Planning a visit to the magnificent Guérande peninsula? Here are the best places to stay in Guérande, a superb medieval town in western France!
Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in the Pays de la Loire region, Guérande is a medieval town whose history is marked by the presence of salt marshes. The area is known as the Guérande peninsula, since it is separated by the Vilaine estuary to the north and the Loire to the south. Guérande’s neighbor is Saint-Nazaire, famous for its shipyards. The Guérande region, surrounded by fresh and salt water, has been inhabited since prehistoric times: menhirs attest to the presence of man at that time.
Guérande’s history dates back to Antiquity, but the town really developed during the Middle Ages. At the heart of the dissensions and conflicts between the Franks, Bretons and Normans, the town built fortifications and ramparts during the medieval period, buildings still standing today that you can discover during your visit to Guérande. During your stay, you can learn more about the town’s history, visit fascinating historical monuments and discover a preserved architectural and cultural heritage. Around the town, salt marshes (le pays blanc) or Brière marshes (le pays noir) await you for fabulous walks. So where can you spend the night in Guérande?
To help you prepare for your trip, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in Guérande!
Old Guérande and the town center
Photo credit: Flickr – Vee-BY
Vieux Guérande is the town’s historic center. This district is surrounded by medieval walls with its 4 robust and magnificent gates: the Porte de Saillé, Porte de Bizienne, Porte Vannetaise and Porte Saint-Michel. In the heart of Vieux Guérande, you can’t help but feel safe, protected by the town’s medieval walls. But it’s not security that makes this district such a charming place to stay in Guérande. It’s above all its picturesque and unique atmosphere, almost unreal and timeless, that makes this district a dream space for your accommodation in Guérande.
As you stroll through the narrow streets of the town center, you’ll discover magnificent churches and architectural gems. In this historic city center, you’ll also find charming, typical restaurants for moments of relaxation and delight!
Find a hotel in Guérande center
Find an Airbnb in Guérande center
Pradel and Kerignon
Photo credit: Flickr – Médéric
The Pradel and Kerignon districts are ideal for exploring the « white country » from your accommodation in Guérande.
Facing the famous Guérande salt marshes, they enjoy a gentle, calm atmosphere. But above all, it’s in these quarters that the » Terre de Sel » establishment is located, offering numerous guided tours and walks in the Guérande salt marshes. Nature lovers and the curious will be delighted!
Find a hotel in Pradel or in Kerignon
Find an Airbnb in Pradel
Find an Airbnb in Kerignon
Clis
Photo credit: Flickr – Office de Tourisme de Guérande
The Clis district is located between the beautiful medieval town of Guérande and neighboring La Turballe. It’s an excellent place to stay in Guérande. Because it’s right in the middle of the countryside, you’ll be able to go for walks in the beautiful Guérande countryside, towards the Brière marshes or the salt marshes to the south of the district. By car or on foot, you can also reach Vieux Guérande and its magnificent medieval buildings, or Terre de Sel for exhilarating guided tours.
In the nearby town of La Turballe, also accessible on foot or by car, you can enjoy the beach or water sports, or even a helicopter flight along the Guérande coast if you go to La Baule, and discover this third Guérande country, the blue country of the Atlantic.
Finally, you’ll have no trouble finding accommodation in Guérande in this area. Numerous gîtes, chambres d’hôtes and campsites have taken up residence in this picturesque district of Clis, a veritable little village.