mebe

My mom and her friend are making last minute plans to extend their trip to France and include the menhirs in Carnac. They will have three nights and two days.

We are looking for practical information about the area: where to stay, how to get around (they will not have a car), and recommended websites about the area. She leaves in a week so we are pressed for time.

Thanks
Mebe and and Mama Mebe

PalQ

Good rail service to Auray, about 10-15 miles from Carnac with frequent buses linking the Gare SNCF in Auray to Carnac, where there are many menhirs right in town. Extraordinary experience!

mebe

Thanks PalQ!

Do you know of any good websites about the area or more importantly, about bus schedules?

Underhill

I wouldn't say that the principal Carnac menhirs are "right in town." I remember their being more on the outskirts--but probably near enough to walk without difficulty.

Aside from the dolmens there are a few tumuli of interest nearby.

Here's an excellent web site for information about the Carnac region:

http://www.megalithia.com/brittany/carnac/

Underhill

I wouldn't say that the principal Carnac menhirs are "right in town." I remember their being more on the outskirts--but probably near enough to walk without difficulty.

Aside from the dolmens there are a few tumuli of interest nearby.

JudyC

Actually the main sites are around 10 minutes walk from the museum in town centre.

Many large and newer hotels on the beach, I stayed at Auberge le Ratelier (tel: 02-97-52-05-04) in old town centre, about 3-4 minutes walk from bus stop, 5-10 minutes walk to the museum. The hotel is a converted old coach inn, quite nice, with very good restaurant.

From Carnac, there are buses to Quibernon, lovely long walk along the sand dunes.

PalQ

Well right in town - 10 minute walk to me is right in town - just meant to say they weren't out of town. they're in town, Carnac is not a small village, but on its outskirts. I stayed in the campground on the edge of town and there were some menhirs in the camp and all around. Beautiful sandy beaches in this area.

mebe

Thanks everyone. I sent my Mom this thread last night and she told me to pass on her appreciation.

The Auberge le Ratelier looks nice; haven't booked it yet.

Can anyone else recommend a different hotel in case it's full?

Thanks again

PalQ

The Carnac Office de Tourism web site says:
En train: 3h10 de Paris. Descendre à la gare d'Auray (15 km de Carnac). De la gare, liaisons régulières en bus, taxi et location de voitures. Information et réservation: 36 35
(By train 3 hr 10 min from Paris, get off at Auray train station from which there are regular bus links, taxis and car rentals available.

julia_t

As JudyC says, Quiberon is a delightful little town. With a picturesque harbour, good restaurants and shops, and the hill climbing up through the centre, it reminds me very much of Salcombe in South Devon. There are lots of hotels and spas offering thalasso (seaweed?) therapies around there.

In fact the entire Quiberon peninsula is fascinating - on the east you have the sheltered sandy beaches and the calm sea, and in total contrast on the west side you have the rough stormy Atlantic coast. You can take day trips by boat into the Gulf of Morbihan to all the little islands.