Travel Guide of Saint-Malo in France by Influencers and Travelers
Saint-Malo is a historic French port in Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany on the English Channel coast. The walled city had a long history of piracy, earning much wealth from local extortion and overseas adventures.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Saint-Malo
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Fort National
Fort National is a fort on a tidal island a few hundred metres off the walled city of Saint-Malo. The great military architect Vauban had it built in 1689 to protect Saint-Malo's port. The fort was originally called Fort Royal.
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2 - Grand Bé
Grand Bé is a tidal island near Saint-Malo, France. It is located at the mouth of the Rance River, a few hundred metres from the walls of Saint-Malo. At low tide the island can be reached on foot from the nearby Bon-Secours beach. On the island are the remains of an ancient fort.
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3 - Microlight flying in Saint-Malo
12 km away
Discover the thrill of flying a microlight from Dinard on this introductory lesson, which includes a 35-minute free flight over the Emerald Coast! A qualified pilot instructor will be waiting for you at Pleurtuit-Dinard airport, less than an hour's d...
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4 - Petit Bé
Petit Bé is a tidal island near the city of Saint-Malo, France, close to the larger island of Grand Bé. At low tide one can walk to the island from the nearby Bon-Secours beach.
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5 - Solidor Tower
Solidor Tower is a strengthened keep with three linked towers, located in the estuary of the river Rance in Brittany. It was built between 1369 and 1382 by John V, Duke of Brittany to control access to the Rance at a time when the city of Saint-Malo did not recognize his authority.
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6 - Boat Tours in Saint-Malo
21 km away
A river in the Côtes-d'Armor region that flows into the English Channel between Dinard and Saint-Malo, on the Emerald Coast, the Rance River is well worth discovering for its biodiversity and history. The best way to do that is to take part in ...
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7 - Saint-Lunaire
10 km away
Saint-Lunaire is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department in Brittany in northwestern France. Fantastic viewpoints on the Pointe du Décollé, hill of La Garde Guérin and the Pointe du Nick.
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8 - Rance
The Rance is a river of northwestern France. It flows into the English Channel between Dinard and Saint-Malo. Before reaching the Channel, its waters are barred by a 750 metre long dam forming the Rance tidal power plant.
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9 - Land sailing in Mont-Saint-Michel
16 km away
Go to Hirel and discover or rediscover sand yachting on the Mont-Saint-Michel bay, near Saint-Malo! Thanks to this 1h sand yacht activity on the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, you will be able to learn how to handle the sand yacht and discover the Hirel b...
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10 - Saint-Malo Cathedral
Saint-Malo Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Saint-Malo, Brittany. The church was founded in dedication to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, and constitutes a national monument of France.
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11 - Cancale
10 km away
Cancale is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department in Brittany in northwestern France. It is known as the birthplace of Saint Jeanne Jugan.
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12 - Navegación en tierra in Mont-Saint-Michel
16 km away
Go to Hirel and discover or rediscover sand yachting on the Mont-Saint-Michel bay, near Saint-Malo! Thanks to this 1h sand yacht activity on the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, you will be able to learn how to handle the sand yacht and discover the Hirel b...
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13 - St-Malo
Saint-Malo is a historic French port in Ille-et-Vilaine, Brittany on the English Channel coast. The walled city had a long history of piracy, earning much wealth from local extortion and overseas adventures.
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14 - Dinard
7 km away
Dinard is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department in Brittany in northwestern France. Dinard is on the Côte d'Émeraude of Brittany.
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15 - Land Sailing in Mont-Saint-Michel
16 km away
A not-to-be-missed activity on the long beaches along the English Channel, sand yachting is also practised in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, an exceptional site for enjoying this fun sport! During your 1-hour session, you will learn how to handle the ...
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16 - Pleurtuit
12 km away
Pleurtuit is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of Brittany in northwestern France.
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17 - Pointe du Grouin
14 km away
The rocky finger of the Pointe du Grouin points out and protects the entrance into the bay of Mont Saint-Michel. On this headland, a Grande Randonnée footpath runs around hugging the cliff face and there is a circular walk starting out from Cancale.
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18 - Plouër-sur-Rance
17 km away
Plouër-sur-Rance is a commune in the Côtes-d'Armor department of Brittany in northwestern France. Over twenty years, René-Thierry Magon de la Villehuchet was renovating and organizing the archives of Le Château de Plouër, which he'd inherited from an uncle, and was nearly finished with the endeavor at the time of his death in 2008.
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19 - Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer
18 km away
Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer is a commune in the Côtes-d'Armor département of Brittany in northwestern France.
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20 - Pointe de la Garde
19 km away
Pointe de la Torche is a promontory located at the southeastern end of the Baie d'Audierne in the commune of Plomeur in the Bigouden region of Finistère, France.
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21 - Dol Cathedral
21 km away
Dol-de-Bretagne Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Dol-de-Bretagne. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Samson, one of the founding saints of Brittany.
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22 - Saint-Cast-le-Guildo
21 km away
Saint-Cast-le-Guildo is a commune in the Côtes-d'Armor department of Brittany in northwestern France. It is port city on the English Channel as it also has a nautical center, the Centre Nautique de Saint- Cast ranked 3rd to 6th in the nation.
