Summary of Attractions
The haunt of pirates for centuries, the “Cité Corsaire” has consistently charted its own course: In the 1590s, it even proclaimed itself an independent republic.
Saint-Malo remains fortified by its historic ramparts, while the tidal islands adjacent to the city continue to be protected by 17th-century bastions.
Wander through the cobbled streets enclosed by walls and admire the opulent homes of those who amassed wealth through privateering in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Saint-Malo also has a significant narrative surrounding August 1944, when it was liberated from German occupation.
During warm summer days, the expansive sands of Plage du Sillon beckon visitors.
Let us explore the most notable activities in Saint-Malo:
1. Saint-Malo Walls
The ramparts encircle the entire old section of Saint-Malo, forming a circuit that extends 1.75 kilometers.
Construction commenced in the 1100s, further enhanced in the 1600s to counteract evolving military technologies, and was expanded once more until the mid-18th century.
As you embark on your walk, ensure you are equipped with literature, for each gate, bastion, and vista has a history worth sharing.
Ascend to witness sweeping views of the sea, Grand Bé island, Fort National, Dinard across the water, and the splendid granite residences of the city’s affluent shipowners, descending whenever a shop or crêperie captures your interest.
Grande Porte, situated on the eastern side, is flanked by two robust bastions and safeguards the slender landmass that connects the walled city to what are now Saint-Malo’s suburbs.
2. Old Saint-Malo
Constructed from grey granite, the residences of Saint-Malo exude a refined yet austere elegance, consistently captivating visitors.
The “Intra-Muros” district features cobbled streets lined with bars, restaurants, upscale shops, and crêperies, inviting exploration at every turn.
The palpable antiquity of the city is so profound that it appears almost inconceivable that most of Saint-Malo required restoration after 1944. It is a challenge to single out the most picturesque spots; the quaintest are found in old Saint-Malo, particularly Rue Jacques Cartier, which is stunning in its own right.
On the eastern side of the fortified city, the residences are integrated into the defenses, with the ground floor serving as a continuous chain of cafes and restaurants.
3. Plage du Sillon
As a dynamic beach in constant flux, Plage du Sillon extends three kilometers of fine sand, commencing just north of the walled city.
A notable embankment, constructed at the turn of the 20th century, spans over a kilometer and a half.
This feature facilitates pleasant strolls throughout the year, perfect for working up an appetite and observing kites during low tide.
During mild summer days, families flock to the smooth sands and can enjoy the shallow rock pools along the western edge near Fort National.
In contrast, on windy winter days, the sea crashes dramatically against the embankments at high tide.
4. Château de Saint-Malo
Located in the northeast corner of the walls, the castle was constructed by the Dukes of Brittany in the 1400s to assert their control over the city and now functions as Saint-Malo’s city hall.
The castle looms as a reminder of the dukes’ authority, later serving as a symbol of the King of France following unification in the 16th century.
The Grand Donjon offers the finest views of Saint-Malo from its rooftop platform.
This structure houses a museum detailing the city’s history and the broader “Malouin” region, highlighting intriguing figures from this area of France, such as the writer Chateaubriand and the explorer Jacques Cartier.
5. Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo
A brief bus ride from the walled city leads to Saint-Malo’s aquarium, an acclaimed attraction that is frequently updated each season.
For families traveling with young children, it serves as an excellent indoor activity that aligns seamlessly with the city’s maritime history.
The iconic 360° shark aquarium, introduced in 2011, boasts a capacity of 600,000 liters.
Another exhibit features the wreck of a historic galleon that houses white-tip and black-tip sharks.
Furthermore, the aquarium replicates global environments, with the mangrove housing piranhas, four-eyed fish, and turtles, while the tropical tank showcases coral and vibrant species like clownfish and surgeonfish.
6. Paramé
The district adjacent to Plage du Sillon, located northeast of the walled city, experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century, resulting in numerous exquisite Belle Époque villas.
These structures were erected by affluent vacationers, who indulged their creative inclinations.
With a sensible itinerary, one could enjoy a leisurely walking tour through this verdant neighborhood, visiting splendid properties such as Villa l’Argonne on Boulevard Chateaubriand, notable for its striking octagonal tower and alternating glazed and red brick pattern.
Additionally, Villa Remember on Boulevard Hébert displays an exaggerated Flemish style, complete with a crow-stepped gable and stone finial.
7. Fort National
The engineering genius Vauban conceived this forward bastion on Îlette rock at the western end of Plage du Sillon.
It features his signature star configuration and was the final element in Saint-Malo’s defensive strategy, designed to safeguard against the British navy.
It fulfilled this purpose effectively in 1693 when it contributed to repelling an Anglo-Dutch assault.
Much later, it served as a makeshift prison for German forces during the waning days of their occupation in 1944. The fortress is accessible during the summer for guided tours, representing an exemplary showcase of 17th-century military architecture.
