Medieval town of Guérande: visit the Carcassonne of the West
Known for its collegiate church and salt marshes, the medieval town of Guérande is a tourist destination well worth a visit. One of the few places in France to have preserved its 13th-century ramparts, this Loire-Atlantique town is one of the heritage gems of western France.
Don’t miss the medieval city of Guérande
The medieval town of Guérande, in France’s Pays de la Loire region, has so much to offer that a single day is not enough to explore it. However, to make sure you don’t miss out on any of its tourist attractions, plan your Loire-Atlantique tourism tour around the city’s must-see spots.
Start by passing through the Porte Saint Michel, which gives you a direct view of the city’s beauty. Expect to wander through an alleyway dotted with fashion boutiques and restaurants.
Continue your visit to the Place de Saint Aubin. Located in the heart of the medieval town of Guérande, it is home to the covered market and the famous Saint-Aubin collegiate church. Built mainly in the 15th century, the collegiate church reflects the Gothic architecture of the period. Continue your visit by climbing the ramparts, which offer a remarkable view of the city and the Saint-Aubin bell tower.
Beyond the ramparts, Guérande offers other not-to-be-missed sites such as the Ursuline convents in the Faubourg Saint-Michel, the 16th-century Moulin du Diable, the salt marshes and salt production houses. Guérande by light” is a year-round event that’s sure to win you over. It consists in highlighting the town’s heritage sites by adorning them with magnificent lights.
Why visit the medieval town of Guérande?
The medieval town of Guérande is a must-see during your stay in Loire Atlantique. Founded by Bretons exiled from Brittany, this town offers a real immersion in the region’s medieval history and culture. Protected by well-preserved ramparts, its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and ancient churches bear witness to its rich past.
This medieval town in the Pays de la Loire region also boasts boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and a market showcasing local crafts and regional gastronomy.
What’s more, you can enjoy superb panoramic views from the ramparts of the walled town. This offers a unique perspective on the surrounding area, including the salt marshes, surrounding countryside and even the ocean, from the chemin de ronde.
Nicknamed the “Carcassonne of the West”, this fortified city boasts solid walls stretching over 1,400 meters. A series of ten imposing towers punctuate this defensive wall, which has been awarded Monuments Historiques status, giving Guérande a medieval atmosphere. Access to the city is via the Porte Saint-Michel, also known as “le château”. Once used as the governor’s residence under the Dukes of Brittany, this gateway now houses the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.
In short, a visit to the medieval town of Guérande is an invitation to discover the history and culture of the region, while enjoying its picturesque charm.
Treat yourself to a stay at our Loire-Atlantique campsite with its close proximity to the medieval city and its ramparts, as well as Guérande’s other attractions.
