LABAULE.COM

MEDIAEVAL TOWN : GUERANDE

The city of Guerande (which was beloved by the dukes of Brittany), overlooks two contrasting landscapes : the "Pays-Blanc" with its salt marshes and the "Pays-Noir" where peat can be found in the Brière Regional Nature Park of "Brière". Many famous writers like Emile Zola, Julien Gracq, Maxime Du Camp, Guillaume Apollinaire, and above all Balzac are some of the best representatives of this fortified medieval city and its Celtic origin. Going for a walk in "Gwenrann" (the Breton name for Guerande) offers you the charm of narrow, paved streets with both modern boutiques and antique shops. You can also discover our history both through the magnificent local craftmen's work and through our museums.

BRIEF HISTORY
The many megaliths and artifacts from the Gallo-Roman age demonstrate that Guerande has been home to many groups. The Bretons of the prince of "Vannes" (Waroc'h : 577-594) may be have built the first parish.

Waroc'h is supposed to have created a baptistery in place of the actual choir of the collegiate church "Saint-Aubin". Near 848, under the reign of Nominoë, the city became the head of a temporary bishopric. Then, Salomon (the king of Brittany) built a canon college that was a benefit to the city's development. At the turn of the second millennium, a fortified town could be built and a political and administrative organization could be established thanks to the existing castle. Nevertheless, the first defences were not sufficient to defeat the Spanish troops (allied to Charles de Blois) that attacked the heir to the throne of Brittany Jean de Montfort in 1342. The treaties signed in 1365 and 1381 ended this war of succession and ushered in the golden age of Guerande, at the end of the Middle Ages. The town continued to grow and develop thanks to the salt and wine trade, hence Guerande was able to equip a strong fleet. But, beginning with the 16th century, Guerande lost its naval presence. The ports were filling in with silt, and the use of salt as a currency became less popular. Moreover, Guerande grew weaker due to the loss of its vineyards and the suppression of the canon college. Later, Guerande grew thanks to tourism and new economic activities.

History everyday ! The mediaeval town of Guerande is a member of the national network of 120 Villes et Pays d'Art et d'Histoire (Towns and Regions of Art and History).

It is committed, with an equal emphasis on quality and public service, to protecting its heritage and to sharing it in an original and lively manner. Guided tours of the town, starting from the Tourist Office, take the visitor through the streets, squares and alleyways of this historic town and visit its most famous monuments : the collegiate church, the ramparts, the museums...

Zip code : 44350
City : Guerande (7kms from La Baule)

Tourist guides : www.tourisme-labaule.com - www.welcomelabaule.com

 

Guérande Mediaeval Town