Loire-Atlantique is full of wonders! Perfect for moments of escapism, the region invites you to let go. And that's exactly what you'll find in Guérande, one of the pearls of the Atlantic coast. Let yourself be seduced by its salt marshes, medieval town and splendid coastline... It's impossible to get bored during a stay in Guérande! Here, you can put down your suitcases, put down your brain and leave your worries behind. Treat yourself to a breath of fresh air with these 11 things to do in Guérande.
1. Guérande's ramparts and medieval city
Guérande's medieval ramparts, classified as historic monuments since 1877, reveal one of the best-preserved fortified enclosures in France. Spread out over 1,300 meters, you'll discover six towers and four gates, symbols of the town's rapid adaptation from military architecture to artillery. The Porte Saint-Michel is one of the highlights. The moats, from the Tour Théologale to the Porte Bizienne, reveal the physiognomy of the town of Guérande in the XIVᵉ century. An exciting historical tour is on the horizon!
Intramuros, beautiful relics of the past also await you, including:
- the collegiate church of Saint-Aubin,
- notre-Dame-la-Blanche chapel,
- hôtel Dieu-Saint-Jean.
Extramuros features the charming Porte-Calon manor house, the Ursulines convent and the Devil's Mill.
2. The Porte Saint-Michel and the Musée de Guérande
Pass through the Porte Saint-Michel to discover the Musée du Pays de Guérande, whose ambition is to bring together treasures of history, art and popular traditions. Its collections promise a cultural voyage through :
- salt marsh furniture,
- traditional costumes,
- national Guard memorabilia,
- earthenware,
- regional headdresses, etc.
Open all year round, the museum is dedicated to local culture and offers a wealth of fascinating information about the region. Temporary exhibitions regularly add an interesting aspect to the collections, making this visit the perfect complement.
3. The Guérande salt marshes
How can you talk about Guérande without mentioning the salt marshes? Here, salt is king! Explore the Guérande salt marshes on a guided tour offering total immersion in this unique landscape, shared by the communes of Guérande, Batz-sur-Mer, Le Croisic and La Turballe. Let yourself be guided by passionate professionals, who will passionately unveil the fascinating history and workings of the salt marshes. Themed options, such as discovering local plants, add a touch of authenticity to the experience. Ready to plunge into the heart of this salty adventure, where every step reveals the exceptional heritage of Guérande?
4. La Maison des Paludiers, a different take on the salt marshes
Fancy an unusual visit to Guérande? At the Maison des Paludiers, the mysteries of salt in Guérande are revealed through fun activities. This captivating eco-museum offers 1.5-hour excursions into a salt works, to discover the process of creating "fleur de sel", picked in front of you.
The icing on the cake : a film and a 3D model complete your immersive experience.
If you prefer, you can also opt for a visit to the eco-museum alone, where you'll discover how the salt marshes work. Either way, we highly recommend the " Mystère à Saillé" treasure hunt, a self-guided adventure exploring the village and the marshes. A great family outing, combining fun and culture!
5. Terre de Sel, the Salt and Nature Area
Another great place to discover the salt marshes in all their splendour! More than just a place to visit, Terre de Sel is the region's must-see attraction. Located just 5 minutes from the medieval town of Guérande, the site opens its doors to you every day in the heart of the salt marshes.
During a guided tour, you'll plunge into the mysteries of an ancestral craft, rediscovering the buried flavors of your childhood. Whether you're with adults or the whole family, you can choose from a selection of fifteen excursions, each as captivating as the next. From cultural strolls to family explorations of the salt worker's trade, flora and fauna, or gustatory delights, each experience promises to create beautiful vacation memories.
6. Stroll around Place Saint-Jean and its unusual museum
More than just a meeting place in the heart of the town, Place Saint-Jean is a condensed history. At the heart of this square, where the former Saint-Jean hospital once stood, the Saint-Jean chapel now houses the fascinating Musée de la Poupée. Home to over 300 skilfully staged dolls, this enchanting museum is pure enchantment. The symbiosis of history and wonder creates a unique experience, encouraging visitors to discover the history of the Chapelle Saint-Jean while immersing themselves in the enchanting world of the Museum. A strange mix, you might say, but one that revealsa place full of surprises: a great success!
7. Château de Careil, fun tours in Guérande
Take a plunge into the past at Château de Careil, located at the gateway to the Guérande salt marshes and close to La Baule. Its captivating past is revealed in the guise of a Renaissance manor house. Classified as a historic monument, this building, once a Protestant fortress in the XVIᵉ century, bears the scars of the Wars of Religion. Transformed into a year-round residence, it offers traditional tours, by candlelight, or in the form of games in period costumes. Could this be another great idea for a family visit? Yes, it would!
As an example of the Breton Renaissance, the château, now restored and inhabited, offers an immersion in time, with children's activities, fencing and other thrilling enigmas.
8. The collegiate church of Saint-Aubin, Guérande's splendor
As you stroll through the medieval town, you'll come across the collegiate church of Saint-Aubin, enthroned in all its splendor on the square of the same name. Impossible to miss, this majestic edifice boldly blends Gothic and Romanesque art.
This Protestant stronghold from the XVIᵉ century is home to relics of Saint-Aubin, testimony to its tumultuous past. Archaeological discoveries suggest the building's existence as early as the Xᵉ century. The collegiate church, the oldest in the Nantes diocese, has thus stood the test of time. Despite recurring damage and restoration in the XIXᵉ century, the Collégiale Saint-Aubin continues to marvel at its fascinating past.
