A holiday with an abundance of salt! We’re talking about the salt collected in the Guérande salt marshes. This precious “white gold” was once transported from Le Croisic port to the salt stores in Redon. Make the same journey, backwards, along the peaceful Vilaine river. On the way, stop in the picturesque town of La Roche-Bernard, a former trading port for this once flourishing business. And don’t forget to taste this Guérande salt: it’s the best!
Start the day where it all began: at the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Sauveur de Redon. The building, around which the port town developed, played a major role in the rise of the Guérande salt marshes. A large part of the Guérande salt marshes actually belonged to the Benedictine monks at one time. Note the Romanesque tower of the abbey, with its little arches and columns in red sandstone and granite. Magnificent!
Then head to the Vilaine and take time to stroll around the old port. This is where the boats that travelled up the estuary used to dock, laden with salt produced in Guérande.
Along Quai Duguay-Trouin, discover the beautiful shipowners’ which bear witness to this important traffic. Just like the former salt stores. Don’t hesitate to open the doors!
After a good breakfast, continue to La Roche-Bernard. Built on a granite spur, this “Small town of character” dominates the Vilaine. The river and the town have seen many goods ships pass through!
Stroll through the old neighbourhoods to soak up this trading past. In particular, be sure to visit Rue de la Saulnerie, lined with former stores and warehouses where Baron de La Roche-Bernard stored the salt he received by way of taxes. You’ll arrive on the old port, where a few examples of old sailing boats are moored. It’s a fine fleet indeed!
In the afternoon, set off to discover Guérande, the town of salt par excellence. Take time to stroll around the streets within the walls, to visit the church, etc. A handy hint? Go around the outside of the town to admire the beauty of its ramparts.
This morning, head to the salt marshes, to the source of “white gold”! First stop at Maison des Paludiers: an exhibition, a visit of a saltwork and meeting with professionals will help you to understand the secrets of this ancient know-how. Then connect the salt worker villages in Batz-sur-Mer: Kervalet, Trégaté, Kermoisan and Roffiat. Don’t miss the Salt marsh Museum!
Then, head to Le Croisic Following siltation of the strait, depriving Guérande from all transport activity, it was here that Breton salt began its long journey to Great Britain and Northern Europe.
Stroll around the port’s docks and the cobbled streets of this almost insular “Small town of character”. The many half-timbered houses and granite mansion houses make it look like a period film setting!
All the information from the site and more in a pdf file.
