Guingamp brings together historic buildings, photography and walks along the Trieux, offering different reasons to stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Guingamp, you can decide whether architecture, a focus on art, outdoor activities or a festival should shape your visit.
Architecture in Guingamp: Place du Centre
Place du Centre brings together five centuries of architecture: stone houses, the richly decorated Renaissance fountain La Plomée, and half-timbered houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The square’s appearance combines different materials and periods, allowing architecture enthusiasts to explore more than just a single era.
The Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours was built in the Gothic style in the 13th and 14th centuries. After the southwestern section collapsed, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the mid-15th century. Different architectural styles can be seen inside. Its successive phases of construction and rebuilding make the basilica a distinctive point of interest for anyone interested in architectural history.
The basilica is open to visitors free of charge every day from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Opening hours may change; check the latest information before your arrival.
La Plomée was built in the 15th century and altered in the 17th century. Its three basins recall Celtic triple fountains. This fountain therefore combines a history spanning different periods with a distinctive three-part design.
Château de Pierre II dates from the mid-15th century. It retains three towers and part of Guingamp’s imposing city walls. Alongside the basilica and the ensemble around the square, it is another landmark of the city’s historic architecture.
Walks along the banks of the Trieux
From Place du Centre, the small Venelle du Moulin de la Ville leads to the wooded banks of the Trieux. Footbridges cross the river and are suitable for walking or running. So, alongside the buildings and squares, there’s also a specific riverside area to explore outdoors.
The landscaped banks of the Trieux in Guingamp stretch for 6 km. Along the river, you’ll find washhouses, viewpoints and footbridges. The distance and variety of features make the riverside a distinct part of the city to explore, rather than focusing your visit solely on architecture.
Photography and festival culture
The Centre d’art GwinZegal offers activities exploring photography and its many facets. For photography enthusiasts, it provides a different cultural focus from the basilica, fountain and château: here, photography takes centre stage.
The Festival de la Saint-Loup is a week-long celebration featuring traditional dances, parades, performances and workshops. It brings together 2,500 musicians, artists and dancers of Breton, Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Asturian and Galician Celtic origins. If you’d like to plan your trip around the festival, check the event dates before making arrangements.
Guingamp offers several reasons to stay: architectural history around the square, at the basilica and château, photography-related activities, or walks by the river. Which of these appeals most to you can guide your search for a hotel in Guingamp.
Explore more destinations: Pleudihen-Sur-Rance, Saint-Juvat, Camlez, Mégrit, Saint-Gouéno, La Chapelle-Neuve, Plumieux, Saint-Adrien
For the regional travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.
