Old Market Square

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. Today, the market has moved elsewhere, and the cemetery was relocated long ago, allowing the square to be enlarged. It’s now surrounded by beautiful, traditional houses. On your right, for example, stands the Maison du Sénéchal, built in the 17th century.

The sénéchal, you might remember, was a royal officer responsible for local judicial affairs, one of the most important figures in town. It’s also said that the French novelist Honoré de Balzac stayed in one of the houses on this very square during a visit to Guérande. The town inspired him to write his famous novel Béatrix, published in 1839, in which he vividly describes its narrow cobblestone streets, characteristic houses, imposing ramparts, and proud inhabitants.