You’ll know it is open for visitors when the French tricolor is raised.
8. Grand Bé
Access to Grand Bé, another islet a short distance from the ramparts, requires waiting for low tide.
During the Second World War, such rocky islets served as strategic sites for German artillery placements.
When American forces liberated Saint-Malo, Grand Bé fell quickly, although it took weeks for the Alet peninsula at the entrance of the Rance River to surrender.
Many visitors come to Grand Bé to pay homage to the romantic author Chateaubriand, whose grave overlooks the sea, as he wished twenty years prior to his passing.
9. GR-34
The Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers’ Trail) is precisely what its name implies: A coastal footpath established in the 1700s to deter smugglers.
Adventurers have the option to commence their journey from Saint-Malo and walk the entire distance to Brest in Finistère.
However, one should anticipate a duration of approximately 25 days to cover these 400 kilometers, which certainly does not lend itself to a single-day excursion! Alternatively, you could relish a noteworthy day hiking along the Côte d’Émeraude (Emerald Coast) on either side of Saint-Malo.
During your hike, you will encounter pristine, windswept beaches, granite cliffs, meadows adorned with wildflowers, oyster and mussel beds, along with numerous bunkers and pillboxes from the Second World War.
10. Parc de la Briantais
Sitting on elevated ground beside the Rance Estuary, this exquisite English park once encompassed the estate of Château de la Briantais.
The estate belonged to affluent shipowners, who constructed a baroque mansion here in 1666; the striking ruins of this structure are still visible within the park.
A more modern chateau from the 19th century has been preserved as a cultural center, hosting art exhibitions and concerts featuring jazz and classical music.
Visitors are encouraged to experience tranquil walks along avenues populated with sculptures, and to appreciate the breathtaking views encompassing Saint-Malo, Dinard, and the entire Rance Estuary.
11. Les Malouinières
Numerous individuals amassed substantial fortunes through privateering from the 16th to the 19th centuries, and in the vicinity of Saint-Malo, five opulent estates remain as testaments to the wealth of shipowners.
All of these residences are open to the public to varying degrees during the summer, collectively referred to as “Malouinières,” named after the city.
One of the most accessible is Puits Sauvage, which has been in the same family for over 200 years.
During a self-guided tour, visitors will stroll through the charming French parterre and observe stables, dovecotes, an oratory, a bakery, and a grand glass-roofed structure measuring 260 square meters that supports a remarkable cactus garden.
12. Musée Jacques Cartier
This is the last remaining residence of the man who discovered Canada; the Manoir de Limoëlou served as Cartier’s summer home after his return from his expedition.
The interior has been refurbished with period furnishings, and the various rooms now serve the same functions they would have fulfilled during Cartier’s tenure.
Those unfamiliar with his achievements will be enlightened through a guided tour, where they will encounter some of Cartier’s navigation instruments.
Though guided tours are conducted in French only, an English guidebook is available, and the museum’s film is offered with English subtitles.
13. Mémorial 39/45
As previously noted, it took weeks to dismantle German resistance in Saint-Malo, as they entrenched themselves in this anti-aircraft bunker located in the Cité d’Alet, within a 17th-century fortress designed by Vauban.
The Memorial 39/45 offers an exhibition that reconstructs the wartime experiences in Saint-Malo, established within a vast bunker exceeding 500 square meters, containing three levels and ten rooms.
Visitors are immersed in this somber chapter of the city’s history through authentic documents, weapons, uniforms, and a specially-produced historical film titled “The Battle of Saint-Malo.”
14. Dinard
Situated directly across from Saint-Malo on the left bank of the Rance, Dinard is often referred to as the “Nice of the North” due to its prestigious ambiance.
Traveling there provides the opportunity to learn that the bridge crossing the Rance estuary houses Europe’s inaugural tidal power plant, constructed in 1966 and still operational.
Upon arrival in Dinard, visitors are often dazzled by the opulent mansions built in the late 19th century, which established the area as the premier summer resort.
Many of these palatial homes are now protected as historical sites and are viewable from the scenic Promenade du Clair de Lune, which winds along the coastline, offering views of Saint-Malo and enchanting lighting during summer evenings.
15. Breton Cuisine
Seafood should be prominent on your culinary itinerary in Saint-Malo.
Cancale, recognized as Brittany’s oyster capital, lies mere minutes to the east.
The reputation of Cancale’s oysters dates back to Roman times, when they were consumed by Julius Caesar’s legions, with Louis XIV demanding their delivery from this town on a daily basis.
Moreover, while it may be evident, the crêpe has become almost synonymous with Brittany.
Enjoy them sweet, or opt for the savory version known as galettes, crafted from buckwheat flour.
Another notable Breton specialty is cider; distinctly sweet and acidic, it features a light effervescence and pairs impeccably with galettes filled with ham and cheese.
