Carnac is firmly on the map for its astonishing and almost other-worldly collection of megalithic sites. Predating Stonehenge by around 100 years, Carnac (Garnag in Breton) tops it with the sheer number of ancient sites found in the vicinity, making this the world’s greatest concentration of megalithic sites. There are no fewer than 3000 of these upright stones erected between 5000 and 3500 BC.
Off the trail, you can hike through the woods and soak up some of the area’s primordial energy. Go in search of a giant menhir, duck down through a passage to a tumulus vault or climb up an abandoned mill for panoramic views of the ancient stones. This is one of the most important sights in the whole country.
Carnac, some 32km west of Vannes, comprises the old stone village Carnac-Ville and, 1.5km south, the seaside resort of Carnac-Plage, bordered by the 2km-long sandy beach.
