It's said that St Malo earned a lot of money from local extortion and overseas adventures. Saint-Malo is one of the places to be in Brittany, and it is worth multiple visits. solosophie participates in various affiliate marketing programs. It served various purposes throughout the years from barracks to prison. Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. They comprise 27 hectares of lush grounds surrounding a castle (the Chteau de la Briantais). 1 Day In Saint Malo. Some people like to spend a brief visit in Saint-Malo for the nightlife and tourist attractions. The sand, mirror-like when wet, makes for a great walking spot at low tide. Dinan is a larger place than I would usually stay in, but either that or the interesting historical port of St Malo, the charming seaside resort of Dinard or the pretty inland small town of Dol-de-Bretagne would all be good bases to explore the area. You can walk the entire length of the city; something I highly recommend doing. I have not been able to do this attraction, however, I have heard good reviews from the ladies at the Tourist Information Centre. Pro Tip: If you have time, pop into the day spa of the Grand Hotel des Thermes for a thalasso treatment. But the Intra Muros part of Saint-Malo the old part fully surrounded by sturdy ramparts and fortifications was immediately and faithfully restored. Theres nothing quite like getting a birds eye view to really get the feel of the place. (function(d, sc, u) { The cathedral is in the center of the old town, built in Romanesque and Gothic styles. A good souvenir from here will be something edible if you are with a cool box. After dinner, you can walk around the famous ramparts. Theres no parking near a hotel or the peninsula, which makes day trips longer. It was initially the site of a lighthouse as well as criminal torture (which fortunately is no longer the case) until it became a bastion under the plans of the military architect Vauban. Oslo or Helsinki: Which To Choose For A few Days? The walls of Saint-Malo are another top choice on the list of things to do in Saint-Malo. This post may contain affiliate links. The beautiful Saint-Malo in France is almost thirty minutes by car from Rennes. Maybe lunch and a quick walk around? Saint-Malos tidal range is the highest in Europe theres a difference of 40 to 50 feet between high and low tides. Cathedrale de Saint-Malo: Worth Visiting - See 674 traveller reviews, 837 candid photos, and great deals for Saint-Malo, France, at Tripadvisor. Avignon Or Arles: Which To Stay In For Visiting Provence? For the perfect morning coffee and fresh croissant, look no further than Charlys Bar, located by a square frequented by the local inhabitants of Saint-Malo. High and low tides are different in Saint-Malo, and the difference is among the worlds largest. We could also spot a few sailing boats touring the bay, so check if theyre available for booking when you visit Saint Malo. Saint-Malo Tourism Saint-Malo Hotels If you cycle or walk down the riverside, you will see half-timbered houses. From the ramparts, you can gaze out at the expansive bay and watch as the tides change dramatically throughout the day. The ramparts offer beautiful views with an array of good restaurants. The upper town is beautiful while the river part is still very nice. Still wondering what to do in Saint-Malo? This website contains affiliate links, often indicated by *. However, it has been rebuilt and the citadel port look is still very impressive. Brasserie des Voyageurs is the best place to sit and spend an evening enjoying tapas-style shared plates and great cocktails (and even better people-watching) opposite the Chateau de Saint-Malo. This family-friendly spot is safe for swimming during low tide when the waters are calmer. These beautiful castle grounds are well worth a visit if youre passing through Saint-Malo. To fully appreciate the maritime history of Saint Malo, taking a boat tour is a must-do activity. Hours later, the blue sky merges with the deep cobalt sea as the tide recedes, exposing broad beaches and creating . Petit B is another island reachable only when the tide is out. This French port town is located in Brittany on the English Channel coast and is probably one of the prettiest places Ive ever been. Dinard isnt my favourite place in the region, but some people love it, so its worth mentioning it here. If you want to visit Cancale, it is important to go through 10 essential places to discover the Breton fishing port. Therefore, it is not surprising to discover that the city has several tasty crperies. The larger city of Saint-Malo is right outside Mont Saint Michel and can be experienced in a few hours. Saint Malo is a town with a rich history and unique sights that you won't find anywhere else. With multiple trains per day, its even possible to visit Saint Malo on a day trip from Paris by train, taking only around 2.5 hours. