Tour
1 km
1h
14 audios
Text version
Get ready to explore one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France! Today part of the Pays de la Loire region, Guérande has deep historical ties to its Breton neighbor, as it once belonged to the powerful Duchy of Brittany, which remained independent from the Kingdom of France for centuries. Its strategic and autonomous position made it a prime target for enemies, prompting the construction of its impressive defensive walls. Thanks to careful restoration work and a strong commitment to preserving this remarkable heritage, the ramparts still stand in their entirety, so well maintained that Guérande is often called the “Carcassonne of the West.” On this one-kilometer walk, you’ll step back in time through cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and a rich past that has helped the town maintain its strong Breton identity. But Guérande is more than its history—it’s also a place that has made the most of its unique geography to become a celebrated name in French gastronomy, thanks to its famous salt marshes, one of the region’s must-sees. So head for the Atlantic, pass through its towering stone gates, and let history sweep you away!
After passing through the Porte Saint-Michel, you’re now inside Guérande’s medieval old town, walking along Rue Saint-Michel, the main shopping street that leads straight to the Collegiate Church of Saint-Aubin. Behind you, you can picture the governor’s grand apartments in the upper floors of the gate. Read more
You’ve arrived at the charming little Place du Pilori, where Guérande’s medieval spirit is on full display, with its cobblestones and stone houses. In the Middle Ages, this was one of the most important spots in town, as it was home to the pillory, a post used to administer public justice. Read more
You’re standing in front of the Porte Saint-Michel, the grand gateway into Guérande’s medieval old town. As you’ve no doubt noticed, the city is still surrounded by its formidable stone ramparts—one of the best-preserved fortified walls in France, despite having undergone very little restoration over the centuries. Read more
This small cobbled square is one of the oldest in Guérande. As its name suggests, it was once the site of a bustling market, dating back to the 14th century. Wheat was sold here, and the square also housed an old cemetery. Read more
Saint-Aubin Square is one of Guérande’s must-see spots. Not only does it lead you straight to the façade of the Collégiale, which we’ll explore in just a moment, but it’s also lined with beautiful historic buildings that take you right back into the town’s past. Read more
You’re now standing in front of the town’s main church, the Collégiale Saint-Aubin. Right in the heart of the medieval city, it’s been listed as a Historic Monument since 1840. Read more
On your right, behind the large red gate that hides the entrance, stands a historic building: the Manoir de la Prévôté. Built in the 16th century, it was once home to the provost of Guérande, the official responsible for the town’s administration and justice. Read more
The building in front of you is the Chapel of Notre-Dame-la-Blanche, one of eight sites in Guérande listed as Historic Monuments. Read more
Through this small doorway, we’re going to step outside the medieval walls for a moment. Set into the ramparts, it’s a postern gate that shares its name with the mansion next to it and the street it leads to. Read more
The large red gate to your right opens onto a beautiful private mansion known as the Hôtel du Tricot. Arguably the most remarkable of the historic mansions still standing in the city, it was built toward the end of the 16th century by the lords of Guérande, who gave it a prestigious appearance. Read more
Here we have the Porte de Saillé, one of Guérande’s listed historic monuments. This gate marks the southern entrance to the old town, leading into the street of the same name. Read more
Vous voici sur la place Saint-Jean. Le bâtiment qui se dresse ici est l’hôtel-dieu de Guérande, un véritable bâtiment historique. Tellement, qu’on ne connaît même pas la date exacte de sa construction. N’hésitez pas à avancer Read more
It’s impossible to visit Guérande without talking about what has made it so famous today, its salt marshes! Guérande salt is internationally renowned for its exceptional quality and is a showcase of French expertise. Read more
The building on your right until recently housed one of the last remaining doll museums in France. Although it closed in 2017, it is worth mentioning because it was created thanks to Lucien Mahé, former president of the Tourist Office. Read more
Discover Guérande with app
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
14 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
An absolute must-see. Shaped since the Middle Ages, these marshes offer a stunning spectacle of pools with shimmering reflections. Walking along the paths, you can discover the work of the salt workers, who keep alive an ancestral know-how to harvest the famous Guérande salt. At sunset, the colors mirrored on the water create a magical scene.
Just a few kilometers from Guérande lies the Brière Regional Natural Park, a vast wild marshland crisscrossed by canals. You can explore it aboard a chaland, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, and let yourself drift through peaceful landscapes. Thatched cottages, reed beds, and
Once a fishing port, Le Croisic has retained all its charm with timber-framed houses along the quays and narrow cobbled streets. Its rocky shoreline, known as the wild coast, attracts walkers in search of spectacular sea views. The Océarium is an unmissable stop to discover sharks, jellyfish, and other fascinating marine creatures.
With its nine-kilometer-long sandy beach, La Baule is one of the most renowned seaside resorts in France. Hidden among the pines, Belle Époque villas bear witness to its elegant past. The seafront promenade, lively cafés, and wide range of water activities make it a destination that is both chic and family-friendly.
Neighboring La Baule, Le Pouliguen has preserved a more intimate atmosphere. Its port, lively markets, and famous ice cream shops are real highlights. The wild coast walk, linking Le Pouliguen to Le Croisic, is one of the most beautiful coastal trails, offering breathtaking ocean views.
Listed among the “Petites Cités de Caractère,” Piriac charms visitors with its granite houses, colorful shutters, and lanes blooming with hollyhocks. The village has kept an authenticity reminiscent of Breton ports. Coastal paths lead to wild coves and offer magnificent viewpoints over the Atlantic.
Between salt marshes and beaches, Batz-sur-Mer is a village steeped in history. Its fortified church, the Saint-Guénolé Tower, dominates the landscape and provides a spectacular panoramic view. The Salt Marsh Museum helps you better understand the lives of salt workers and the importance of salt in the region.
A port and industrial city, Saint-Nazaire is closely tied to the sea. You can visit its massive shipyards, where some of the world’s largest ocean liners are built, or climb aboard the Espadon, a retired submarine open to visitors. The city has also enhanced its seafront, perfect for a stroll facing the Atlantic.
A bustling fishing port, La Turballe is famous for its colorful trawlers and fish market. It also boasts a vast sandy beach stretching for several kilometers, perfect for swimming and water sports. Further north, the rocky coastline becomes wilder and is ideal for hiking.
This peaceful corner of the peninsula combines small beaches, hidden coves, and wide marshlands. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a more intimate and unspoiled setting, far from the busier seaside resorts. Seafood lovers will especially appreciate the oysters and mussels cultivated nearby.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
Comments