Saint-Aubin Collegiate Church

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.

The very first church on this site was likely built as early as the 6th century. In the 10th century, a larger church was constructed to replace it, dedicated to Saint Aubin, the town’s patron saint and former bishop of Angers. Three centuries later, it was rebuilt yet again, this time even larger, in the Romanesque style. But in 1342, Guérande suffered the Sack of the town, which left the church badly damaged. Only the nave and pillars survived, forcing another complete rebuild.

This time, the choice was the flamboyant Gothic style, the building you see today. In the 16th century, several stained-glass windows were added. Over the 18th and 19th centuries, the wind took its toll: in 1705, a storm destroyed its bell tower, and a new spire was built. The same thing happened in 1785, and again in 1874, when a wall collapsed under the force of violent gusts. As you can tell, this church has faced the ravages of time many times over, requiring repeated restorations and reconstructions.

Its name comes from the legend that Saint Aubin was originally from the Guérande area and once performed a miracle here. When Viking forces approached to destroy the town, Saint Aubin is said to have sent a white knight down from the heavens to speak to the townspeople and give them the courage to fight. Inspired, they drove the Vikings away without losing a single man. When they returned, the white knight had vanished, and they believed it must have been Saint Aubin himself, dedicating the new church in his honor.

Whether you believe the story or not, there’s no denying this is one of Guérande’s most iconic landmarks, and well worth stepping inside. It’s a reminder of the town’s importance in the Middle Ages as a religious center. Inside, in the Marguerite Chapel, you’ll find the church’s Treasure, an impressive collection of liturgical garments and goldsmith’s work that speaks to the prestige of this remarkable place.