France

Auray

Auray

Auray is a charming town located in the heart of Brittany, France. With a population of just over 12,000, it's a relatively small town, but…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Walkable sightseeing
  • Historical Sites travelers
  • Beaches travelers
  • Visiting in Summer
Recommended stay
5 days
Best time
Summer
Walkability
Compact
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Auray is a strong pick for historical sites & beaches — plan about 5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: Summer.

Deep guide guide · about 3 min to read · depth score 73/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈4.1 km span)

10 Places to explore
5 Recommended days
Summer Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: Summer

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · September · October

Weather

Autumn

10°C - 20°C

Spring

10°C - 20°C

Summer

20°C - 30°C

Winter

5°C - 10°C

How to get there

By Air:

The nearest airport to Auray is Lorient South Brittany Airport (LRT), located approximately 45 minutes away by car. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Auray.

By Train:

Auray has its own train station, which is well-connected to major cities in France. You can take a train from Paris, Rennes, Nantes, or other cities to reach Auray. The train journey offers scenic views of the French countryside.

By Car:

If you prefer driving, Auray is easily accessible by car. It is located on the N165/E60 highway, which connects major cities in Brittany. You can use GPS or follow road signs to reach Auray.

By Bus:

There are also bus services available to reach Auray from nearby towns and cities. You can check the local bus schedules and routes to plan your journey.

By Ferry:

If you are coming from the United Kingdom, you can take a ferry to nearby ports such as Roscoff or Saint-Malo, and then drive or take a train to reach Auray.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Auray is a delightful experience, and once you arrive, you can explore its charming streets, historic buildings, and enjoy the picturesque surroundings.

Getting to know Auray

Auray is a charming town located in the heart of Brittany, France. With a population of just over 12,000, it's a relatively small town, but one that is bursting with character and history. The town is situated at the estuary of the River Auray, which feeds into the Gulf of Morbihan, making it a popular spot for boating and water sports enthusiasts.

One of the town's most famous landmarks is the Saint Goustan Quarter, a picturesque neighborhood with quaint, half-timbered houses and narrow streets that wind their way down to the river. The quarter is named after Saint Goustan, the patron saint of sailors and fishermen, and features a harbor where visitors can admire the many boats that dock there.

For those interested in history, Auray has plenty to offer, including the Château de Keriolet, a stunning castle that dates back to the 19th century. The castle has been impeccably restored and is open to visitors, who can explore its opulent interiors and learn more about the castle's fascinating history.

Auray is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it the perfect destination for foodies and shoppers alike. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply soaking up the town's charming atmosphere, Auray is a town that is sure to captivate and inspire visitors.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Visit Saint-Goustan Port for picturesque views
  • Explore the megalithic site of Carnac
  • Try local seafood delicacies at the local restaurants
  • Attend the Interceltic Festival for a unique cultural experience

Places worth exploring

10 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 5-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Auray?

Most travelers spend about 5 days in Auray, France.

When is the best time to visit Auray?

High season is typically Summer.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Auray?

Travelers often find better value in March, April, September, October.

What kind of trip is Auray good for?

Auray suits Historical Sites, Beaches, Cultural Festivals, Outdoor Activities.

Is Auray walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Auray?

Visit Saint-Goustan Port for picturesque views

Build your trip

Add Auray and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Auray → Crach → Saint Philibert · ≈9 km
  • Auray → Pluneret → Plumergat, France · ≈9 km
  • Auray → Crach → Locmariaquer · ≈10 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

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