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Restaurants on the landside wall, however, arent as good food can be mediocre. Her advice about international travel, outdoor sports, and African safari has been featured on Lonely Planet, Business Insider, and Readers Digest. It is close to Tourist Information and Le St. Louis restaurant is very close. Today, it is a museum showcasing dozens of artifacts (including navigational instruments) for tourists interested in seeing this piece of history. Last Updated on 27th January 2022 by Sophie Nadeau. St Malo is a famous French port city located on the coast of Brittany. Today, the remains are evident in the thousands of bomb craters. You can also go on excursions up the river through the distinct Rance tidal power dam, and farther to the awe-inspiring small town of Dinan. St Malo is a seaside resort with stunning ramparts and sea promenade and impressive tides that let you walk to the islets. There is so much beauty waiting for you in Saint-Malo! Walking the 2 km stretch atop the walls offers a breathtaking view of the harbour, the bay, and the city centre. Saint-Malo is the citys patron saint as well as pig-keepers. Dinan is quieter but well-known for its nice medieval core, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses. However, the stunning seaside views from around town are undoubtedly a highlight of Saint Malo. Is Rouen Worth Visiting? - France Travel Blog It offers savory fresh seafood, and you will love it. It has seaside views and an indoor swimming pool. The coastal forts are part of the destinations of the widely-known boat trips that work out of the Saint-Malo when the tide is in. This beautiful port on the English Channel was the main port of the French kingdom for three centuries and has been a popular seaside destination since the 1930s. Port Royal des Champs Abbey, Chevreuse National Park, Navette de Marseille: Traditional Provencal France Delicacies. When I was young, I spent my summer holidays near Saint-Malo in the charming town of Cancale, which is famous for its oysters. Cathedrale de Saint-Malo: Worth Visiting - See 655 traveller reviews, 763 candid photos, and great deals for Saint-Malo, France, at Tripadvisor. While not ideal for mobility, the walk around the perimeter (low tide only) is superb and will grant you some beautiful water views. The residents of St-Malo (or malouins as they refer to themselves) took this one step further. The text in this site says: there are direct boat connections to Plymouth, Portsmouth, Jersey, and Guernsey. The route from Portsmouth is certainly running, but the one from Plymouth has been deleted permanently, it seems. If you'd like to learn more visit the about us page. Get ready to explore Saint-Malos coastal setting, walk its ramparts, learn about its intriguing history, and delight in its local specialties. Note that some visitors find the dark stone not so romantic. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Visitors will see these adorned buildings on the beachfront and on boulevard Chateaubriand and Boulevard Hbert, making Param a delightful spot for a lateafternoon walk. On the edge of the town center is Htel du Chteau, which is an easy drive with parking. The Abbey, streets and ramparts are picturesque. Dinan, a city along the river, is a quieter choice with a charming Medieval atmosphere. Of all the best things to do in Saint Malo, one of the top activities is to sit, stay and watch the waves roll in at the beach. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, Bon-Secours Beach is also home to one of the towns two seawater pools, which can be particularly handy during low tide. Grand B is another tidal island just north of the citys coastline. However, families with children may prefer the seawater pool at Plage de lEventail (4). From the top, the views are stunning, especially during high tide and on a side, the ramparts course around the coastline, taking in Quai St Louis and Quai Saint-Vincent and over the battlements of the 1600s Fort National as well as the Grande Porte. Inside the walls, youll find many restaurants serving great local food, especially seafood. One day should be enough to explore the major points of interest in Saint Malo, but if you have more time, spending a weekend in the area is highly recommended. Walking them takes about 2 hours and gives you a view over the city and the huge tides coming in and out. Pro Tip: If you decide to stay the night, go for another walk around sunset. Its only a short walk away to the old walls.. Worth doing a brief stop at St Malo? - Saint-Malo Forum 1. However, whenever theres a spiralling tower to be seen, you can bet that Im the first one there to visit. Outside the city wall are some more sights such as the 39-45 Bunker Memorial. This region of France has historically struggled to maintain its own independent streak through the ages. The traffic free footpath is close to a supermarket with fresh bread and cheese. Like with any walled city, one of the greatest attractions of the city is the walled ramparts themselves! Learn how your comment data is processed. Since these walls were for fortification, you can walk along the top (dont worry, you wont fall) for panoramic city views. Check the best Saint-Malo accommodation prices here. It is a nice place for the family. Do not also forget to round off your meal with Kauing Aman- the Breton cake. Wholly surrounding Intra Muros, the 12th-century ramparts are wide enough to comfortably walk along, with many small entry points along the wall and spectacular views from all sides. While driving is an easy option, taking the boat to Dinard provides a more scenic and relaxing experience. