Discover Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo can be explored through a wide variety of destinations: listed buildings and places of remembrance sit alongside coastal views, a three-kilometre-long beach and a designated walking route. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Saint-Malo, these highlights can help you decide where to go: depending on your interests, architectural history, landscapes or activities on the water may take centre stage.

Historic buildings and places of remembrance

Fort National has been classified as a historic monument since 17 May 1906; its surrounding walls received a separate classification on 20 August 1913. The site consists of a double enclosure, the second of which contains a barracks for the troops. A guided tour explains the history of the fort and shows both enclosures. Access is possible only at low tide.

The city walls of Saint-Malo have also been classified as a historic monument since 1886. The Tour Solidor and its outlying structures have the same classification year: they have been classified as historic monuments since 12 July 1886. The construction history of the tower goes back further, although its beginnings remain uncertain: construction appears to have started in the late 14th century under Duke Jean IV of Brittany, to control Saint-Malo. At the beginning of the 15th century, the tower was extensively remodelled by order of Duke Jean V.

The Manoir de Limoëlou is the only surviving heritage site associated with Jacques Cartier. Cartier, who was born in Saint-Malo, discovered Canada in 1534. The restored and furnished manor illustrates the everyday life and travels of its former owner. At the Mémorial 39/45, by contrast, the focus is on the use of bunkers: it is housed in bunkers built in the courtyard of a former 18th-century fort. The tour takes you through a three-storey air-defence bunker.

The tomb of Chateaubriand and the Îlot du Grand Bé ensemble were classified as historic monuments by decree on 24 November 1954. The Îlot du Grand Bé can be reached from Bon Secours beach for only a few hours each day at low tide, and offers panoramic views of the corsair city. Access to Fort National is also dependent on the tide; check the tide level before visiting.

Coastal landscapes, beaches and walking trails

Pointe de la Varde is a protected natural area 32 metres above sea level. From there, you can enjoy far-reaching views across the Bay of Saint-Malo. To protect vegetation in areas where visitors are not permitted, visitor access is channelled onto a single path. As visitor routes may change, it is advisable to check the current route before your visit.

Plage du Sillon is a three-kilometre-long sandy beach and the largest beach in Saint-Malo. It offers good conditions for kite flying, sand yachting and windsurfing; whether these activities are possible depends on conditions and the providers. The beach can therefore be appreciated both as a scenic destination and for the activities mentioned.

The Cité d’Alet peninsula lies on the GR®34 from Saint-Malo to Dinard. From there, you can see the Rance estuary, the city and Bay of Saint-Malo, as well as Dinard; the peninsula is also home to numerous Second World War bunkers. The GR®34 walking trail starts in Saint-Malo, is 14.4 kilometres long and is classified as a moderately difficult walk. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Aquarium and other experiences

The Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo features 10,000 fish from 600 species in ten themed worlds devoted to the seas and oceans of the world. The number of animals may change over time. The Nautibus experience includes a simulator for a descent to a depth of 300 metres, followed by a ride in small submarines. As the setup may change, it is advisable to check the current experience before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Coësmes, Saint-Méloir-Des-Ondes, La Bazouge-Du-Désert, Dol-De-Bretagne, La Chapelle-Des-Fougeretz, Vieux-Viel, Plesder, Torcé.

For the wider travel overview: Ille-Et-Vilaine.