Guingamp: Architectural History and the Banks of the Trieux

Guingamp offers several distinct ways to shape your stay: architectural history, photography and the landscaped banks of the Trieux. You can get to know the town through buildings from different centuries, focus on photography or include riverside paths in your day.

Architectural Heritage in Guingamp

The Basilique Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours was built in the 13th and 14th centuries in the Gothic style. After its south-western section collapsed, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the mid-15th century. Various architectural styles are visible inside. The building thus brings together a Gothic construction phase and a later reconstruction. The basilica can be visited free of charge daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; check opening hours before your trip.

Place du Centre brings together five centuries of architecture. Alongside stone houses are half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries and the richly decorated Renaissance fountain, La Plomée. The fountain was built in the 15th century and redesigned in the 17th century. Its three basins recall Celtic triple fountains. The dates make a direct comparison possible: the half-timbered houses date from the 15th and 16th centuries, while the fountain was modified later.

The Château de Pierre II adds a fortified structure to this architectural history. It dates from the mid-15th century; three towers and part of Guingamp’s massive city walls remain. Together with the basilica and La Plomée, they bring different types of structure into focus: a religious building, a fountain and fortifications, each with its own historical traces.

By the Trieux

Another side of Guingamp can be discovered by the Trieux. From Place du Centre, take the small Venelle du Moulin de la Ville to reach the wooded banks. Footbridges cross the river and are suitable for walking or running. The landscaped riverbanks extend for six kilometres, with washhouses, viewpoints and footbridges along the way. This gives you two distinct options for planning your visit: buildings and their dates, or time by the river amid wooded banks and viewpoints.

Photography and Festival Traditions

The Centre d’art GwinZegal offers activities exploring photography and its many facets. This adds a different cultural focus to the historic buildings. If photography is one of your travel interests, you can include the centre’s programme in your plans.

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 with Breton, Welsh, Scottish, Irish, Asturian and Galician Celtic roots. Its duration sets the festival apart from a single performance, and it also includes a variety of events. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the latest event dates before making arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Plouvara, Sévignac, Lannion, Plouha, Le Hinglé, Jugon-Les-Lacs, Lanrelas, Pontrieux

For the broader travel overview: Côtes-D’armor.