Guérande

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Presentation

Guérande is a medieval town nestled between salt and land, located less than an hour from Pornic. Cross its ramparts and step back in time.

A favorite of the Dukes of Brittany, medieval Guérande overlooks two contrasting landscapes: the Pays Blanc (White Country), the land of salt and salt marshes, and the Pays Noir (Black Country), the land of peat and the Brière Regional Natural Park.

Listed among the "Most Beautiful Detours in France," Guérande seems frozen in time. Its imposing granite walls protect a vibrant town where history is evident on every corner, while at its feet stretch landscapes unique in the world: the famous salt marshes.

 Three good reasons to discover Guérande:

1. Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages: With its 1.3 km of perfectly preserved ramparts and four fortified gates, Guérande is one of the few medieval towns in France to have retained its complete city walls. Strolling through its cobbled streets is like taking a trip back in time, with artisan shops and half-timbered houses lining the streets.
2. The fascinating spectacle of the salt marshes: A veritable mosaic of mirror-like water, this site, classified as a ‘Grand Site de France’, offers landscapes with ever-changing reflections. It is a unique opportunity to meet the salt workers who perpetuate a thousand-year-old tradition of harvesting the ‘white gold’, Fleur de Sel, by hand.
3. A crossroads of flavours and craftsmanship: Guérande is not only a feast for the eyes, it is also a feast for the taste buds! Between the famous salted butter caramels, the traditional crêperies nestled in the inner courtyards and the stalls of local designers, the city is a gourmet and creative destination par excellence.
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 To go further:

• History buffs should not hesitate to pass through the Porte Saint-Michel (Guérande castle museum), an iconic monument in the town of Guérande, which bears witness to the town's power in the Middle Ages. Both a fortified gateway and a lodging house, it is the only part of the medieval enclosure open to visitors.
• For those interested in taking a guided tour, Terre de Sel  allows you to discover the authentic world of the Guérande salt workers and the natural treasures of the salt marshes.
• You can also board the Petit Train des Marais Salants de Guérande (Guérande Salt Marsh Train) from La Turballe for an immersion in the heart of the ‘white gold’ country.
• Finally, by visiting the Grand Blockhaus in Batz-sur-Mer, you can immerse yourself in the history of the Second World War and discover a must-see museum on the Guérande peninsula.

Information

• SITUATION :
  • Saint Nazaire / Peninsula of Guérande
• PERIOD OF SITE OR HISTORIC MONUMENT :
  • Medieval

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