Town of Côtes-d'Armor, in Brittany, Guingamp takes place about thirty kilometers from Saint-Brieuc, in Tregor. It is located about a hundred kilometers from Brest, not far from Paimpol and the pink granite coast.
Populated for many centuries, the territory of Guingamp began to really develop during the Middle Ages, a time when several castles were successively built as shown by archaeological excavation campaigns carried out on site. After having participated in the Revolt of the Red Caps in 1675, the city distinguished itself a century later during the events of the French Revolution. Over the years, she gradually took on the face we know today, notably distinguishing herself in sport through her football team, En Avant Guingamp.
Full of charm, the Breton city labeled Small City of Character has a rich architectural and historical heritage to admire during a stay in the region.
It also hosts five works of contemporary art on its public domain.
A path on the banks of the Le Trieux river allows you to cross the city from north to south along the meanders of the river.
Classified as a Historic Monument, the Notre-Dame de Bon Secours basilica is located in the heart of the historic center. A simple chapel in the 11th century, it developed from the 12th century, before having to undergo a major reconstruction campaign in the 13th century following the collapse of part of its walls. It was not until the papal bull of Leo XIII in 1899 that it was erected as a minor basilica. By taking the time to discover this exceptional monument, you will be able to admire the fifty-seven meter high Pointed Tower, the Renaissance tower erected in the 16th century, the clock tower in the oldest part of the building, the Notre-Dame portal surmounted by a band of quatrefoil rosettes, the Sainte-Jeanne portal, the Duke's door formerly reserved for the nobles of the castle, the baptismal font chapel redeveloped in the mid-19th century, the Saint-Charles chapel of Blois from the 13th century or the chapels of the Virgin, of the Dead, of Saint-Jacques, of the Treasury and of the Blessed Sacrament. It's also difficult to resist the interior of the building which presents a very beautiful mix of flamboyant, Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Former fortified castle from the 15th century, the castle of Peter II is also listed as a Historic Monument. It was once an integral part of the city's defense system and has benefited from several restoration campaigns which have allowed the three successive castles to be seen. An interpretation desk was installed on the site allowing for understanding.
It is also possible to admire several remains of the 15th century ramparts in the city.
As you walk through the town, don't forget to admire the town hall located in a former monastery listed as a Historic Monument, the 17th century Ursuline convent listed as a Historic Monument or even the very beautiful Saint-Léonard chapel from the 12th century located on the heights of the town which underwent numerous modifications in the 19th century.
Built in the 15th century, the Château des Salles, a listed historic monument, located to the north of the city in the heart of an 8-hectare park, is the subject of a major renovation operation.
Several houses (15th, 16th) bear witness to the half-timbered architecture characteristic of the Guingamp school. Granite houses (16th, 17th, 18th centuries) bear witness to the architectural evolution of the city and can be discovered on the central square, at the heart of which stands the La Plomée fountain, entirely restored in the 17th century, classified as a Historic Monument.
At 4 rue Auguste Pavie, don't miss the old Pennsylvanian-style prison from the 18th century, now listed as a Historic Monument. It hosts the GwinZegal national art center, dedicated to photography, which organizes exhibitions all year round and the National Higher Institute of Artistic and Cultural Education.
