The Rivière d'Auray and the Port of Saint-Goustan
Discover the Rivière d'Auray and its postcard landscapes, stroll through the alleys of the Port of Saint-Goustan and marvel at the changing colors of the Ria d'Etel. Welcome to the heart of Brittany!
Auray
The River Loc’h is a pretty little coastal river in Morbihan which rises in Plaudren, north of Vannes, and flows across the countryside to Auray where it becomes a ria (coastal inlet) known as the Auray River. This small sea has such a high degree of salinity that oysters grow on the pillars of the Pont d'Auray bridge. The river flows down into the Gulf of Morbihan between Locmariaquer to the south and the Pointe du Blair and Sept Îles to the north. This very particular ecosystem is home to exceptional flora, fauna and scenery which can be seen at its best on a boat trip along the river. That way you are sure not to miss anything ! The river meanders along past châteaux and manor houses, many of which can only be seen from the river. You will see the Pont du Bono at the confluence of the River Bono and the Auray River. This old suspension bridge was built in 1840 from plans drawn up by Gustave Eiffel. It is one of the oldest bridges of this type in France.
The Port of Saint-Goustan
After a stroll along the river, stop off at the port of Saint-Goustan where Benjamin Franklin landed in 1776 when he came to France to ask for help in the American War of Independence. From the quayside, go over the 13th century stone bridge and walk up the Rampes du Loch, built on the ruins of a castle, or along the pedestrianized Rue du Château to cobbled streets of half-timbered houses. This attractive harbourside district has plenty of art galleries, craft shops, junk shops, restaurants and cafés.
La Ria d'Etel
Not far from there, another ria
About 20km from Auray lies another ria, the Etel River with its picturesque islet of Saint-Cado, one of the prettiest places in the region. At the mouth the « Barre d’Etel », a sand bank, closes the bay creating a 22km² inland sea with an exceptional ecosystem of oyster beds, dunes, beaches and marshes, home to birds such as herons, cormorants, oyster catchers, sanderlings and terns. The area is also rich in seafood : you mustn’t leave without tasting mussels, clams, cockles, winkles and its famous oysters ! At the heart of the ria is delightful Saint-Cado with its pretty fishermen’s cottages and Romanesque chapel. Not far from the mouth, the village of Etel celebrates its past as the leading tuna port of the Atlantic Coast during its Fete du Thon.
Ever-changing scenery
The scenery along the banks of the Auray River and the Etel River changes constantly with the tide and the light varies according to the season. Our property owners can advise you where and when to see memorable views and sunsets and also tell you about secret places known only to locals…
How to get to Auray ?
Auray is between Vannes and Lorient, on the N165 dual-carriageway. It is 1½ hours from Rennes and a little over 4½ hours from Paris. Auray is also less than 3 hours from Paris by train. The nearest airport is at Lorient (45km)."
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