• Saint Malo

  • 1/2 - 1 Day
1/2 - 1 Day
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  • A charming and historic port town on the northeastern English Canal coast of Brittany, 57 km west of Mont Saint Michel, and 170 km southwest of Caen, it’s the most visited town in Brittany. The beautiful walled town which was rebuilt after it was almost entirely destroyed in WWII, has a very long and rich history. The town went through wealth and prosperity periods, piracy and war, and in recent years high tourism popularity. The old town, La Ville intra muros, ‘the town within the walls’, was once an Island but today it is connected to the mainland. The town is surrounded by massive fortification walls and beautiful beaches all around.
    Enter Saint Malo through Porte St Vincent and next to the castle you can start your visit by walking on the 2 km 11th -16th centuries town walls encircling the town. Enjoy the great scenery of the town and the grand Granite houses of the 16th-18th centuries along the coast. Stroll the town winding narrow streets, window shop the small shops, and relax in one of the local restaurants or cafes. You can also ride the small train that runs through the major sites of the old town. Visit Chateau of Saint-Malo, the old town castle home to the town museum, and the 12th century Romanesque and Gothic Saint Vincent Cathedral with its beautiful stained glass windows.
    Explore the 14th century Soldier Tower in the southern part of the old city, home to a collection of 19th century navigation equipment, ships scale models and artifacts related to the exploration voyages around Cape Horn.
    There are few beautiful sandy beaches in the northwestern coast of Saint Malo, and some lovely small islands off the coast which can be accessed by foot in low tide. Consider visiting the Islands of Grand Be and Petit Be, the small Island of Cezembre with its beautiful and popular beaches, and the 17th century National Fort near Plage de l’Eventail. Be sure to consult with the tourist office near the town entrance gate as for the Tide schedule. Families with children will enjoy the Saint Malo Aquarium, the Micro Zoo Saint Malo near Fort National, and the Jacques Cartier Museum displaying Cartier’s exploration tools, navigation equipment, and other artifacts used by Cartier during his voyages. Outside of the old town visit nearby interesting attractions such as the richly decorated 18th century Malouiniere de la Ville Bague, the Ostreika educational Oyster Farm, and The Sculptured Rocks of the Rotheneuf village.
    When in Saint Malo consider taking a boat tour from the harbor to the nearby Islands and coast towns. Note that the town harbor is a major destination point for ferries from and to the English Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, and to other southern English destinations. To access Saint Malo drive from Le Mont Saint Michel, take a train from Rennes or Caen, or a 2.5 hours train ride from Paris, or fly into the nearby Dinard.
    Spend 1/2-1 day in Saint Malo and its surroundings.

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