Maison 1 Place Du Centre, Guingamp

Maison 1 Place Du Centre, Guingamp, France: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Maison 1 Place Du Centre is a historic architectural gem at the heart of Guingamp, Brittany. Renowned for its distinctive timber-framed façade and centuries-old heritage, this house stands as a living testament to Guingamp’s medieval and Renaissance past. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, cultural traveler, or simply curious about Brittany’s rich history, this comprehensive guide offers detailed insight into Maison 1’s significance, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby attractions.

(Tourisme Bretagne, Choosewhere Guingamp Guide, patrimoine-guingamp.net)

1. Historical and Architectural Significance

Medieval Origins and Urban Development

Guingamp’s history stretches back to the early Middle Ages, with the Place du Centre developing as the town’s civic and commercial core. From the 11th century, Guingamp was a fortified settlement, protected by defensive walls and shaped by its position along the Trieux River. Maison 1 Place Du Centre is a direct descendant of this era, representing the prosperity and craftsmanship of local merchants and artisans.

Timber-Framed Construction and the “École de Guingamp” Style

Maison 1 is a prime example of the “maisons à pans de bois” tradition—timber-framed houses that became emblematic in Guingamp during the 15th and 16th centuries. The building features:

Exposed oak frames arranged in geometric patterns
The Saint Andrew’s cross bracing, a regional hallmark
Ogival and ogee windows echoing Gothic influences
Overhanging upper floors (“encorbellement”) that maximize space and display status
Façade ornamentation with carved rosettes, heraldic motifs, and painted infill

These features are central to the so-called “École de Guingamp” style, which influenced similar constructions in neighboring towns (patrimoine-guingamp.net, petitfute.com).

Preservation and Community Identity

Surviving centuries of change, Maison 1 has benefited from careful restoration, especially since the 1950s, to revive its original red ochre woodwork and intricate details. Local heritage groups and urban conservation projects continue to protect its historic character, ensuring Maison 1 remains a vibrant symbol of Guingamp’s identity (maison-monde.com, letelegramme.fr).

2. Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Exterior Viewing: Available 24/7 as Maison 1 fronts the open, pedestrian-friendly Place du Centre.
Interior Access: Maison 1 is privately owned and not generally open for daily tours. Exceptional access occurs during heritage events such as the European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine), usually each September (monumentum.fr).
Guided Tours: The Guingamp Tourist Office organizes walking tours that include Maison 1’s exterior and other historic sites. English-language tours are available in summer or by advance request (guingamp-paimpol.com).

Tickets and Admission

Exterior Viewing: No ticket required.
Guided Tours & Special Access: Tickets for special events or guided tours can be purchased via the Guingamp Tourist Office. Pricing and schedules vary by event and season.

Accessibility

Place du Centre: Flat and paved, accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
Maison 1 Interior: May have limited accessibility due to historic staircases and private ownership.
Visitor Facilities: Benches, public toilets, and numerous cafés are available on or near the square.

Getting There

By Train: Guingamp station (on the Paris-Brest TGV line) is about a 10-minute walk from Place du Centre.
By Car: Take the N12 expressway; public parking is available at Place du Vally.
On Foot: Guingamp’s compact center is easily navigable with clear signage.

3. Guided Tours and Interpretation

Walking Tours: Book through the Guingamp Tourist Office. Tours provide historical and architectural context, covering Maison 1 and other notable buildings.
Self-Guided Circuits: Informative panels explain key landmarks. Heritage trail maps and mobile apps offer independent exploration (guingamp-paimpol.com).
Special Events: During festivals and European Heritage Days, Maison 1 and other private sites may grant interior access.

4. Events and Cultural Life

Saint-Loup Festival: Annual Breton music and dance celebration that enlivens the Place du Centre.
Weekly Markets: Held at nearby squares, offering local produce and crafts.
Maison de l’Alimentation Itinérante: Recent initiatives blend heritage with sustainability, including contemporary wooden installations on the square (actu.fr).

5. Nearby Attractions

Fontaine de la Plomée: 15th-century granite and lead fountain, centerpiece of Place du Centre.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours: Majestic Gothic basilica nearby, open daily.
Château Pierre II: Medieval castle with panoramic views (check opening times).
Other Timber-Framed Houses: Explore the square for additional architectural treasures.

(petitfute.com, brittanytourism.com)

6. Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Times to Visit: Mornings for a quiet atmosphere; afternoons for lively markets and café culture.
Photography: Early and late daylight best highlight the timber-framed façade.
Etiquette: Respect private property; interior visits are only possible by special arrangement.
Safety: Place du Centre is pedestrian-only and well-lit at night.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the interior of Maison 1 Place Du Centre?
A: Interior access is generally not available except during European Heritage Days or special tours. Check with the Guingamp Tourist Office for event schedules.

Q: Are tickets required to see Maison 1?
A: No for exterior viewing; yes for special guided tours during heritage events.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: The square and exterior are accessible; interior access may be limited.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through the Guingamp Tourist Office—advance booking is recommended.

Q: What other historical sites are nearby?
A: Fontaine de la Plomée, Basilique Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours, Château Pierre II, and additional timber-framed houses.

8. Visuals and Media

Images: Include high-quality photos of Maison 1’s façade, Place du Centre, and nearby landmarks.
Alt Text: Use descriptive tags such as “Maison 1 Place Du Centre timber-framed façade in Guingamp.”
Virtual Tours: Check the local tourism website for interactive experiences.

9. Summary and Call to Action

Maison 1 Place Du Centre encapsulates Guingamp’s architectural elegance and vibrant community spirit. Its surviving medieval timberwork, unique decorative motifs, and central location make it a must-see for visitors to Brittany. While daily interior access is rare, the square’s open, accessible layout and frequent guided tours ensure an enriching visit.

Stay updated on visiting hours, event schedules, and tour bookings by downloading the Audiala app and following Guingamp’s official tourism channels.

Useful Contacts and Resources

References

Plan your visit to Maison 1 Place Du Centre today—immerse yourself in the heart of Guingamp’s history and discover why this vibrant Breton town continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Guingamp

Gare De Guingamp

Maison 1 Place Du Centre, Guingamp

Maison 6 Rue Notre-Dame, Guingamp (Pa00089187)

Stade De Roudourou

Ti Ar Vro Gwengamp

Town Hall Of Guingamp