Auray & Saint Goustan
Situation
A brief history
In the 11th century, a castle is mentioned. Then in 1201, Arthur I, King of Brittany, had a stone castle built. This was dismantled in 1558.
The Battle of Auray between Jean de Montfort and Charles de Blois for the succession to the throne of Brittany took place north of the town in 1364.
As a result, two neighborhoods developed on either side of the castle: the upper town and the church of Saint Gildas, and the lower town around the port and a chapel dedicated to Saint Sauveur.
A port
Saint Goustan, the port's other name, is linked to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen.
The port developed strongly between the 15th and 17th centuries, with timber-framed houses reflecting the wealth of the period.
But the creation of the port of Lorient in the 17th century signaled the decline of port activity, and the subsequent development of the station district.
For the record, Benjamin Franklin landed in Saint Goustan in 1776 to seek help from France.
Today, it's an ideal place for a stroll. Stroll along its cobbled streets and steep alleyways, looking for the little details, the half-timbered houses, the corbelled doors, the statue of Saint Goustan, its church, its chapel, its cobbled quay, restaurants or artists' studios.
Next, we cross the 13th-century 4-arched stone bridge towards the upper town, and take rue du Château, "the street that climbs", lined with artists' studios and gallery owners.
The upper town
Rue du Château takes you to Place de la Mairie.
Follow this short route to discover the city:
- Take rue Barré, behind the Town Hall is the Petit Théâtre.
- Continue along this street until you reach Rue de l'Eglise Saint Gildas on the left.
- Cross the street to Place Notre Dame opposite
- At the top of the square, turn left onto Rue du Four du Roy to reach Place aux Roues (bakery 😉 ).
- Turn left down Rue du Belzic, a lovely shopping street, and take a detour into the Belzic hardware store, which may surprise you!
- Arrive at Place de la République, opposite Halles d'Auray, and follow the road to the right to take the venelle de Trevegat.
- On the right, you can see the façade of theformer royal prison, rue du Jeu de Paume.
- Retrace your steps and follow the alley to Place du Loch,
- Turn left into rue du Père Eternel
- At the bottom, turn left into Rue du Belvédère to reach the Loch ramps.
- Descend the ramps along the foothills of the ancient Château d'Auray, and enjoy the panoramic views!
Don't hesitate in your choices by visiting the tourist office website https://www.baiedequiberon.bzh/auray
And more
From Saint Goustan, a magnificent 11 km hiking loop begins, taking in Le Bono, an ancient forban port, then a boat cemetery, and finally the chapel of Sainte Avoye.
The neighboring town of Sainte Anne d'Auray is also a major religious pilgrimage center.
On the leisure front, you can cruise up the Loch, kayak (canoeing club) or hire a boat (boat licence or no licence with electric boats).
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