Saint Malo: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
On the Breton Atlantic coast, the port city of Saint-Malo impresses with a historic city center surrounded by the sea, which has been faithfully rebuilt, and massive fortifications. The offshore islands Gran Bé, Petit Bé, and Fort National can be quickly reached on foot at low tide. The tides astonish with up to 12 meters of tidal range.
Table of contents
Saint Malo - Must-see attractions
Within the Walls
The Intra-Muros were built in the 12th century and served to defend Saint Malo. With their machicolations (rows of holes) and towers, they are now under monument protection. The great fire of 1661 destroyed the protective ring around the city, but it was completely reconstructed. Visitors can access the wall via stairs at the city gates. A tour takes about three-quarters of an hour and offers magnificent views of the historic old town and the beach. This is where the guards used to stand and watch for enemies.
Saint-Malo Cathedral
The Saint-Malo Cathedral dates back to the 7th century and has been altered multiple times. Today, the valuable ornaments from the Romanesque and Gothic periods have been preserved. Since 1972, it has shone in new splendor and is a popular stop on the Catholic pilgrimage route Tro Breizh. Inside the church, you can see the magnificent rosettes and stained glass windows. Also worth seeing are the majestic vaults and the ornaments around the altar. The mighty tower was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1972.
The Ramparts
Today, Saint-Malo is a tranquil town, with Les Remparts being one of its most visited attractions. The fortification wall is unmistakable as it encircles the old town in a loop. Visitors stroll through the cobblestone streets and enjoy the unique atmosphere that prevails here. From the wall, there is a beautiful view over Fort National and the Grand Plage du Sillon. Nearby is the Demeure de Corsaire. In the past, the mansion was owned by a successful privateer.
Chateaubriand Square
The Place Chateaubriand owes its name to the famous French writer and politician François-René de Chateaubriand, who was born in Saint-Malo. Visitors are mainly drawn here because of the many cafes and restaurants. Some of the most famous sights of Saint-Malo are also located directly on Place Chateaubriand. These include the castle complex, which was built between the 15th and 18th centuries, the Tour Quic-en-Groigne tower, and the Municipal Museum.
Saint Malo beaches
Within half an hour from Saint Malo, you can reach four sandy beaches that invite you to take long beach walks or engage in water sports. The longest sandy beach is the Grande Plage, offering over 2 km of fine sandy beach. The smaller and rather rustic Plage du Mole is bordered by the walls of the Bastion de la Hollande and rocks. The Plage de l'Écluse is considered particularly elegant. The Plage de Saint-Énogat, which, for example, tempts you to sail, can be found opposite Dinard.
National Fort
The small island on which Fort National stands is only accessible at low tide. It was built in 1689 by the architect Vauban to protect the port of Saint-Malo. The distinctive rocks of the fortress island served as navigation aids for ships in the Middle Ages. During multilingual tours, visitors immerse themselves in the military history of the bastion and learn about pirate attacks and the battles of the privateer Robert Surcouf. From the fortress island, there are magnificent views of Saint-Malo and the opposite Eventail beach.
Saint Malo - Secret spots
Visit to the fortress on Petit Bé
Off the coast of Saint-Malo are the islands Grand and Petit Bé. You can reach the fortress on the smaller tidal island on foot from Grand Bé at low tide. The monumental structure from the years 1689 to 1697 protected the port city with 15 cannons and soldiers stationed on site from attacks from the sea.
Visit the Tour Solidor with its museum
Near the ferry port of Saint-Malo, the three-story Tour Solidor rises on a promontory. Three round towers flank the 14th-century tower structure, which once controlled the river mouth. The museum inside shows you maritime objects such as nautical charts and ship models, as well as numerous souvenirs made by sailors or acquired on their travels.
Detour to the Cité d'Alet
A little outside of Saint-Malo, the small place Cité d'Alet speaks of a turbulent history. Pirates once roamed here, and during World War II, the place on the Atlantic coast also played a role. On a walk by the sea, you can look far over the bay of St. Malo and up to the Rance dam.
The nature reserve La Pointe de la Varde
East of the Breton seafaring town of Saint Malo lies the Pointe de la Varde in the western French department of Ille-et-Vilaine. Once an important defense site, the headland is now an idyllic nature reserve with breathtaking views of the Emerald Coast. On the cliffs of the peninsula between the Pont and Nicet beaches, seabirds such as gulls and cormorants live.
Saint Malo - In 3 days
Day 1
Legendary sailors and privateers lived in Saint-Malo on the Breton Emerald Coast (Côte d’Émeraude). You get a first fascinating impression of the "City of Corsairs" during a walk on the long city wall. The starting point of the 2 km route is the Saint-Vincent gate in the north of the old town. Before you climb the wall, quickly get a map at the nearby tourist office on the Esplanade Saint-Vincent. From the height of the wall, you have a magnificent view of the impressive backdrop of the old town's houses, rebuilt exactly as they were after the destruction of World War II, and the offshore islands Petit Bé and Grand Bé. Then stroll through the cozy cobblestone streets of the historic core of Saint-Malo past the houses of former privateers and cozy eateries to the cathedral. The basilica, built in the 12th century, impresses with its masterful furnishings, including the richly decorated bronze high altar and a famous 15th-century sculpture of Mary.
Day 2
The heart of Saint-Malo beats at the Place Chateaubriand behind the Porte Saint-Thomas in the north of the old town. The place with its many bars and restaurants is ideal for having a late breakfast before sightseeing tours or for watching the bustling activity over a leisurely cup of coffee. The view sweeps to the mighty Château de Saint-Malo directly opposite. A visit to the fortress-like castle from the 15th century is worthwhile, as two interesting museums about the history of the city and region are hidden behind the imposing walls. You will learn exciting things about the builders, the Dukes of Brittany, who planned the complex as a protective wall against British attackers. The Ethnographic Museum tells of the historical everyday life and deep-sea fishing of the city. About 500 meters in front of the northern old town lies the historic Fort National on a small island, which you can easily reach at low tide via a wide strip of sand. Louis XIV had the fortress built in 1689 to deter the English.
Day 3
A must-see - not just for families - in Saint-Malo is an afternoon at the Grand Aquarium on the southern outskirts of the city. Over 600 animal species from all the world's oceans live here on 4,000 m². The various habitats are lovingly recreated, from the dark deep sea to colorful coral reefs and mysterious mangroves. In a huge tank, you can observe sharks and sea turtles up close. Especially for children, the submarine simulator Nautibus, with which they explore the depths of the seas, is an exciting experience. After an eventful day of sightseeing, relaxing or active beach life beckons. A wide range of leisure activities is offered at Bon-Secours beach west of the old town, just behind the Saint-Pierre gate. Tours with a kayak or a sailing dinghy are fun. When it's low tide, you can swim in the seawater pool. Then the two islands Petit Bé and Grand Bé are also accessible on foot. There are also long sandy beaches in the seaside resort of Paramé, 3 km away. You can wonderfully relax at the wellness center there.
Saint Malo - Climate
Book your holiday apartment or holiday home in Saint-Malo in the summer and combine exciting sightseeing with swimming and relaxing in the Manche. Oceanic climate shapes the temperate-warm weather conditions of Saint-Malo. Rain falls throughout the year, but less so from June to September – the best time for a holiday in a holiday home in Saint-Malo. During this period, temperatures reach up to 21°C, with 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. The water is around 19°C warm from July to September, while in the other months only the hardy dare to enter the sea. In February, the water averages only 8.9°C.