Guidel is a coastal town of Morbihan, in Brittany. The commune borders the estuary of Laïta which marks the limit with the Finistère, to the west.
The village is established in the land, but a large part of the locality is located on the coast, forming Guidel-Plages (marina, shops, beaches).
The population of Guidel has tripled since the Second World War, from 3,500 in 1946 to nearly 11,000 today, benefiting from the proximity of Lorient, whose center is only about a dozen kilometers away.
Formerly mainly agricultural, the activity of the city has developed thanks to a craft zone, tertiary establishments and of course tourism.
Inhabited since Prehistory (numerous dolmens and menhirs), having suffered particularly during the second war because of its proximity to the German base of Lorient, Guidel is a legitimately prized residential and seaside resort.
Guidel is rich with a religious architectural heritage that still makes its reputation today. In addition to the church of the village (Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul church dating from the 19th century), seven chapels scattered on the municipal territory deserve a visit. Saint-Fiacre (XVth), Saint-Michel (nineteenth), Saint-Laurent (XVIIe) or Saint-Mathieu (XVth century) Known as the Madeleine Chapel (19th century), on the site of an older building whose bell tower was preserved, and sheltering remarkable statues and paintings, or Locmaria (17th century). They can be the subject of a thematic hike, which will also appreciate some of the many wells, calvaries or fountains dotting the paths.
Other hikes pass through the Fort du Loch, an eighteenth-century military building that participates in the defensive system of Lorient (now a center for artistic exhibitions) or allow visitors to admire typical Breton architecture manors, witnesses of past wealth Of Guidel (between the port city of Lorient and the industrial city of Quimperlé).
As for the routes along the coast, they allow to observe many blockhouses (sometimes only visible at low tide), vestiges of the second war, and which are now adorned with frescoes.
Information on hiking trails (walking or mountain biking) at 02 97 847 800.
The other major advantage of Guidel is its sea front, with a succession of three beaches (for a total of 5 km) along a very pleasant coastal road. Located after the marina at the mouth of the Laïta, they lend themselves to swimming (monitored in summer) but also to the practice of surfing. Information on +33 2 97 32 70 37.
One can also practice the canoe or the paddle on Laïta. Information at 02 97 847 800.
Two renowned festivals take place every summer in Guidel.
The 7 Chapelles en Arts Festival combines concerts, exhibitions and cultural walks in and around the seven famous chapels of the town from 14 July to mid-August. Information and reservations at +33 2 97 65 35 12.
The festival of Polignac, which takes place over a week, in mid-July, program for its share of concerts of classical music or jazz in the church of the borough. Information and reservations at 02 97 84 78.
More oriented to the themes of rock, folk or sailors' songs, the Renc'Arts, every Friday in July and August, at 9 pm facing the sea, at Guidel-Beaches, are free and intended for a family audience.
Finally, for gourmets and gourmands wanting to better appreciate the assets of the local terroir, two markets take place in the center of the city, Friday and Sunday from 7am to 1pm.
In July and August, on Wednesday from 5 pm to 8 pm, local producers meet as part of a farmer's market at the Saudraye farm.
