Auray Travel Guide
City City in France with coastal access
Saint-Goustan’s cobbled harbor gives Auray its best scenes; visitors come for Saturday markets, oyster stalls, boat trips into the Gulf of Morbihan, and stone houses framed by tidal quays.
Why Visit Auray? #
Auray charms with its postcard-perfect port of Saint-Goustan, where fishing boats, stone quays and narrow lanes recall the town’s seafaring past. Breton flavors - crêpes and cider at waterfront cafés - anchor the culinary scene, and weekly markets and maritime festivals spotlight local produce and craft. Easygoing tides and a compact historic center make Auray an intimate gateway to Brittany’s coastal culture.
Top Things to Do in Auray
All Attractions ›.JPG?width=600)
- Vieux Port of Saint-Goustan - Explore Saint-Goustan's old port with cobbled quays, seafood restaurants, and boats.
- Church of Saint-Gildas - Visit the Church of Saint-Gildas for Gothic architecture and local parish history.
- Auray Market - Shop Auray's market for Breton crepes, seafood, and local crafts on market days.
- Saint-Goustan viewpoints - Find quieter viewpoints along Saint-Goustan's ramparts for postcard-worthy river perspectives.
- Local oyster stalls - Taste fresh oysters at small quay stalls favored by locals near the harbour.
- Maison du Patrimoine - Discover Maison du Patrimoine for exhibitions about Auray's maritime heritage and old maps.
- Carnac megaliths - Drive to Carnac's megalith alignments to study prehistoric stones and visitor center.
- Quiberon Peninsula - Take the Quiberon coast for rugged cliffs, coastal walks, and seaside villages.
Best Time to Visit Auray #
Auray is nicest from late spring through summer when the Atlantic influence gives mild, pleasant days ideal for markets, beaches and coastal walks. Winters are mild, wetter and much quieter.
Best Time to Visit Auray #
Auray's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (900 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
How to Get to Auray
Auray is well connected by regional rail (Gare d'Auray) and is easiest reached from Lorient or Rennes by train. Seasonal services increase in summer, and buses cover the local peninsulas and smaller coastal villages.
Lorient Bretagne Sud (LRT): Lorient airport is the closest regional airport; it handles limited domestic and seasonal flights. From LRT take a taxi to Lorient station (c. €20-€35, 15-25 minutes), then a TER Bretagne train to Auray (about 25-35 minutes, €4-€8).
Rennes-Saint-Jacques (RNS) / Nantes (NTE): Rennes and Nantes are the larger international-connected airports for Brittany. From Rennes or Nantes take SNCF trains to Auray (journeys typically 1.5-3 hours with a change; fares commonly €15-€40 depending on advance booking).
Train: Auray has a station (Gare d’Auray) served by SNCF TER Bretagne and some TGV/Intercités services seasonally; regular TER trains connect Auray with Lorient, Vannes and-via transfers-Rennes and Nantes. Local journeys are short (10-40 minutes) and affordable (€3-€15).
Bus: Regional buses in Brittany (BreizhGo) and local lines connect Auray with surrounding villages, the Quiberon peninsula (seasonal shuttle trains/buses) and coastal sites. Single fares vary but short regional rides are often under €5-€8.
How to Get Around Auray #
Auray is very walkable; the attractive Port of Saint‑Goustan and the old town are easy to reach on foot. Auray also has a TER train station with connections to Vannes and the Quiberon peninsula, and regional buses serve the surrounding area. Practical tips: bring comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and expect more activity in summer. Car parking is available but can get busy in season; local buses and trains are inexpensive regional options.
Where to Stay in Auray #
Where to Eat in Auray #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Auray's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Auray #
Auray’s evenings are relaxed, with most activity around the port where restaurants and bars stay open late in summer. Live music and seasonal events appear regularly, but there are few large clubs. Expect a pleasant, low-key night out focused on dining and drinks rather than a busy nightclub scene.
Shopping in Auray #
Shopping in Auray clusters around the old town and the Port of Saint‑Goustan, where you’ll find artisan shops, cafés and small boutiques. Local markets sell Breton food specialities, seafood and crafts-particularly lively during market days and the summer season. For supermarkets or larger chain stores head to the outskirts or nearby towns, but the centre is best for unique local finds.
.jpg?width=600)
