D'Auray?
Visitors appreciate the strong sense of spirituality and history found at the Sanctuary of Sainte-Anne d'Auray, often noting its significance as a pilgrimage site. The Old Suspension Bridge of Bono is valued for its historical charm and scenic views. Many also enjoy the unique character of Pomper Mill, especially its current use as a flea market and its location on a cycle route.
Can I find ancient archaeological sites near Sainte-Anne-D'Auray?
Yes, for those interested in ancient history, the region offers several options. The renowned Megaliths of Carnac are a must-see, featuring thousands of standing granite stones. Additionally, there's a Gallic archaeological site at Pluvigner and further megaliths in the forests of Camors and Floranges.
Is Sainte-Anne-D'Auray part of any long-distance walking routes?
Yes, Sainte-Anne-D'Auray serves as a stopover town on the historic Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago) pilgrimage route, making it a significant point for long-distance walkers and pilgrims.
What is the best time to visit Sainte-Anne-D'Auray and its surrounding attractions?
Sainte-Anne-D'Auray draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, particularly for its pilgrimage significance. While it can be visited year-round, the warmer months, typically from spring to early autumn, offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor sites, nearby towns like Auray, and natural areas like the Gulf of Morbihan. However, during high season, popular spots like the Old Suspension Bridge of Bono can be quite busy.
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