Guérande

Understand

Guerande is a medieval fortified town. During the Middle Ages, Guerande was the principal town in the estate owned by dukes of Brittany which covered the entire peninsula, the "Presqu'île Guérandaise". Its strategic position at the top of a hill gave it an overview of the ocean and a role as protector of the Salt Marshes.

The town entered a golden age with the last dukes of Brittany, who built its formidable ramparts. The period gave it charm, a picturesque flavour and an exceptional heritage which led the celebrated writer Balzac to describe it thus "Guérande is one of those rare towns to have retained the true physiognomy of the feudal centuries".

See

THE MEDIEVAL TOWN OF GUERANDE

thumb|Medieval timber framed house

The ramparts (XV-XVI)

In 1343, following the destruction inflicted on Guérande by troops commanded by Charles de Blois, Jean de Montfort demanded that the town be properly protected by improving its fortifications. Work started soon after and continued for more than a century, with the town's architecture adapted to reflect the latest artillery developments. It was not until 1488, or 145 years later, that these ramparts, by then complete, were inaugurated during the reign of Duke François II (father of Anne of Brittany), a few months before his death.

1434 m long, the ramparts are pierced by four gateways: St Michel to the east, Vannetaise to the north, Bizienne to the west and Saillé to the south).

The Saint Aubin's Church (XV-XVI)

One of the main site of interest of the medieval town. XV-XVI century.

THE SALT MARSHES

thumb|Guérande Salt marshes

An area of 2000 hectares divided in two zones, the largest is around the Traict du Croisic and extends over the villages of Batz-sur-Mer, Guérande, and La Turballe. The second is located beyond the “coteau” guérandais and covers an area of 350 hectares which includes Mesquer, Saint-Molf and Assérac.

This area is classified since 1996. Today in the salt marshes, around 250 “paludiers” i.e. salt workers harvest approximately 12000 mt of salt a year.

THE NATURAL PARK OF LA BRIERE

thumb|Brière

It was one of the first natural parks to be listed as a “Parc Nature…

Do

To get some more information, it is possible to go to the Tourist office center of Guerande next to Saint-Michel gate. The website has major shows listed * Office de tourisme de Guérande: 1, place du Marché au Bois - 44 350 Guérande - 0.820.150.044 [http://www.ot-guerande.fr/ Visit the Salt Marshes: Many structures offer to discover the Salt Marshes with several types of visits: museography, guided tours on an operational salt-pan, walk on a typical local wagon, etc...

La Maison des Paludiers: 18, rue des Prés Garnier - 44 350 Guérande - 02.40.23.82.79 [http://www.maisondespaludiers.fr/ Terre de Sel: Route des Marais Salants - 44350 Guérande - 02.40.62.08.80 * Le mulon de Pen Bron: Route de Pen Bron - 44 350 Guérande - 02.40.15.64.28 [http://www.lemulondepenbron.com/

Visit the wetlands of La Brière: The wetlands of La Brière are not like the Salt Marshes. There are many ways to discover this territory but the most popular is the visit in chaland (craft).

L'arche briéronne: Port de Bréca - 44 410 Saint-Lyphard - 02.40.91.33.97 Barques Crusson: La chaussée neuve - 44 117 Saint-André-des-Eaux - 02.40.01.24.64 Barques Mahé Anthony: Port de la Chaussée Neuve - 44 117 Saint-André-des-Eaux Barques Moyon Jean: Ile de Fedrun - 44 720 Saint-Joachim Brière évasion: Port de la Pierre Fendue - 44 410 Saint-Lyphard * Chez Chantal et Jacky: 3, île de Fédrun - 44 720 Saint-Joachim Faune Briéronne: 356 Port de bréca - 44 410 Saint-Lyphard [http://faunebrieronne.free.fr/ La Tanière: 80, îl…

Buy

There are 2 marketplaces in the medieval town: the great market on Sunday and the little market on Wednesday (the fishes's market is everyday except Monday and Thursday).

Eat

In Guerande, visitors can find mainly 3 types of restaurants: traditional restaurants, pizzeria and "crêperies" (traditional Breton food). Major part of restaurants are in the medieval city.

Sleep

There are many accommodation types like campsites, hotels (one, two and three stars), guestroom and many others. The list (not complete) of accommodation is available on the tourist center's website