Port d'Auray

Port d'Auray lies on the tidal river Auray in southern Brittany, navigable on the tide as far as the historic old quarter of Saint-Goustan — a remarkably well-preserved medieval port where Benjamin Franklin landed in 1778. The river approach from the Gulf of Morbihan involves timing the tide carefully; the spring range here exceeds 4 m and the channel dries extensively. Saint-Goustan's stone quays, half-timbered houses, and waterside restaurants make this one of the most atmospheric river stops in Brittany. The Gulf of Morbihan — an island-dotted tidal lagoon — is the sailing playground on the doorstep. Auray is a short train ride from Vannes.