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The former fishing village gained popularity in the late 19th century as a prestigious seaside resort, attracting wealthy visitors who built stunning villas in various architectural styles. The city is simply magnificent at that time. We hope you enjoyed this guide on things to do in Saint-Malo; for more travel around France, see below! Writers and historians also come here to respect the Romantic writer Chateaubriand, who was buried on the island per his last request. Worth doing a brief stop at St Malo? - Saint-Malo Message Board In the majestic cobblestone of Rue de lOrme, you will find a butter paradise. But thats not all! A certain sailor from the town, Jacques Cartier, is credited with being the first European torediscover Canada. I love my region for its stunning landscape and rich culture, but exploring local cuisine is definitely one of the best things to do in Brittany. As someone who has visited Saint-Malo at many different stages of my life, I can confidently say that its worth the visit. The dozens of mystical sculptures carved into rocks lining the shores set it apart from many other picturesque French townships. Arriving early, before 9 am, will give you more of a chance to park closer to the city wall. When the tide is out, you can walk across the beach and designated cobbled paths all the way to the islands and explore the forts on each one. Brittany does beaches and coastlines better than any other region. One of the most amusing parts of the day was stumbling across a little street named Rue Chat quit Danse literally translated as road of the dancing cat. For fans of all seafood-related dishes, then its worth noting that due to Saint Malos proximity to the sea, theres plenty of restaurants serving a sea-inspired menu inside the walled city. Its the regions hottest island, with beautiful sandy stretches of beach (and, therefore, a popular summer beach escape for locals and travelers). Its central with free parking. Dont forget to take a detour to Cour la Houssaye (6) to see one of the most remarkable houses in Saint Malo that survived the war. s.type = 'text/javascript'; The Do's, Don'ts, and Maybes of Mont Saint Michel The road courses to Cathdrale Saint-Vincent de Saint-Malo. Have ice cream, listen to music, watch the action. Elsewhere in the Brittany region, there are plenty of stories of star-crossed lovers, sinners, and of course, saints. Brittany travel guide The town has a long history of being self-governed, a fact which undoubtedly led to the rise of a whole host of privateers and pirates over the years. However, as St Malo can get pretty busy, especially during the peak season (i.e. Cancale isnt too touristy. One of the most recommended places to stay in Dinan is Hotel La DAvaugour. Get your camera ready the views are simply superb. While there may be other beaches in Brittany with fewer crowds, Saint Malos reputation as a seaside getaway is well-deserved. Saint-Malo, in the northwestern French region of Brittany on the English Channel Coast, has a history dating back to the first century B.C., and its history is as tumultuous as it is fascinating. solosophie is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Summer), then I highly recommend booking your place to stay well in advance. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Apparently I'm not alone, so I decided to make a website out of it and share my experiences and research. Though you cant actually visit this tiny and fortified tidal island, the stunning isle can still be admired from afar. Just to the north of the city lies the island of Cezembre. I dont want to give away too much, but its worth noting that the prose and descriptions are out of this world beautiful. worth visiting with a 1 year old? - Saint-Malo Forum With its own local language of Breton and Celtic mythology never too far away, Brittany is now only awash with the sea but also by regional myths and legends. St Malo is a great place, and the nearby Dinard & Dinan are really worth to visit, as well. If youre planning a trip to Saint Malo, dont miss out on these top points of interest: The numbers in brackets correspond to the numbers indicated on the map included at the end of the article. The inner city can be very tourist-orientated with restaurants, gift shops, and hotels. How cool does a medieval dungeon tower sound? The Museum of St Malo in City Hall is worth a visit. Visitors who rely on any information from this website do so at their own risk. There you will find whiskeys from different parts of the world, including Naguelann- the locally made whiskey. La Companie Corsaire is one of the biggest tour operators for boat trips in the Saint Malo Bay. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Several tour companies operate in Saint Malo, offering various cruises to explore the city from the water. Did you like this article about the points of interest Saint Malo is known for? 15 BEST Things To Do In Saint-Malo, France (2023) - The World Pursuit Saint Malo offers access to many different types of transportation options. Many tourists are attracted to its famous walled city. However, I also encourage you to buy local and help small businesses when possible. The loop is 1.2 miles long, but with the many viewpoints and historical attractions such as cannons and gardens along the way, you should spend at least 1 to 2 hours enjoying this unique walk. Following the Emerald Coastline, the region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautiful medley of scenery windy beaches, rocky cliffs, and even remnants of WW2 bunkers. The cider is typically served in blue-and-white-striped china cups instead of in glasses. The countryside city of Dinan has an interesting historic center and a famous weekly market. Hotel Oceania is also well regarded. the DDay landing