Saint-Goustan, port d’Auray, Auray: village in Brittany

Below the old town of Auray, Saint-Goustan unfolds its quays, its stone bridge, its half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes around one of the most photogenic harbours in Morbihan.

Suggested time: 2 hours to half a day, longer with the historic centre of Auray, a cruise or a meal on the harbour
Type of place: Historic harbour and characterful quarter
Atmosphere: Romantic, maritime, lively and historic
Getting there: In Auray, below the town centre. On foot by the rue du Château or the Loch ramps, or directly along the quays. Look for parking around Saint-Goustan or in the upper town, depending on how busy it is.

Who this place suits

With family: 10/10
As a couple: 10/10
With friends: 9/10
Solo: 9/10
With a dog: 9/10
Reduced mobility: 6/10

These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.

About

Saint-Goustan is one of those places where you come for an hour and easily end up staying all afternoon. At the head of the Auray river, the harbour is arranged around the quai Franklin, the quai Martin, Place Saint-Sauveur and a four-arched stone bridge. The former fishing and trading port had its golden age from the 17th century, importing wine, salt and copper and exporting farm produce and fish. On 4 December 1776, Benjamin Franklin landed here almost by chance, diverted from his route to Nantes by sailing conditions. This episode, now celebrated by the town of Auray, gives the harbour an unexpected international historical dimension. But Saint-Goustan charms above all with its atmosphere: half-timbered facades from the 16th and 18th centuries, steep lanes, cobbles, little workshops, galleries, terraces and boats moored in the river. From the upper town, the rue du Château leads straight down to the harbour, while the Loch ramps take you back up to admire the whole scene. The rue Saint-Sauveur and the rue Saint-René are among the most picturesque. In 2026, the harbour stayed very lively, with summer guided tours, craft markets, nautical events and a mobile tourist welcome point on some Wednesday afternoons. Saint-Goustan is an excellent gateway to Auray, Sainte-Anne-d’Auray, the Gulf of Morbihan and the bay of Quiberon.

What you will see

The quarter is freely accessible all year round; guided tours and events according to the calendar.
Status: the historic quarter of Auray.
Bridge: the four-arched Saint-Goustan bridge, listed as heritage, dates from the 18th century.
Houses: many protected half-timbered facades from the 16th and 18th centuries.
Historical figure: Benjamin Franklin, who arrived on 4 December 1776 before going on to the French court; the quai Franklin bears his name. In 2026, Auray celebrated the 250th anniversary of his arrival.
2026 guided tour: Wednesdays in July and August, 3 pm departure, 1 h 30, according to the tourist office.

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The port grew strongly from the 17th century, trading wine, salt, copper, farm produce and fish; the half-timbered houses recall the importance of the merchant quarter.
The church of Saint-Sauveur also keeps several heritage features.
The quarter has gradually turned from a trading port into a place for walks, dining and crafts.
Not to be missed: the quai Franklin and its terraces, the quai Martin by the river, the Saint-Goustan stone bridge, Place Saint-Sauveur, rue Saint-Sauveur, rue Saint-René, rue du Château, the Loch ramps, the half-timbered houses, the church of Saint-Sauveur, the view from the upper town, the galleries and workshops.
Recommended: walk down from the upper town by the rue du Château, cross the bridge and look at the harbour from both banks, have lunch or a drink on a terrace on Place Saint-Sauveur, climb back up by the Loch ramps to photograph the harbour from above, continue on foot along the river towards Le Bono, take a cruise or boat trip when available, and come on a craft market day to see the quai Franklin at its liveliest.

Practical information

Getting there: In Auray, below the town centre. On foot by the rue du Château or the Loch ramps, or directly along the quays. Look for parking around Saint-Goustan or in the upper town, depending on how busy it is
Food: The harbour has many cafés and restaurants; the main pleasure is the terrace and the setting. Auray also offers its market, covered halls and food shops
Parking: Via Auray; expect steep lanes down to the old harbour of Saint-Goustan
Pets: Very suitable for a walk with a dog on a lead on the quays and in the streets, subject to the rules of the shops
Accessibility: The quays are easier to get around than the steep cobbled lanes. The steep slopes up to the upper town can make some routes difficult
With family: A very good choice with family: the harbour is visual, children love the boats and the walk can stay short. The slope between the upper town and the harbour is the main thing to plan for
Safety: Cobbles, steep lanes and quays can be slippery in the rain. Keep an eye on children by the water
Best time: All year round. Spring and September are an excellent compromise between light and crowds. In summer, walk in the morning and come back late in the day for the atmosphere on the quays
Photography: The best shots bring together the bridge, the half-timbered houses and the boats. Morning light is calmer, while late in the day highlights the facades and the lively terraces. The Loch ramps offer one of the best viewpoints from above
Nearby: The historic centre of Auray

Tips on the spot

Arrive before 10 am in high season for fewer people; late afternoon is also calmer.
Use the official car parks and finish on foot; on market days or big events, allow more time to park.
Wear good shoes for cobbles, quays, paths and steps.
Start at the tourist office or an interpretation trail if there is one; guided tours give a much richer reading of local history.
Check the opening times of monuments and activities on the day; in winter, some close earlier.

Show 6 more tips

Take time for the side streets and small details.
Respect the residents in the most photographed streets, and never block a private entrance for a photo.
Have lunch early or late to find a table more easily in high season.
In autumn, the low light and fewer visitors can be excellent.
Allow 2 hours to half a day, longer with the historic centre of Auray, a cruise or a meal on the harbour.
Come back to the same photo spot an hour later: the light changes a lot.

Frequently asked questions

How much time should I allow?

2 hours to half a day, longer with the historic centre of Auray, a cruise or a meal on the harbour.

Is the visit free?

Exploring outdoors is free. Some monuments, museums, tours and activities are paid.

What makes it special?

Strolling through a former trading port turned charming quarter, among terraces, galleries, old houses, maritime heritage and the story of Benjamin Franklin.

What is the atmosphere like?

Romantic, maritime, lively and historic.

When is the best time to come?

All year round. Spring and September are an excellent compromise between light and crowds. In summer, walk in the morning and come back late in the day for the atmosphere on the quays.

What are the must-sees?

The quai Franklin and its terraces, the quai Martin, the Saint-Goustan stone bridge, Place Saint-Sauveur, rue Saint-Sauveur, rue Saint-René, rue du Château and the Loch ramps.

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Photographs: Myrabella · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Abujoy · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Fab5669 · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons