Discover Guémené-sur-Scorff, the little town of character
Petite Cité de Caractère®, Guémené-sur-Scorff is particularly famous for its traditional andouille sausage. In addition to its rich gastronomic heritage, Guémené-sur-Scorff has a rich history that dates back to 1050! Take a stroll through the streets and you'll feel an atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else!
Its history and heritage
The origins of the town
Long before it became the capital of andouille, Guémené-sur-Scorff was nothing more than a feudal motte built by Lord Guéguant in 1050. It was this lord who gave Guémené-sur-Scorff its first name: Kemenet Guéguant! In the 12th century, the feudal mound was replaced by a stone fortress. This was the very beginning of urbanisation.
The 14th century marked a turning point with the arrival of the Rohan-Guémené family. This family of great builders transformed the town. It grew up around the fortress and even became a principality in 1570.
The remains of the Grand Rempart and the Vieux Logiscan still be seen today. Take a walk around the Porterie, a reminder of this period. Don't hesitate to ask for the "Discover our heritage" tour from the tourist office.
Before becoming a principality, the town underwent another name change: it became Guémené. But the Scorff was still missing from this name... In 1801, the town became Guémené-sur-Scorff, simply in reference to the river that runs alongside it!
Water in Guémené-sur-Scorff
Since the Middle Ages, the Scorff and water have played a crucial role in the town. This can be seen in the number of wash-houses, wells, fountains and mills that punctuated life in Guémené. The castle's strategic location meant that it could keep an eye on the river crossing, providing natural protection.
From the 15th century onwards, water was used as an energy resource thanks to the creation of a network of diversion canals.
If you're curious to find out more, drop in at the Tourist Office to pick up a map of the "Water Trail". This attractive 3km walk will tell you all about the importance of water in Guémené in days gone by!
The Queen's Baths
Another curiosity awaits you in Guémené-sur-Scorff: the Bains de la Reine. They may remind you of Roman thermal baths, but they were actually built by the Bretons! It was at the instigation of Jean 1st de Rohan that this steam bath was built in the 14th century for his wife Jeanne de Navarre. This authentic medieval sauna, reassembled in a museum area, gives you the chance to find out more abouthygiene in the Middle Ages, from preconceived ideas to historical reality!
The Abgrall Mystery, a great puzzle game
For a fun way to visit the historic centre of Guémené-sur-Scorff, try the great adventure of the Abgrall Mystery! In this life-size investigation, you'll stroll through the streets and alleyways while working your brain to solve the riddles.
Here's what's in store for you: Erwann Abgrall, a wealthy eccentric from Brittany, has disappeared, leaving behind an immense fortune of mysterious origin. Maître Braouzec, a notary in Rennes, has been instructed to settle the estate of the deceased. But it's going to be a tricky business: Erwann Abgrall has left neither a will nor an heir. It's up to you to help him!
Contact the Tourist Office for more information.
The traditional andouille sausage!
The first mention ofGuéméné andouille dates back to 1778 in the almanach du comestible.
But what's the difference between a genuine home-made andouille from Guémené and one produced elsewhere? It's all in the preparation! To make an authentic andouille from Guémené, it has to be smoked slowly and dried for a long time, but above all it has to have pretty circles when cut.
To find out all about Guémené andouille and how it's made, visit our special page!
Every year, food lovers and gourmets gather in Guémené-sur-Scorff at the end of August for the andouille festival. It's an opportunity to attend concerts and shows and to celebrate this much-loved Breton delicatessen!
