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Auray - on a bend in the river
The town of Auray, which is situated in the lovely region of Brittany in north-west France, lies on a bend in the River Loch. Auray has a delightful ancient quarter which accounts for most of its income these days, as this beautifully preserved and restored old town is a draw for tourists, but this was not always the case. Peaceful and picturesque in modern times, the town was the scene of bitterly fought battles in the past. Tourism too provides a relatively new source of income for Auray, as it used to be an important port.
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Think Cornwall with sunshine!
The town calls to mind some of the prettiest towns of Cornwall, yet with more light and colour! The harbour is chocolate box beautiful, and the pleasure boats which come and go all summer long provide the perfect romantic backdrop to the excellent seafood restaurants which line the waterfront. Morbihan has the best of Breton weather too, benefiting from the Gulf Stream effect which sends long golden summers and short mild winters.
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Ancient architecture
The old town is filled with atmospheric narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered 15th and 16th century houses. The River Loch is spanned by a very lovely 17th century stone bridge, and from this you get a great view of Auray and the harbour.
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A picturesque and historic town
The whole area has been restored to the highest of standards, and gives a great impression of what it must have been like long ago. It can get busy in the peak season, but this is a small price to pay for living in such a picturesque and historic town.
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Modern life
The newer parts of town offer all amenities and provide for all your needs. There are plenty of shops, schools, doctors and other necessities, and for ease of travelling there is a train station and a bus link to the nearby towns of Quiberon and Carnac. The town hosts two markets, a covered one and a popular open air market which is held every Monday morning.
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Things to do and see in Auray
Auray provides a good number of entertainments and activities. In the summer there are a series of musical evenings where the old sea shanties and Breton songs are performed. The town also has an interesting museum, known as the Golette Museum. If you go down to the harbour you can book a boat trip around the Gulf, taking in the little islands on your way. This is a highly recommended experience... as long as the sea is calm!
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Sports on offer
Sports fans will be kept happy in Auray too, as not only is the town near enough to the sea for easy access to the surfing, swimming and sailing offered by the Gulf of Morbihan, but the surrounding area has even more possibilities. There are several golf courses, horse-riding stables, tennis courts, leisure lakes for fishing, swimming and sailing and some superb walking country.
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How to get there
As Auray is set in northern France, most forms of travel are possible. The nearest ferry port is at St Malo, with Brittany Ferries sailing regularly from the UK. Airports at Dinard and Lorient make air travel another good choice. Dinard is served by Aurigny and Ryanair, and Lorient by Aer Arann.
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Property prices and availability in and around Auray
Property in Auray can be more expensive than property in Finistère, as the weather is generally warmer and the department (Morbihan) is extremely popular. The town is also picturesque and near the sea, all being factors which tend to keep prices high. If you are seeking an additional income from renting out your property when you are not using it then Auray could be a good bet, as it is popular with holiday makers.
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HOTELS IN AURAY
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