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There are great many things to do in France, and so are in Carnac.
Carnac is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored, a patchwork of ancient stones stitched together in the fabric of time, a tapestry that tells the story of a mystical past and a vibrant present.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Carnac:
1. Alignments of Carnac
A collection of megalithic sites in Carnac, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the alignments of standing stones, which stretch for over three miles. The stones are thought to have been erected between 4500 and 3300 BCE, making them older than Stonehenge.
Don’t miss: The Ménec alignments, which consist of 1,100 stones and are the longest in Carnac. The Kermario alignments, which feature 1,029 stones, are also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the site.
2. Tumulus of Saint-Michel
The Tumulus of Saint-Michel is a prehistoric burial mound located in Carnac, France. It is one of the largest burial mounds in Brittany and dates back to the Neolithic period.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the inside of the Tumulus of Saint-Michel and see the ancient burial chambers where the remains of over 50 people were found.
The site also includes several standing stones and menhirs that are believed to have been placed there for religious or ceremonial purposes.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the Tumulus of Saint-Michel, which overlooks the nearby Carnac Stones and the surrounding countryside.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing as the inside of the Tumulus can be chilly.
Guided tours are available in several languages and are recommended for a more in-depth experience. Also, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the incredible history and beauty of this ancient site.
3. Musée de Préhistoire
Musée de Préhistoire is a museum dedicated to prehistory, located in Carnac, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can view numerous prehistoric artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the area. The collection includes objects dating back to the Paleolithic era, such as tools, weapons, and pottery.
Don’t miss: One of the museum’s most notable exhibits is the Carnac stones, which are over 3,000 prehistoric standing stones arranged in rows and circles in nearby fields.
The stones are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are believed to have been erected during the Neolithic period.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the history and significance of the Carnac stones, visitors should consider taking a guided tour or audio guide.
Additionally, the museum offers workshops and activities for children, making it a great family-friendly activity.
4. La Maison des Mégalithes
Museum dedicated to the megalithic sites of Carnac, France.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits on megalithic culture, history, and architecture. Visit the on-site megalithic park to see standing stones and menhirs up close.
Don’t miss: The guided tour of the megalithic park, which provides insight into the cultural and historical significance of the standing stones.
Insider travel tips: Plan your visit during the off-season to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Consider renting a bike to explore the surrounding area and see more megalithic sites.
5. Dolmen of Mane-Rutual
The Dolmen of Mane-Rutual is a prehistoric tomb located in Carnac, Brittany, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the ancient tomb and marvel at the massive stones used to construct it.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take a walk around the surrounding fields to see other prehistoric standing stones in the area.
Insider travel tips: The site can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or later in the day.
Visitors should also wear sturdy, comfortable shoes as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
6. Menhir of Men Marz
Impressive standing stone or menhir located in the Carnac region of Brittany, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can view the towering Menhir of Men Marz, which stands at over 20 feet, and marvel at its ancient origins.
The area also features numerous other standing stones and megaliths.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to explore the surrounding Carnac region, which boasts over 3,000 individual standing stones, making it one of the largest collections of megalithic sites in the world.
Insider travel tips: For an alternative view of the Menhir of Men Marz, visit the nearby village of Plouharnel. From here, visitors can witness the menhir silhouetted against the stunning coastal sunset.
It is also recommended to visit the site early in the morning or during less crowded times in order to fully appreciate the awe-inspiring relics of ancient history.
7. Chapelle Saint-Michel
Chapelle Saint-Michel is a medieval chapel located in Carnac, Brittany, France, dating back to the 12th century.
What to see or do: The chapel’s beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate carvings make it a must-visit attraction in the area. Visitors can marvel at the unique structural design of the chapel and learn about its history.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the stunning frescoes and intricate sculptures inside the chapel, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Also, make sure to visit the small graveyard beside the chapel, which houses the tombs of many illustrious Carnacians.
Insider travel tips: Take a guided tour of the chapel to fully appreciate its history and stunning architecture.
Also, visit the site during the annual Saint-Michel fair in late September to experience the lively atmosphere of the town celebration.
8. Casino de Carnac
The Casino de Carnac is a popular destination for gambling and entertainment in the coastal town of Carnac, France.
What to see or do: Visitors can try their luck at the casino’s slot machines, table games, and poker room. The casino also hosts a variety of shows, concerts, and events throughout the year.
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch one of the casino’s cabaret shows, featuring talented dancers and musicians. The casino’s restaurant, Le Café Barrière, offers a delicious selection of French cuisine.
Insider travel tips: Dress code is smart casual, so be sure to look presentable. The casino offers free parking and a shuttle service to nearby hotels.
Be sure to bring your passport or another form of identification for entry.
9. Megaliths of Crucuno
A group of over 100 standing stones, or menhirs, located near the town of Carnac in Brittany, France.
What to see or do: Take a walk through the heather-covered moorland to see the impressive standing stones, some of which are over 4 meters tall and date back to the Neolithic period.
Don’t miss: The Crucuno dolmen, a nearby burial chamber that dates back to around 3000 BC.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
It is also recommended to visit with a guide to fully understand the history and significance of these ancient sites.
10. Megaliths of Locmariaquer
A collection of prehistoric megaliths located in the Morbihan department of Brittany, France.
What to see or do: Admire the three main structures – the Er-Grah tumulus, the Table des Marchands, and the Broken Menhir – that make up the Megaliths of Locmariaquer.
Marvel at the intricacy of these massive, ancient stones, and imagine the impressive architectural feats required to construct them.
Don’t miss: The must-see Broken Menhir, which stands at a staggering 20 meters in length, was once used as a benchmark for determining the height of the tides.
Be sure to also check out the Table des Marchands, which features incredible carvings of axes, horn-shaped objects, and even a human hand.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during the low season to avoid crowds and to enjoy a more intimate experience with the structures.
11. Port en Dro – Site de Saint-Colomban
Port en Dro is a small cove located on the north coast of Brittany, near the town of Saint-Colomban.
What to see or do: Port en Dro is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling or hiking.
The crystal clear waters and picturesque landscape make it a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
Don’t miss: The highlight of Port en Dro is its stunning beach, which is accessible only by foot or by boat.
The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and overlooking the English Channel, providing visitors with panoramic views and a unique and unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: Be aware that the beach is not easily accessible and requires a bit of hiking to reach it.
It is also recommended to bring snacks and plenty of water, as there are no facilities or services available on the beach.
Additionally, check the tide schedule before heading to the beach, as it can be completely covered at high tide.