Guérande - Medieval townGuérande - Medieval town
©Guérande - Medieval town|Alexandre Lamoureux

The medieval town of Guérande

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Take a trip back in time to the heart of a fortified town, with its preserved heritage, cobbled streets and unique medieval atmosphere. Guérande reveals an exceptional heritage.

A city of history and character

Listed as a Town of Art and History, Guérande is one of the few medieval towns in France to have preserved almost all of its ramparts. Its majestic gates, watchtowers and cobbled streets tell the story of 8 centuries of history. At the centre of the town, the church of Saint-Aubin proudly dominates the town with its Gothic architecture. With its timber-framed houses, town houses and craft shops, every street corner invites you to take a trip back in time. Guérande will appeal as much to history buffs as to families looking for a timeless stroll.

In the footsteps of the ramparts and monuments

Guérande’s ramparts can be explored on a historical walk, but it’s not possible to go all the way round them. The Museum – Château de Guérande, housed in the Porte Saint-Michel, gives visitors access to part of the fortified enclosure and an insight into its secrets. The former residence of the town captain now houses collections that trace the life of the town through the ages. From the heights, the view extends over the ancient rooftops and the church of Saint-Aubin.

They tell you the medieval town of Guérande

Guided tours are an excellent way to discover the medieval town of Guérande. Accompanied by a tour guide, you’ll take the time to understand the history of the ramparts, their strategic role and daily life behind the walls. The walk takes you through the fortified gates, along the curtain walls and into the heart of the old town. You’ll hear about the architecture, the salt trade, the power of the Dukes of Brittany and how the city has changed over the centuries. The anecdotes bring the tour to life, without ever losing the historical thread.

Some tours are suitable for families, while others are more thematic, depending on what you want to do. A simple and rewarding way to give meaning to each stone.

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