Guérande

Guérande stands within stone walls above the salt marshes of the Breton coast. Seawater is led through shallow basins, where sun and wind leave salt to be gathered and carried to market. The town's gates and church reflect the wealth and importance of this coastal district, whose salt travelled beyond Brittany.

In 1365 the first Treaty of Guérande ended the Breton War of Succession, recognising John of Montfort as duke. The salt marshes remained an important source of ducal revenue and were worked by local salt makers. Abbeys also held rights in the marshes: in 1396 the abbey of Prières obtained exemptions on the transport of salt from its holdings, illustrating the value of the trade to religious houses as well as the duke.