9. Escape on the Atlantic coast
A vacation in Guérande is an opportunity to discover the Atlantic coast in all its splendor. Guérande may be more famous for its salt marshes than its beaches, but they're not far away! Pénestin, La Turballe and Batz-sur-Mer are just a few examples.
To really make the most of it, don't hesitate to head for La Baule-Escoublac, home to one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The proof is in these 13 must-do activities in La Baule! As for Le Croisic, you'll also find plenty of relaxing walks along the seafront and harbour. We recommend a full day's visit, so you can discover the 11 must-sees at your own pace.
10. Guérande's arts and crafts centre stage
Craftsmanship in all its forms can be found in Guérande. TheSophia Rancatore workshop-gallery is proof of this. Poetic mosaics and objects in wood and porcelain create beautiful collections, from sculptures to jewelry and all manner of objets d'art. Take a stroll through the streets of Guérande, and you'll be greeted by designers of jewelry, wooden decorations and ceramics . Artisanal soap factories share the field with local ironmongers and painters . A delightful melting pot of craftsmanship, with charm at every turn.
11. Visit an authentic rum distillery
Salt is good, it's Guérande's identity, and we mustn't forget it. But we shouldn't forget the other local skills either. Surprising as it may seem, this know-how can be found at Fleur de Rhum, an authentic rum distillery offering a fascinating tour. This passionate producer of rhums arrangés, planteur and rhums ambrés creates a wide range of beverages on a daily basis. Discovery tours of the production workshop and ageing cellar are available for those wishing to learn more about this expertise, which is not often represented in France.
Where to stay in Guérande?
The heart of the medieval town or its immediate surroundings are the best places to stay in Guérande. Close to the town's amenities and points of interest, you'll also enjoy a pleasant medieval atmosphere.
- The cheapest and the greenest
Combining economy and ecology, Hôtel Éco Nuit offers eco-friendly rooms with energy savers, which you can book here. Your stay will reflect our commitment to the environment: mineral paint, recycled flooring, low-energy lighting, etc. Congratulations on your eco-responsible vacation!
- The most zen
The Best Western Hôtel de la Cité may not be the quietest, but it does offer wellness holidays. With its swimming pool, hammam and whirlpool bath, it's the perfect place to relax between two visits to Guérande. This is a full-service address, located near the medieval city and just a few clicks away.
- The best value for money
With its well-decorated, comfortable rooms, the Hôtel des Quatre Saisons nestles at the foot of the ramparts. An ideal location for a walking tour of this treasure of the past! The lovely dining room, coupled with a hearty breakfast, adds further bonus points to this fine Guérande address, which you can book right here .
Prefer some fresh air? Pitch your tent at a local campsite. That way, you'll be perfectly immersed in the surrounding nature, sniffing the salty air that's such a change of scenery.
What to do in Guérande when it rains?
A little rain is a good thing! With a few good ideas for outings, it won't even be an inconvenience likely to spoil your stay. A visit to the Château de Careil is a good idea when it's raining in Guérande. With its fun tours and games for children, it's the ideal place to learn while having fun, while waiting for the sun to return. Several religious buildings can also be visited in rainy weather. The Saint-Aubin collegiate church is of course a must-see, as is the Notre-Dame-la-Blanche chapel, a listed historic monument.
Gourmets, meanwhile, will see this bad weather as a great opportunity to visit the local chocolateries and other delicatessens! The production workshops, whether for local products or handicrafts, are a not-to-be-missed opportunity to pass the time with pleasure, while staying out of the rain. An unusual visit also awaits you at the Musée de la Poupée et du Jouet Ancien, sheltered by a few curiosities. Last but not least, head to Presqu'île Bowling, where you can relax with family and friends, without the risk of a saucée!
Want some more? OK, one last one for the road... And the road is yours at Loisirs Côte d'Amour Karting, an indoor karting track. There's plenty to keep youngsters and parents alike entertained (and out of the rain!).
What family activities are available in Guérande?
Several of the activities listed above are good ideas for family outings, such as :
- bowling,
- the Doll Museum,
- château de Careil.
A visit to the salt marshes is also a great idea for a family outing. Worried that the kids might find it boring? Rest assured, there are modern, fun activities at the Maison des Paludiers and at Terre de Sel, making the visit fun for all.
Even more fun is an augmented reality treasure hunt in the Place du Marhallé. Even teenagers will love this activity! At the same location, you can also try your hand at the Turing Escape Game, an outdoor escape game for those over 12.
In a completely different style, there's a pony club on the peninsula, offering family outings: Domaine de Querelo. Would you like to visit Guérande, but your children don't feel like walking? Combine business with pleasure, by visiting the area on an electric all-terrain scooter from Les Trottes de l'Ouest! This time, everyone will have fun, whatever the terrain!
Your getaway comes to an end! While you're in Guérande, we recommend that you spend two days in Nantes, the emblematic city of Loire-Atlantique, just over an hour from your vacation destination. You'll be able to discover Nantes' 15 must-sees at your leisure. The surrounding area is also superb, as witnessed by La Baule-Escoublac, Le Croisic and Pornic, a little further south. Take a deep breath and relax: the region is perfect for it!
