Exploring Guérande: Unveiling the Medieval Charms and Gastronomic Treasures of Pays de la Loire

Discover the Medieval City of Guérande

Recognizable by its elegant ramparts, Guérande is a city that has inherited a unique atmosphere from the most beautiful medieval cities. Charlotte, a local guide, knows Guérande like the back of her hand and insisted on showing it to us.

To accompany us, she chose to meet her friend Chloé, another passionate guide of the city. Charlotte and Chloé meet in front of the iconic Saint Michel Gate.

Saint Michel Gate is the emblematic monument of Guérande. Built in the 15th century, it is one of the most impressive and majestic gates among the four monumental gates of the city.

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During her studies in Nantes, Charlotte used to come back to Guérande on Friday evenings and purposely took the Saint Michel Gate route. The gate holds a special place in her heart. It is a symbol of the city's power during the Middle Ages, when salt held great commercial value.

The gate served as a defense mechanism to protect the city and had a unique shape, resembling a thermometer. The round part was used for cannons, and the narrower part was used for archery. Moreover, entering through this gate was not an easy task. Chariots had to stop at a small niche inside the gate to pay a toll, known as "octroi," which was a form of taxation.

As we wander through the cobbled streets of the medieval city, we can see many houses made of granite, a material found abundantly in the region. The lower floors of the houses are made of granite, while the upper floors are made of wood and mud. This combination of materials was due to the availability of granite in the area and its resistance to salt, which was important for preserving the houses.

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A prominent landmark in Guérande is the Saint Aubin Collegiate Church, which has stood proudly in the center of the city since the 15th century. The church is made of granite, reflecting the dominant material used in the region. Visitors can admire the church as they walk along the famous ramparts of Guérande, which offer stunning views of the city.

Exploring the Guérande Peninsula also means discovering its gastronomic treasures. Charlotte takes us to the renowned beach of La Baule, just a few minutes away from Guérande. Here, she introduces us to Pierrick, a renowned chef, who gives us an impromptu cooking class.

Pierrick teaches us how to prepare a salt-crusted sea bass, a traditional dish that is famous in the region. He explains the importance of keeping the skin of the fish intact while cooking in a salt crust. This ensures that the fish remains moist and full of flavor. Pierrick emphasizes the use of local ingredients, including the famous Guérande coarse salt, known for its exceptional quality.

Continuing our exploration of the region, Charlotte takes us to the nature reserve of Brière, a vast marshland located a short distance from La Baule. Brière is the second wettest area in France and offers beautiful landscapes for nature lovers.

Here, we meet Henri, a craftsman who specializes in making knives from "mortain" wood. Mortain wood is a unique type of wood found in the marshes of Brière and is approximately 5,000 years old. It is a prized material due to its rarity and the conservation of its mineralized properties over time. Henri explains the process of finding and extracting the wood, and Charlotte gets a chance to assist him in his work.

Once the wood is unearthed, Henri dries it for three years before using it to make his knives. The wood is known for its exceptional quality and beauty, making it a material of choice for artisans like Henri. He shapes and creates the handles of the knives, paying meticulous attention to every detail.

Our next stop is the aerodrome of La Baule, where Loïc, the president of the aeroclub, and his team restore and preserve vintage aircraft. Loïc takes us on a tour of their collection, which includes aircraft from the 1930s and rare French planes like the Dewoitine D.520.

The restoration of these aircraft is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, requiring the expertise and passion of individuals like Reymond and Michaël, who work tirelessly to bring these planes back to their original glory.

Finally, to conclude our visit to Guérande, Charlotte surprises us with a unique experience—a flight over the stunning landscapes of the peninsula. Loïc takes Charlotte on a small plane, offering her a spectacular aerial view of the region.

As we can see, Guérande has so much to offer, from its rich medieval history to its gastronomic delights and aerial adventures. It is a destination that captivates visitors with its charm and timeless beauty.

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