Fall under the spell of the port of Saint-Goustan in Auray

Auray, City of Art and History

In the 13th century, the Dukes of Brittany built a bridge, a port and a castle in Saint-Goustan. Two districts were thus created: the port, at the foot of the fortress, and the upper town overlooking the port. Today, there is no trace of the fortress, but the Saint-Goustan district has preserved its authenticity and medieval architecture.

Many personalities have forged the character of this port, such as the Chouan hero Georges Cadoudal, born in Auray in 1771. The Mausoleum of Cadoudal was erected in his memory in the charming hamlet of Kerléano, higher up in the city. This monument consecrates his past as head of the Chouane army of Brittany and underlines the importance of this figure during the revolutionary period

Another figure to have marked the history of the Saint-Goustan port was the American Benjamin Franklin. In 1776, he was forced by the wind to disembark at Auray while he wanted to reach Nantes to ask France for help in order to obtain American independence. He stepped onto the dock which now bears his name!

Auray, along the waterside

From Saint-Goustan, stroll along the Loc'h River, in the extension of the Franklin Quay towards Bono. Feast your eyes on castles and manors that seem to be playing hide and seek in the hollow of charming coves.

Embark on a cruise ship to cruise along the shores, and prolong your trip to include the Gulf of Morbihan. An ideal time to revitalise yourself! 

For a more sporting activity, the Auray Canoe Kayak Club based on the port, offers you the opportunity to learn and/or practice kayaking in the coastal rivers of Auray and Bono, which meet to flow into the Gulf of Morbihan, one of the most beautiful bays in the world

If you have an overwhelming desire to become a sailor for a day and take part in the manoeuvres aboard an old sailing ship called "L’indomptable" (The Indomitable) departing from Franklin dock.

Saint-Goustan, a lively district of Auray

From Place de la République in the city centre, reach Saint-Goustan via Rue du Château, a pretty paved lane bordered by art studios and painting galleries.

At the foot of the ramparts, the Saint-Goustan district emerges. The Quai Martin invites you to walk along the river in the shade of the trees. Dominating the promenade, the ramps of the Loch, built on the ruins of the castle, reach up to the upper town where there is a sublime view of the port of Saint-Goustan.

On the other side of the quay, take the four-arch stone bridge to Place Saint-Sauveur, where you can enjoy a drink on the beautiful terraces, in the restaurants and cafés. On the Franklin quay, you can find flea markets and craft markets all year round.

From the square, wander through the charming sloping streets where you can see many half-timbered houses. Saint-Sauveur Street and Saint-René Street are the most picturesque and lead you to the heights of Saint-Goustan, up to the church.

Colourful houses with timber framing, cobbled lanes and narrow alleys... Auray's rich past invites you to stroll through its lanes and then settle at one of the terraces of the port facing the Auray River. Here, you can enjoy this enchanted break where time seems to stand still.