beaches, Giverny, Honfleur, Pont Leveque etc are worth visiting, so I suppose if you are schlepping all the way around that area, you may as well admire Bayeux at the same time. To help you plan your visit to Saint-Malo and the surrounding region, Ive compiled a list of the top points of interest in Saint Malo. If you have any flexibility as to when you visit Saint-Malo, take a look at the tidal calendar and pick a day when low tide is during the day. Table of contents Is Saint Malo worth visiting? Its central location makes it an ideal base for many D-Day tour operators. Bayeux Cathedral and tapestry are also points of interest. Or, go to Dinan for a day trip. In the mid-1500s, he traveled across the Atlantic from Saint-Malo to Canada, sailed inland along the Saint Lawrence River, and claimed the land that is today Canada for the French. So, let me take you through it all. Its a luxury stay that is worth it. Just east of Saint-Malo, along the coastline, is the village of Rothneuf. Saint-Malo is a seaside resort feeling and many activities. Legal pirates of sorts, corsairs were basically privateers, but with an additional religious connotation, since they were involved in the Christian-Muslim conflicts from the 14th century onward. Another historical sight is the Gothic-styled Saint-Malo Church in Dinan, which offers panoramic views from the Clock Tower. Its a lively provincial French town much larger than Dinan. At night, a bell tower sounded the curfew bell, and mastiff dogs were let loose to chase outliers back into their homes. The content published on this website may be out of date, and things may have changed since my last visit. Le Ptits Bois campsite is a 15 minute walk from Moulin bus stop, 20-25 minutes from Saint Malo. Etoile du Roy is a look-alike of a frigate that was built in 1745. There is also Ar Koad on rue du Boyer, where whiskey lovers should not skip. With beautiful beaches, travelers can go sea swimming and walk along the shore. Although its just outside city walls, you can enjoy a great view during breakfast. The turret was constructed as early as the 15th-century, while the house itself was demolished and reconstructed at a later date. St Malo: A Weekend Guide - That Adventurer Bring all your beach provisions like towels, snacks, and sunblock. Having its own language of Breton, Celtic mythology is close to the culture; Brittany is now covered with water but also by regional legends and myths. In ancient times, La Grand Porte has a well-preserved iron gate and quaint pulleys to open the door by lifting it. Nowadays it's a popular tourist destination and has ferries from Portsmouth, Weymouth and Pool in the UK direct to St Malo. If you love reading fiction books with a twist of history (and are also a francophile at heart!) For a more off-the-beaten-track destination as a day trips fromSaint-Malo, consider visiting the beach Fort Guesclin, a tidal island which has since been fortified to an impressive degree. })(document, 'script', '//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); Eloise is the creator and writer of MyFavouriteEscapes.com. She loves to be outside, hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow on her snowboard, and biking. the beach of the port of Cancale is worth visiting. The in-house restaurant is good, too. Re: Worth doing a brief stop at St Malo? There is an entrance fee of five euros, but all incoming money goes towards upkeep and renovations to keep it open to the public. During the day, follow the cobbled lane into town, there are cafes and restaurants along the Rance. Posted on Last updated: 27th January 2022. With its large fortified walls and location at the edge of the land which means its largely surrounded by the crashing waves of the sea, its hard not to recognise Saint Malo on any postcard or photograph. It is one of the most beautiful towns in Brittany, and even in France. During the 17th century, the French military mastermind Vauban was tasked with designing the citys defence system. Allegedly born in Wales, he is said to be the founder of the modern day city, as well as one of the founding saints of Brittany. Frankfurt Or Hamburg: Which City To Choose For A Short Stay? Learning a few simple words like hello, please, thank you, and sorry is a great place to start. While many visitors come to Saint Malo for its fascinating history and beautiful beaches, its also a highly reputed destination for thalassotherapy. Dont miss the spike fortresses between the sand and the upper platform of the streets, designed to keep unwanted outsiders at bay in past times. Reasons why Saint-Malo is definitely worth visiting. You can have lunch and walk the promenade. During the day there are many cafes such as Tams Kaffe. The sculptor was a 19th-century priest who left his post after becoming deaf and mute (the result of a stroke) and dedicated the remaining 15 years of his life to creating these rock sculptures of pirates, sea monsters, smugglers, and other creatures from fantasy. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, its medieval architecture, and its vibrant cultural scene. Hi there, We are planning for Sept 2019 to visit MSM, arriving 12pm, staying overnight on/near MSM, at Pontorson or wherever, (as we havent yet decided) and leave the next day about 3pm to train back to Paris. Take your time and climb all the way to the top. It was one of the only buildings in the city to do so. