Porte Saint-Vincent
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Porte Saint-Vincent

4.5
·1k reviews·Vannes, France

Historic 17th-century stone gate, Porte Saint-Vincent, is a picturesque entrance to Vannes' charming medieval old town.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Porte Saint-Vincent

Porte Saint-Vincent

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 17th-century stone gate, Porte Saint-Vincent, is a picturesque entrance to Vannes' charming medieval old town.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"This place is worth visiting when you are in Bretagne. It is a lovely old town with delicious food. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Old Town

Explore the charming streets beyond the gate; it's a lovely old town with delicious food.

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

Cobblestone streets are beautiful but require good walking shoes for exploring.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Entrance

The Grand Entrance

Vannes Old Town

This historic stone gate, dating back to 1620, marks a significant entry into Vannes' medieval heart.

Baroque Reworkings

Baroque Reworkings

Porte Saint-Vincent

Admire the later baroque additions, including elegant columns and niches, showcasing evolving architectural styles.

Gateway to Charm

Gateway to Charm

Vannes Old Town

Pass through this iconic structure to discover Vannes' picturesque old town, filled with half-timbered houses and vibrant squares.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Porte Saint-Vincent

Porte Saint-Vincent can get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons and around local events. Consider visiting during shoulder seasons or weekdays for a more relaxed experience. Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful light for photos and fewer crowds.

Navigating Vannes and Porte Saint-Vincent

Porte Saint-Vincent is a gateway to Vannes' charming old town. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets. Public transport options are available to reach Vannes, and the gate itself is easily accessible on foot once inside the city walls.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
September afternoons
Why
Lively but not packed
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Beautiful light, dining
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏡 Maison Néo-Bretonne Rénovée – Aux portes de Vannes ! 🌿 ✨ Charme & Modernité réunis dans cette magnifique maison familiale de 145m², entièrement rénovée avec goût, située à seulement quelques minutes du centre de Vannes ! 📍 Localisation idéale : dans un environnement verdoyant, sur 4 000 m2 de terrain avec toutes les commodités à proximité. 🛏️ 7 pièces dont 4 belles chambres 🛋️ séjour lumineux a...
@daveenn.immoblier
9.5K likes • 187K views

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Old Town

Explore the charming streets beyond the gate; it's a lovely old town with delicious food. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

Cobblestone streets are beautiful but require good walking shoes for exploring. Reddit

Vannes, France ____________________ FRANCAIS Vannes, ville de Bretagne, en France, compte environ 53 700 habitants. Réputée pour son charme médiéval, elle abrite des sites emblématiques tels que la cathédrale Saint-Pierre, les remparts bien conservés, le Château de l’Hermine et les maisons à colombages pittoresques de la vieille ville. Son port animé reflète son riche patrimoine maritime, faisant...
@city_3d
1.4K likes • 124.8K views
C’était la foule à Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine) pour ce pont de l’Ascension. Samedi 31 mai 2025, de nombreuses personnes sont venues fêter, porte Saint-Vincent, Intra-Muros, la victoire du Paris Saint-Germain face à l’Inter de Milan. Pour rappel, la France a subi une nuit de violences après le sacre du PSG. Deux personnes sont mortes à Paris, un policier rennais est dans le coma et des commerces ...
actualite.stmlo
9.9K likes • 1.3M views

📸 Golden Hour Photography

Visit in the late afternoon for stunning light on the historic architecture. Instagram

🍽️ Portside Dining

Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants near the port. Reddit

Les news petite fouine presque sans bafouiller et sans parler trop vite j'espère 😃: 📍 nouvelle boutique partenaire à Orléans @lederailleur.cc 17 porte Saint Vincent 🍾 📍déstockage de 5 références en liberty of london à 20 euros le mètre. 📍dernier ensemble protection velo goutte et moutarde 📍une serviette élastiquée neuve avec micro tâche à 10 euros au lieu de 19 📍1 pince pression neuve à 20 📍aj...
petite_fouine_
34 likes • 580 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander the Old Town

Explore the charming streets beyond the gate; it's a lovely old town with delicious food. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential

Cobblestone streets are beautiful but require good walking shoes for exploring. Reddit

📸 Golden Hour Photography

Visit in the late afternoon for stunning light on the historic architecture. Instagram

🍽️ Portside Dining

Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at restaurants near the port. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Porte Saint-Vincent and Vannes for their historical charm, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent dining options, particularly seafood. The old town is described as lovely for wandering day or night, with many finding it a worthwhile stop in Brittany. Some note it can be lively, especially during events.

"Lovely place to wander, eat, drink coffee. In September ot was lively but not too crowded."

Annabel Kaye

"I love Bretage especially Summer makes this city stunning and lovely. Don't miss this historical place. You'll fall in love."

MALGEUM KIM

"Beautiful restaurant beside the port in Vannes, France. Staff very efficient and food A1. Moules were freshest ever. Reasonable priced. We've been before and will return."

