Discovering Vannes: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Vannes, a charming city located in the Brittany region of France! Known for its rich history, stunning medieval architecture, and picturesque landscapes, Vannes is also a haven for food lovers. With its proximity to the sea and fertile soil, the local cuisine of Vannes is a delightful mix of fresh seafood, farm-fresh produce, and traditional French flavors. Let's embark on a culinary journey and explore the local dishes, restaurants, and recipes that make Vannes a food paradise.

Local Dishes

Vannes boasts a variety of mouthwatering dishes, each offering a unique taste of the region. Here are a few must-try local dishes:

• Crêpes: No trip to Brittany is complete without indulging in a crispy and flavorful crêpe. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, Vannes offers a wide range of options to satisfy your cravings.
• Moules Frites: As a coastal city, Vannes is renowned for its delicious moules frites (mussels and fries). Served with a side of crunchy fries, the mussels are freshly caught and cooked in a rich broth, packed with flavors.
• Far Breton: This traditional Breton dessert is a delightful combination of prunes and a custard-like batter. Served at room temperature, the Far Breton is a comforting treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of rum.
• Galette Saucisse: A true Breton classic, galette saucisse is a sausage wrapped in a crispy buckwheat pancake. This savory treat is often enjoyed as a quick and satisfying snack while exploring the city.

Restaurants

When it comes to dining out in Vannes, you'll find a plethora of restaurants offering delectable local cuisine. Here are some highly recommended establishments:

Le Roof:

Located on the waterfront, Le Roof offers breathtaking views while serving up delicious seafood dishes with a modern twist. Indulge in their signature seafood platter while enjoying the stunning panoramic vista.

La Gourmandière:

A charming bistro located in the heart of Vannes, La Gourmandière is known for its warm ambiance and traditional Breton cuisine. Try their mouthwatering coq au vin or indulge in their selection of locally sourced cheeses.

La Chope:

Situated in a beautiful 16th-century building, La Chope is revered for its authentic Breton dishes. Don't miss their famous pork and cider stew, a delightful combination of tender meat, apple flavors, and fragrant herbs.

Recipes

If you wish to recreate the flavors of Vannes at home, here are a couple of traditional recipes:

Recipe: Galette Bretonne

Ingredients:

• 250g buckwheat flour
• 100g all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• 500ml water
• Butter for cooking

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. Add water gradually while whisking continuously until a smooth and pourable batter is formed.
3. Allow the batter to rest for 30 minutes.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and melt a small knob of butter.
5. Pour a ladleful of batter onto the skillet and swirl it around to create a thin and even pancake.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
7. Repeat with the remaining batter.
8. Serve the galettes hot with your choice of fillings such as ham, cheese, mushrooms, or eggs.

Recipe: Far Breton

Ingredients:

• 250g prunes
• 200g all-purpose flour
• 180g granulated sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 liter whole milk
• A pinch of salt
• 30ml rum (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, soak the prunes in warm water or rum for 10 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
4. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and gradually add in the milk, whisking continuously.
5. Add the flour mixture to the egg and milk mixture, and whisk until well combined.
6. Drain the prunes and arrange them evenly in the greased baking dish.
7. Pour the batter over the prunes, ensuring they are completely covered.
8. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the far breton is set and golden brown on top.
9. Allow the far breton to cool before serving at room temperature.

Vannes on Google Maps

Embedded map with Vannes coordinates (47.6588° N, 2.7605° W):