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Back in the 1700s, the GR-34 was a footpath following, 1800 km of Brittanys coastline, implemented to stop smugglers from entering nearby ports. As a coastal town, it has several great fresh kinds of seafood. Booking.com Saint Malo city guide - essential visitor information in English Like many others, it is only accessible at low tide. Visit Saint-Malo | Brittany tourism From having its own language, Breton, to repeatedly resisting the rest of France, Brittany has always strived to be different. For some added fun experience, you lodge at any of the several accommodation options. You can even hop onboard the Etoile du Roy. Vienna Or Zurich: Which To Choose For A Short Stay? A Guide to the Best Things to do in Saint Malo, Brittany - solosophie There is the Grande Rue on the road in front of the gate. Apart from being a small museum, this is also a cultural exchange center focusing on all things Canada and Quebec. Try oysters and fresh mussels. Today they are classified as historical monuments, but it is important to remember that they were destroyed by a big fire in the middle of the 17th century after their original construction in the 12th century. View . Dinard is also known for its mild climate and beaches, which are popular with swimmers and sunbathers. A wartime book set in Saint-Malo. She grew up in France and has lived in England and Turkey before calling Australia home for the past decade. If anyone can recommend a great place for oysters as well as inexpensive (but still good) places to stay, that would be fantastic! Fortresses are pretty cool but also hit the next level on an island. Both Saint Malo and Dinan give you easy access to many places around the area. The latter is where the famous French writer Chateaubriand is buried. There is so much beauty waiting for you in Saint-Malo! But the sailors of Saint-Malo hold a much more nefarious title than merely being sailors of questionable morals. It has historic mansions overlooking oceans. Both Saint-Malo and Dinan have ports making the cities a great base for exploring the area of Brittany. If you have an interest in history, love Northern France, and are on the lookout for a quirky getaway, then perhaps you should consider taking the time to visit Saint-Malo in Brittany. Explore the old center, and the newer port area or visit the street market. Around this time, up to three-quarters of the original walls were replaced. Back before there were proper street names, it was common to refer to roads and streets by the monuments located by or on them. 1. A weekend in St Malo - SecretMoona There are several souvenir shops and restaurants on both ends of the streets. From the 1200s Saint Vincent Cathedral to the 1700s corsair buildings, the Old Town is crammed with historical spots to visit, and marked with crafts and art boutiques and quaint restaurants and bars. 11 years ago Save We will arrive in Rennes in the morning, rent a car, and will be heading to MSM for overnight on the Mont. On a long weekend in May, we set out to explore one of the cutest spots in northern France - Saint Malo in beautiful Brittany. There are also many things to do there, including boarding the Nautibus submarine to check out the 5000 fishes underwater. The month of September is a heritage month for Saint Malo, and the houses are available to visit. Today, visitors can stroll around the medieval fortifications that make up the old town centre and enjoy the stunning views of Saint Malo beaches, which are particularly popular in the summer. And always have a cup of cider with it, as the locals do. But visiting the amazing Saint Malo beach is not the only thing to do - there are lots of things to do in Saint Malo to make for a fantastic weekend visit. The Intra Muros district, which I will be concentrating on here, is located in a part of the city only partially connected to the mainland. One of the best things about Saint Malo is its accessibility. The Bastion de la Hollande is another remnant of wartime France, but not the war you might think; it was built in the 17th century due to the war against the Dutch. Dinan or St Malo? - Rick Steves Travel Forum Hailing from Wales, he arrived in the region to aid in the work of Saint Aron of Brittany, establishing several churches in the area. Staying in Saint-Malo for the night? In the 1100s, construction began, and one can reach them from St Vincent Gates steps. If you book early enough in advance, youll be able to score a perfect one! always check national park website alerts) and follow their advice. Saint Malo has about 45.000 residents, about 3 times more than Dinan. Discover the best places to visit and things to do with our list of the top attractions in Brittany. It has less of a tourist feel than Saint Malo and Dinard. The BEST Saint-Malo Tours 2023 - FREE Cancellation - GetYourGuide worth a visit - Review of Cathedrale de Saint-Malo, Saint-Malo, France If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Today, the Northern France town is popular among holidaymakers thanks to its stunning vistas and wealth of things to do. Farther West, Brittany has many old places to stay. A 47 m long boat with three masts and twenty cannon guns are featured on this floating museum where you can learn more about life onboard nearly three centuries ago. Well worth a read before you visit! On the right side of the entrance is a toilet also. Saint Malo is also famous for its incredible tides, some of the largest in the world, which send waves crashing into the city walls.