The menhirs and the beaches contribute to Carnac's reputation, but it would be a shame not to discover the heart of the village!
Typically Breton, the village of Carnac is home to a remarkable **church, **a tumulus topped by a chapel and a host of places worth a visit!
Your discovery of the centre of Carnac will be set between culture and gastronomy!
Facade of Saint-Cornély church in Carnac bourg
- © Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
The church of Saint-Cornély is Carnac's flagship monument! This remarkable edifice was built in the 17th century.
The church has a granite baldachin representing a crown. It is located on the north-east porch of the building.
The church also boasts an 18th-century organ and imposing vaulted ceilings with wainscoting. These cover an area of over 700 m²!
Saint-Cornély church in the center of Carnac village
- © PRILL / ShutterstockThe Saint-Michel tumulus and the Saint-Michel chapel lie to the north-east of the centre of Carnac bourg.
The mound is topped by a religious building. The Saint-Michel tumulus rises 12 metres above the village. It is over 120 metres long and 60 metres wide.
Finally, take the tour all the way to the top of the burial mound. You won't be disappointed!
From the summit, you can see beyond the centre of Carnac, from the ocean to the Quiberon peninsula and even as far as Belle-Île-en-Mer!
The Tumulus and Saint-Michel chapel in Carnac bourg
- © Jakez / ShutterstockWhat's more, the Carnac tourist office offers guided tours that you can schedule before you come.
👉Some not-to-be-missed addresses around Saint Cornély church.
After visiting the church of Saint-Cornély, treat yourself to inventive cuisine made with fresh produce at the Itsasoa restaurant.
This is a real ode to Brittany, with its sublime selection of seafood.
What's more, the restaurant's uncluttered, Zen atmosphere will make you feel right at home!
What's more, there are plenty of bakeries, patisseries and crêperies in the centre of Carnac where you can treat yourself!
The Auberge Le Ratelier is just a few metres from the church of Saint-Cornély, right in the centre of the town of Carnac!
The hotel-restaurant2* Le Ratelier has comfortable rooms, surrounded by greenery, offering you a pleasant moment of rest.
Each room at Le Ratelier is equipped with a TV, direct dial telephone and Wi-Fi internet access. You will also find a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries.
The largest rooms are over 20 m² in size. They can accommodate up to 4 people (2 separate beds and a double bed).
Reception is open every day from 8am to 7pm, so please let us know if you are arriving outside these times.
As a bonus, the hotel has a restaurant serving traditional cuisine. Renowned for the quality of its dishes, the restaurant is a must in Carnac.
However, please note that Auberge Le Ratelier is not accessible to people with reduced mobility!
Every year, the hotel closes for the whole of January.
Carnac
🗓️ Quand come and discover the centre of Carnac and its church of Saint-Cornély?
Carnac town centre can be visited all year round. Every season is possible and offers an atmosphere conducive to a visit.
Note that late spring often has fine sunny days, and visitor numbers are lower than in July and August.
Conversely, the winter months are harsher and some addresses are closed at this time.
🚌 How do I get to Carnac bourg?
By train, the nearest SNCF station to Carnac is Auray, 15 kilometres away. Several TGV trains run every day in summer.
Buses run from Auray station to Carnac.
If you're coming by car, Paris is less than 500 kilometres away (just under 5 hours' drive). Brittany's motorways are well maintained and free of charge!
Carnac is also accessible by air from Lorient, Rennes and Nantes airports.
Free shuttle buses run between the village and the other sites in the area in summer. If you're staying in the village, the church is within walking distance!
🅿️ Where to park near Saint-Cornély church, in the centre of Carnac?
In summer (June to September), the car park opposite the Musée de la Préhistoire is subject to a charge.
There is a free car park near the Carnac media library (please check if it is accessible when there is a market). Otherwise, parking spaces are subject to a charge or require the use of a blue disc.
