Guérande

Guérande is a coastal town in the Brittany region, located in the Loire-Atlantique department. The medieval ramparts surround the old center with twelve towers and four entry gates that lead into narrow stone streets.

The Duke of Brittany ordered the construction of the ramparts during the 15th century to protect the town after damage caused by the succession war. The defensive towers and walls remain almost complete today.

Salt workers maintain traditional harvesting methods in the salt marshes, producing the mineral through a natural evaporation process passed down through generations.

The four gates remain open throughout the day, allowing access to the old center with its lanes and small squares. Walking along the ramparts offers views over the surrounding salt marshes and the flat inland terrain.

Salt harvesters still use wide wooden rakes and work in shallow basins that collect seawater during high tide. The crystals grow slowly on the surface and are gathered by hand once the water has evaporated.

Location: Loire-Atlantique

Location: arrondissement of Saint-Nazaire

Elevation above the sea: 21 m

Shares border with: Herbignac, Batz-sur-Mer, La Baule-Escoublac, Le Pouliguen, Saint-André-des-Eaux, Saint-Lyphard, Saint-Molf, La Turballe

Phone: +33240156040

Email: accueil.mairie@ville-guerande.fr

Website: http://ville-guerande.fr

GPS coordinates: 47.32806,-2.42917

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08