Gourin

Gourin in Morbihan comes from "Gorwraen" meaning hill of Wraen or Warhen. Called "capital of the Black Mountains", Gourin is the highest town in Morbihan and was an important slate center. Indeed, with the arrival of the railroad in 1892, the quarries took a remarkable development. However, after 150 years of activity, the extraction of shales and granite as well as the production of roofing slate stopped due to competition from the slate quarries of Angers. Gourin slate quarries closed in 1962, leaving us with amazing landscapes to discover during hikes. Lovers of hiking or mountain biking, you will be delighted! Currently, the train no longer passes through Gourin but a section of the old railway line has been converted into a greenway, reserved for non-motorized journeys. Gourin's history is also distinguished by another feature: the emigration of part of its population to North America. Difficult economic conditions prompted these Bretons to seek work across the Atlantic at the end of the 19th century. This phenomenon lasted until 1965. Erected in the city center, the Statue of Liberty of Gourin still testifies, as do the still strong relations between Gourin and the United States. Currently, Gourin is the site of large annual festive gatherings such as the Crêpe Festival or the Ringers' Championship which take place on the site of the Château de Tronjoly.

Show less