- DepartmentMorbihan
- Nearest stationAuray
- Best forPrehistory, beaches
- Stay2–4 nights
The area around Carnac holds one of the world's greatest concentrations of Neolithic monuments, and in 2025 the megaliths of Carnac and the shores of Morbihan were inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The Carnac stones
About 3,000 standing stones stretch in rows across the countryside, mainly in the Ménec, Kermario and Kerlescan alignments, erected roughly six thousand years ago. Nearby are burial mounds such as the Tumulus Saint-Michel and many dolmens.
Carnac-Plage
Carnac's seaside district has long, sheltered sandy beaches that are ideal for families, plus sailing schools and a seawater spa. Neighbouring La Trinité-sur-Mer is a famous yachting harbour, home port of many ocean-racing sailors.
The Quiberon peninsula
The narrow Quiberon peninsula runs south from Carnac for about 14 km. Its west side is the Côte Sauvage, a wild coast of cliffs, arches and coves where swimming is forbidden because of dangerous currents; it's superb for walking and cycling. The east side has calm beaches. Quiberon itself is known for thalassotherapy and for salted-butter caramels.
Islands
Ferries leave Quiberon's Port-Maria for Belle-Île-en-Mer, and for the smaller islands of Houat and Hoëdic.
Practical tips
- The single road onto the peninsula jams on summer weekends; consider the summer train (Tire-Bouchon) from Auray or a bike.
- Auray's port of Saint-Goustan, 15 minutes away, is a lovely spot for dinner.
Stay in Carnac & Quiberon
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Top sights near Carnac & Quiberon
Carnac Standing Stones
Around 3,000 Neolithic menhirs in rows across the countryside, now a UNESCO site.
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Gulf of Morbihan Islands
Boat trips around an inland sea, with stops on the Île aux Moines and Île d'Arz.
Read guide →Header photo: Photo: Myrabella, CC BY-SA 3.0
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