Guérande (French pronunciation: [ɡeʁɑ̃d] ⓘ; Breton: Gwenrann, pronounced [ɡwɛnˈrãnː]; Gallo: Geraundd) is a medieval town located in the department of Loire-Atlantique, and the region of Pays de la Loire, Western France.

It stretches out from the Atlantic Ocean (west) to the Brière Regional Nature Reserve (east), and from the river Vilaine (north) to the Loire estuary (south).

Guérande in figures : -32 towns and villages, the biggest ones are Saillé, Clis, Careil and La Madeleine -2000 hectares of salt marshes About half of the remaining megalithic monuments of the Département Loire-Atlantique, is located on the Peninsula, which makes it an important area for Prehistory.

Salomon ("Selyfan", "Salaun", "Tudwal Mwyn Fawr", "3rd King of Brittany", "857–874",) built a canon college that was a benefit to the city's development.

At the turn of the second millennium, a fortified town was built and a political and administrative organization could be established thanks to the existing castle.

In 1343 during the Breton War of Succession, Guerande was captured by Breton-French troops led by Luis de la Cerda, a commander of Charles of Blois.

Charles was not impressed as Luis had exceeded the measure of his command and was made to hang on the spot twenty-four of the principal culprits.

[5] Jean of Montfort, (John IV) Duke of Brittany, demanded that the town be properly protected, by improving its fortifications.

Work started soon after and continued for more than a century, with the town's architecture adapted to reflect the latest developments in siege and artillery.

At the end of the Breton War of Succession, peace was finally concluded before the high altar of Saint Aubin, (Albinus of Angers) on Holy Saturday in 1365.

In this the first Treaty of Guérande, Joanna of Penthièvre abdicated her disputed claims to the Dukedom in favour of John V of the House of Montfort.

The old walled town (known in French as vieille ville) is surrounded by nearly intact ramparts and has four fortified gates (the largest of which is a 15th-century châtelet known as Porte Saint-Michel) as well as ten towers.

In 1686, at the Saint-Aubin public place, a new building was built called Les Halles; which was notable for its large auditorium.

The Chouannerie was a royalist uprising or counter-revolution in twelve of the western départements of France, particularly in the provinces of Brittany and Maine, against the First Republic during the French Revolution.

Fighting took place around Guerande on June and July 1815 between the Chouans who attacked the town and the Governments 65th Infantry Regiment that defended it.

The 150 men from the 65th line infantry regiment, were entrenched behind the city walls and pushed back the Chouans without much difficulty.

Very badly damaged during the Breton Wars of Succession, the Collegiate Church was restored in time for the signing of the first peace treaty in 1365.

However, the Revolution led to major structural changes, since, in 1792, the status of Collegiate Church was abolished and the canons exiled to Spain.

At the last moment the Devil finished building the mill, Yves placed a statue of the Virgin Mary on top of it.

Certain parts of the swamps and "Traict" are classified as a Nature Reserve (major stage for migratory birds) and is managed by the Conservatoire du littoral.

There are many monuments of interest such as the Sainte-Catherine church (built during the 15th century), Requer's Cross (listed building in 1944) as well as parts of an old Roman wall.

This festival crosses multiple origins and styles of dance music, traditional singing tales, from the most authentic blend of culture forms.