Description:

Auray is an old port with a historic past.  The settlement grew up around the port of Saint Goustan and was the location of the 'Battle of Auray' in 1364 which was the last battle of the Breton War of Succession.

Today the port is used more for leisure pursuits and is reminiscent of a Cornish town with a picture perfect harbour.

Auray is in the department of Morbihan in southern Brittany and covers an area of 6.91 km².

The town is situated on a bend in the River Loch which flows into the Gulf of Morbihan.

The market in Auray can be found by the port on a Monday and is one of the largest in the area.  For all other groceries there are eight local supermarkets.

Auray contains a good range of shopping and has several Bakeries, Butchers, Tabacs, Wine sellers, Clothes, Shoes, Fishmongers, Bookstores and Hardware stores.

Auray has all the services you would expect from a small town including several 'Ecoles Primaires et Maternelles', 'Colleges' and Lycees.  The town has two post offices, and numerous hair salons, garages, banks, dentists, opticians, doctors, pharmacies, veterinarians.  Auray also has a hospital and a central Gendarmerie.

For entertainment Auray has lots of restaurants and cafes catering for all tastes especially the fish which is caught locally as well as a cinema.

Auray has a good choice of visitor accommodation with several hotels, Chambre d’Hotes and Gite complexs.  There are also camping facilities in the region.

The 13th century La Collegiale du Saint Esprit is the last remnant of the headquarters of the 14th century 'Montpellier Ordre du Saint Esprit'.  In the 18th century the building became a military hospital and later an army barracks.  From 1990 careful restoration has seen it return to its former glory of a chapel and it has one of the most unusual chapel shapes in Brittany.

Auray has lots of events taking place in the evenings at the port where old sea tunes and Breton songs are performed.

Worth a visit:

• Take a boat trip from the port around the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan
• Walk through the old town and the beautiful port - don’t miss the 13th century Saint Goustan bridge
• Visit L'eglise Saint Sauveur which was built in the 19th century and holds a model battleship armory dating from 1865
• Take a look at L'eglise St Gildas, built in 1636, the church contains an unusual alter piece and organ

Since 1985 Auray has been home, in February, to an international tennis tournament the 'Open Super 12' which attracts some very well known players.  Auray has also previously been part of the route of the 'Tour de France'.

Due to its location near the sea, Auray has great access to watersports such as surfing, swimming and sailing.  The Auray area itself  offers good golf, horse riding, fishing, sailing and water facilities.