HOLIDAY GUIDE: GUÉRANDE
The White Gold Rush: Wild, Salty, Wonderful
By Jacqui Deevoy
An ancient craft still alive today, Celtic Sea Salt (Sel de Guérande) is “white gold” from the rugged Guérande Peninsula in western France. With shimmering salt marshes, fit French paludiers raking by hand, and a heritage dating back to the Iron Age, this is more than seasoning; its culture, history, and health rolled into one. Unrefined, mineral-rich, and brimming with flavour, it’s the salt that chefs, nutritionists, and foodies can’t stop talking about.
WHAT TO DO
VISIT THE GUÉRANDE SALT MARSHES
Cycle or stroll through a surreal landscape of clay ponds, glistening in silver, blue, and pink. Meet the paludiers, traditional salt workers - who still rake the salt by hand with wooden tools just as their ancestors did. Watch seawater transform, step by step, into mineral-rich crystals.
EXPLORE THE MAISON DES PALUDIERS (SAILLÉ)
This museum in Saillé tells the story of an ancient craft nearly lost in the 1980s. Expect moving tales of resilience and a hands-on look at how salt has shaped local culture. A must for history buffs and curious foodies alike.
MEET THE SALT MAKERS
Join a guided tour with local legends like Fabian, a seasoned paludier, who’ll walk you through the process from seawater to gourmet-grade salt. Be ready to get your hands salty!
WHAT TO EAT
PICNIC BY THE PONDS
Pack a basket with local galettes (buckwheat pancakes) and crisp Breton cider to enjoy by the marshes. Sprinkle some fresh fleur de sel straight from the source for the ultimate salty-sweet bite.
SALT-CRUSTED FISH
Try coarse gros sel the traditional way, baked into a salt crust around fresh fish. It locks in flavour and delivers a seaside umami punch.
CHOCOLATE WITH FLEUR DE SEL
Breton chocolatiers take dessert to the next level with a dash of delicate crystals on dark chocolate. Sweet, bitter, and salty perfection.
WHAT TO DRINK
CIDER WITH A SALTY TWIST
Brittany is cider country. Pair a glass of local apple cider with galettes, and don’t be shy to add a pinch of fleur de sel, it cuts sweetness and boosts flavour.
COFFEE + SALT HACK
Locals whisper about this one: a tiny sprinkle of Celtic Sea Salt in coffee softens bitterness and enhances aroma. Try it in a seaside café and see for yourself.
WHERE TO STAY
HOTEL SAINTE-CHRISTOPHE, LA BAULE
A boutique gem just steps from the beach, Hotel Sainte-Christophe blends coastal charm with chic French hospitality. Nestled in La Baule, one of France’s most elegant seaside resorts, it’s the perfect base for exploring the salt marshes by day and unwinding in style by night. Expect Art Deco touches, leafy gardens, and a restaurant serving seasonal local produce.
st-christophe.com
WHY IT’S SPECIAL
Unlike processed table salt, which is 98% sodium chloride and stripped of nutrients, Sel de Guérande is naturally grey, moist, and brimming with up to 82 tr
ace minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iron. Fitness enthusiasts love it for faster rehydration and muscle recovery; chefs swear by its briny kick and delicate texture.
It’s versatile too, from seasoning steak to DIY toothpaste. Just go easy if you have health concerns, and remember to get iodine elsewhere (seaweed, fish).
NEED TO KNOW
Flights: EasyJet from Gatwick to Nantes, from around £112 return.
Best Season: Summer months (June–November) when the salt harvest is in full swing.
More Info: Maison des Paludiers | Nature’s Food Alive