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23 - Cap Fréhel
23 km away
Cap Fréhel is a peninsula in Côtes-d'Armor, in northern Brittany, France which extends off the Côte d'Émeraude into the Golfe de Saint-Malo.
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24 - Menhir de Champ-Dolent
23 km away
The Menhir de Champ-Dolent is a menhir, or upright standing stone, located in a field outside the town of Dol-de-Bretagne. It is the largest standing stone in Brittany and is over 9 meters high.
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25 - Dinan
25 km away
Dinan is a walled Breton town and a commune in the Côtes-d'Armor department in northwestern France. On 1 January 2018, the former commune of Léhon was merged into Dinan.
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Pictures and Stories of Saint-Malo from Influencers
20 pictures of Saint-Malo from Luc Dobigeon, Loris Marie, Clovis WOOD and other travelers
- One of the most beautiful beaches in Saint Malo this summer — 2020 ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Xavier Foucrier | ©Unsplash
- Vue sur Saint-Malo depuis la pointe de la Malouine. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Pascal Bernardon | ©Unsplash
- Woman walking alone on the beach to the lighthouse at the end of the pier ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Arnaud Mariat | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Saint-Malo ?
Travel to Saint-Malo if you like:
🏖️ Beach 🗼 Landmark 🏞️ ReservoirHow to visit Saint-Malo ?
Why traveling there?
Saint-Malo is a historic coastal city in the Brittany region of northwestern France. This charming destination is known for its picturesque walled city, stunning beaches, and rich maritime history. Traveling to Saint-Malo offers a unique blend of natural beauty, architectural marvels, and an opportunity to delve into the city's fascinating past. With its narrow cobbled streets, impressive fortifications, and delicious local cuisine, Saint-Malo is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic French experience.
How to get there?
The easiest way to reach Saint-Malo is by train, with frequent connections available from Paris Montparnasse station. The high-speed TGV train takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a train from Rennes, which takes approximately 45 minutes. If you prefer to travel by car, it is about a 4-hour drive from Paris. For those coming from the UK, there are ferry services from Portsmouth and Poole to Saint-Malo.
What to book in advance?
To make the most of your visit, it's a good idea to book accommodation and any guided tours in advance. If you plan on visiting popular attractions like the Fort National or taking a boat trip to the nearby islands, booking tickets in advance can also save you time and ensure availability.
What are the costs?
Saint-Malo is a relatively affordable destination compared to other French cities. You can expect to pay around €100-€150 per night for a mid-range hotel, while budget accommodations can be found for as little as €50 per night. Meals at local restaurants range from €10-€30 per person, depending on the type of cuisine and location. Entrance fees to attractions like the Fort National are usually around €5-€10.
What are the best things to do?
Some of the must-see attractions in Saint-Malo include a walk around the fortified city walls, exploring the narrow streets and quaint shops of the old town, and visiting the striking Saint-Malo Cathedral. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Fort National, an impressive 17th-century fortress located on an island just off the coast, accessible during low tide. Relaxing on the beautiful beaches, such as Plage du Sillon and Plage de Bon Secours, is also a popular activity.
Where to eat?
1. Le Chalut: This popular seafood restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, including the famous Breton oysters and fish soup.
2. Crêperie Le Tournesol: For a taste of traditional Breton cuisine, this cozy crêperie serves delicious savory and sweet crêpes, accompanied by local cider.
3. La Cantine de Mémé: A charming bistro that offers home-style French dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Oceania Saint-Malo: A stylish and comfortable 4-star hotel located near the beach and the old town, offering modern amenities and stunning sea views.
2. Hôtel Le Nautilus: This charming 2-star hotel is housed in a 17th-century building within the walled city, offering cozy rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
3. Les Charmettes: This quaint bed and breakfast offers stunning sea views and is just a short walk from the beach, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience, take a guided walk across the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel during low tide. This unique adventure offers a chance to explore the stunning coastal landscape, discover hidden sandbanks, and learn about the bay's unique ecosystem. Be sure to go with a knowledgeable guide, as the tides can change rapidly and it can be dangerous to venture out on your own.
Learn More about Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo has always been a magical place to experience the highest tides in Europe. Beaches, remarkable monuments, historical heritage, high tides, islands, museums... come and visit the city of Saint Malo according to the seasons. At high tide, the spectacle of waves crashing on the dike of the furrow is extraordinary. When the phenomenon of high tide is combined with strong winds from the northwest, nature takes over the city and some places in St-Malo are under a few centimeters of water. It is impossible to imagine a stay in Brittany and its coasts without tasting seafood. What if you went to fish them yourself? The high tides of Saint-Malo offer a huge playground. At low tide the sea withdraws and reveals its treasures. Whether in the sand or in the rocks, you will find your happiness. The bay is full of crabs, shrimps, cockles, mussels and other shellfish. What to spend a unique moment. It will be fun for the kids to fish for cockles with their feet, much less to face a crab hidden under a rock. You won't have time to get bored before the sea comes and hides everything again. So grab your buckets and nets! Don't forget, fishing on foot requires a few warnings. Before putting on your boots, find out about the restrictions or go with a guide.
Where to Stay in Saint-Malo
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🏖️ Beach spots 🏘️ Town spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏖️ Shore spots 🏞️ Reservoir spots 🏞️ Waterway spots 🚢 Dock spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🏰 Place of worship spotsTravel map of Saint-Malo
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