Fascinating, astonishing and soothing, Guérande definitely has something to captivate the hearts of holidaymakers in search of relaxation and discovery... Worshipped by the Dukes of Brittany, this medieval city renowned as a "City of Art and History" offers its visitors a myriad of activities, all in a sumptuous setting facing the sea. The magnificence of the landscapes surrounding Guérande and its many tourist sites make it a privileged destination for holidays, with family or friends.

Hidden behind its thick ramparts, this commune of Loire-Atlantique attracts many visitors every year. Renowned for its rich heritage, Guérande is surrounded by water, between the Loire, the Vilaine, the Brière marsh and the Atlantic Ocean. While strolling around Guérande, you will repeatedly have the opportunity to notice testimonies of the medieval period, as its ramparts in particular: flanked by fortified gates and towers, the ramparts of Guérande, 1400 meters long, are among the only ones in France to have kept all their fortifications intact. Stroll through its cobbled alleys, along its old houses to discover the many listed buildings that line the city : the Saillé Gate (12th century), the Vennetaise Gate (12th century), the Saint-Michel Gate and its helmeted lions or the Saint-Jean Tower are absolutely to discover. The Saint-Aubin Collegiate Church is the second most visited religious monument in the region. Located in the heart of the ramparts, it attracts over 300,000 visitors every year. Built in the 12th century, it is known for its superb stained-glass windows and organ concerts, which music lovers will be able to listen to during the summer. Built at the very end of the 17th century, the Ursuline Convent is also one of the Historic Monuments of Guérande that you will have to visit during your stay, just like the Notre-Dame-la-Blanche chapel. The one also called the "Guérande peninsula" also has half of the megaliths of the department : you can see in Guérande the menhirs of Bissin, Keroland and the dolmen of Sandun. You will also certainly cross the road of old mills which were once used to grind flour, such as the Moulin de Crémeur also known as "Moulin du Diable", it is very popular in the region because of the many legends that surround it.

How to evoke Guérande without talking about its salt marshes ? Hanging on a granitic plateau, this medieval city overlooks the salt marshes, known throughout the world. Every year, people come from China, England, the United States and all over France to discover this captivating city with its renowned salicultural know-how. Classified since 1996, the salt marshes are discovered during walks through the local fauna and flora. Take the time to lose yourself in these immense squares, through the white gold basins which, at sunset, display sumptuous shades of blue, pink, silver and orange.

As for leisure activities, Guérande is not to be outdone since you can practice a wide range of sporting activities such as golf or horse riding. In terms of nautical activities, you will have to go to La Baule (5 kilometres), La Turbale (8 kilometres) or Pornichet (12 kilometres) to breathe the sea spray and the good iodized air, but also to enjoy the facilities of these seaside resorts : jet-ski rental, kayaking, coastline, canoeing, surfing, sailing, thalassotherapy centre, kitesurfing... There will be something for all tastes.

Finally, lovers of hiking, Guérande is definitely made to please you : in all, about thirty walking circuits are arranged through the city so that you can enjoy its most beautiful landscapes. The Regional Natural Park of Brière, its canals and ponds also conceal absolutely magnificent walking paths. Spreading over more than 49 000 hectares, this protected and wild territory will amaze children and adults alike, with its reeds, willows and irises, its marshland which you can explore by boat and its park which we advise you to visit by carriage or bicycle.

Do not miss

The fortifications of Guérande

Classified as a historical monument, walk along its 1300 m of ramparts to discover the history of Guérande.

Salt marshes

With an area of 2000 hectares, they constitute a remarkable World Heritage site.

The seaside resort of La Baule - 8 km

With its 9 km long beach, defined as the most beautiful in Europe, La Baule attracts many tourists.