Nicknamed the «Carcassonne of the West», Guérande is a must-see stopover in the Loire-Atlantique region. Labelled a Town of Art and History, this medieval city seems to have stopped time behind its impressive granite ramparts.
A journey through history
As you pass through the majestic Porte Saint-Michel, you enter a 17-hectare preserved historic heart. Stroll along the cobbled streets where timber-framed houses and private mansions follow one another. Don't miss the Collégiale Saint-Aubin, a jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, whose sculpted details tell the story of centuries of Breton devotion.
Les Remparts: a panoramic walk
Guérande's fortified walls, 1.4 km long, are one of the best preserved in France. A walk around the ramparts gives you a breathtaking view: on one side, the slate roofs of the old town, on the other, the horizon opening out towards the famous salt marshes.
The Medieval Festival: a legendary event
Every year, on the first weekend in June, the town returns to its former glory. Troubadours, knights and craftsmen invade the moats for the Fête Médiévale de Guérande. It's a unique opportunity to sample local specialities in period taverns and watch tournaments of chivalry with the whole family.