Liam Doyle

What People Like

Charming old town
Delicious food
Historical atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Porte Saint-Vincent is located within the walled city of Vannes. If you're arriving by car, look for parking outside the ramparts and walk in. Public transport options to Vannes are available, and from the city center, it's a short walk to the gate. TikTok

Vannes is accessible by train, and once in the city, Porte Saint-Vincent is within walking distance of the main transport hubs. Local buses also serve the area. TikTok

The best way is on foot! Wear comfortable shoes to explore the charming cobblestone streets and discover hidden squares and historical sites. Reddit

Parking is generally available outside the old town walls. It's recommended to park and then walk into the historic center to explore Porte Saint-Vincent and its surroundings. TikTok

Yes, cycling is a great way to explore Vannes. There are often bike racks available near the city walls and within the old town. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Porte Saint-Vincent is a historic city gate and a public thoroughfare. Entry is free, allowing you to pass through and explore the old town. Reddit

As an open city gate, Porte Saint-Vincent is accessible at all times. However, the surrounding shops and attractions may have specific operating hours. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter the area around Porte Saint-Vincent or to walk through the old town of Vannes. Reddit

Yes, the gate is accessible at night, offering a different, atmospheric perspective of the historic entrance. Reddit

Many guided tours of Vannes' old town will include a stop at or pass through Porte Saint-Vincent. Check with local tour operators for availability. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the gate's architecture. Weekday mornings also provide fewer crowds for unobstructed shots. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the gate and its surroundings. A standard zoom lens will also work well for details. Instagram

Stand back on the approach to the gate for a full view, or step through to capture the charming streets of the old town beyond. Instagram

Drone regulations vary, and it's essential to check local rules before flying. Be mindful of privacy and safety. TikTok

The imposing stone structure, the baroque columns and niches, and the contrast with the medieval streets beyond are all highly photogenic. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a variety of dining options, from traditional Breton crepes and seafood to more contemporary cuisine. Restaurants near the port are particularly recommended. Reddit

Yes, many restaurants in Vannes are family-friendly, and some reviews mention a nice playground for kids nearby. Reddit

Don't miss out on fresh moules (mussels), galettes (savory crepes), and crêpes (sweet crepes). Seafood is a specialty. Reddit

Absolutely! The old town is dotted with charming cafes perfect for a coffee break and enjoying local pastries. Reddit

Dining prices can vary, but many places offer reasonable options, especially for lunch or set menus. Restaurants by the port are noted as reasonably priced. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Porte Saint-Vincent and the surrounding old town of Vannes offer a delightful experience for families. The historic charm provides an engaging backdrop for children to imagine knights and castles. Beyond the gate, the cobblestone streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and importantly, there's a nice playground for kids mentioned in reviews, ensuring younger visitors have space to play and burn off energy. Reddit

When it comes to dining, many restaurants in Vannes are accommodating to families. You can find places offering local favorites like crepes and seafood, which are often kid-pleasers. The overall atmosphere of the old town is lively but generally safe for exploration, making it a great day-trip destination for families looking for a blend of history and fun. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Porte Saint-Vincent itself is free to access, serving as a perfect starting point for exploring Vannes without spending a dime on entry fees. The real value for budget travelers lies in the free exploration of the old town. Wander through the charming streets, admire the architecture, and soak in the atmosphere – all at no cost. Reddit

For dining, look for local creperies and bakeries offering more affordable options. While restaurants by the port can be pricier, you can often find good value with set menus or by opting for a delicious galette. Packing a picnic to enjoy in one of Vannes' public spaces is also a great way to save money while still enjoying the scenery. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Porte Saint-Vincent

Porte Saint-Vincent, a significant stone city gate in Vannes, was originally erected in 1620. Its strategic location served as a crucial entry point into the fortified city. Over time, the gate underwent modifications, with later baroque-style reworkings adding decorative elements such as columns and niches, reflecting the evolving architectural tastes of the era. This blend of original construction and later embellishments gives the gate its unique historical character.

The gate is more than just an architectural feature; it's a symbol of Vannes' rich past as a fortified port city. Passing through Porte Saint-Vincent today offers a tangible connection to centuries of history, allowing visitors to imagine the comings and goings of merchants, soldiers, and citizens through this very passage. It serves as a picturesque threshold into the well-preserved medieval heart of Vannes. TikTokInstagram

Exploring Vannes Old Town

Beyond the imposing structure of Porte Saint-Vincent lies the enchanting old town of Vannes. This area is characterized by its charming medieval architecture, featuring picturesque half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively squares. Visitors can spend hours wandering through these historic lanes, discovering hidden courtyards and soaking in the authentic Breton atmosphere. The old town is renowned for its beauty and is a delight to explore on foot. Reddit

The area around Porte Saint-Vincent and the old town offers a vibrant culinary scene. Numerous restaurants and cafes line the streets and the nearby port, serving up delicious local specialties. From fresh seafood, including the highly recommended moules, to traditional galettes and crêpes, there's something to satisfy every palate. The lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings, makes dining here a memorable experience. Reddit

For families, Vannes' old town is also a welcoming destination. Reviews mention the presence of a nice playground for kids, making it an enjoyable outing for those traveling with children. The combination of historical exploration, culinary delights, and family-friendly amenities makes Vannes, and the gateway of Porte Saint-Vincent, a well-rounded destination. Reddit

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