Quiberon and Carnac highlights

Quiberon & Carnac Essentials

This selection explores the prehistoric and maritime heritage of southern Brittany, spanning the Quiberon Peninsula and the mainland. It features the world-renowned Carnac megalithic alignments and Neolithic burial mounds like Tumulus Saint-Michel. The list also highlights strategic coastal fortifications such as Fort de Penthièvre and the former island retreat of actress Sarah Bernhardt, alongside historic religious sites like the 12th-century Chapelle Saint-Cado.

Odedr / Public domain

Carnac Stones

Carnac is a commune beside the Gulf of Morbihan on the south coast of Brittany in the Morbihan department in north-western France.

YolanC / CC BY 2.0

Saint-Michel tumulus

The Saint-Michel tumulus is a megalithic grave mound, located east of Carnac in Brittany, France.

Stevage / CC BY 2.5

Dolmen de Kerlescan

A Neolithic passage grave located at the eastern end of the Kerlescan alignments, featuring a large capstone and internal chamber.

Moreau.henri / CC BY-SA 4.0

Fort de Penthièvre

An 18th-century military stronghold situated on the narrowest point of the Quiberon isthmus, historically used for coastal defense and as a prison.

Lieven Smits / CC BY-SA 3.0

Château Turpault

A 19th-century Anglo-medieval style manor marking the entrance to the Côte Sauvage. It remains a private residence and a prominent coastal landmark.

Jaipasdepseudo / CC BY-SA 3.0

Chapelle Saint-Cado de Belz

A 12th-century Romanesque chapel located on a small island in the Étel river, connected to the mainland by a stone bridge.

bruno ralec / CC-BY-SA

Fort Sarah Bernhardt

A 19th-century military fort on Belle-Île-en-Mer that served as the summer residence of actress Sarah Bernhardt. It now operates as a museum.

Fort Central

A 19th-century defensive fortification located on the island of Houat, part of the region's historical maritime protection network.

Patrice78500 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Fortin de Kerdonis

A 19th-century coastal redoubt situated on the eastern tip of Belle-Île-en-Mer at Pointe de Kerdonis.

Jordiferrer / CC BY-SA 4.0

Prehistory Museum of Carnac

Established in 1881, this museum houses one of the world's most significant collections of Neolithic artifacts recovered from local archaeological excavations.