ViennaSaint-Malo – a city of pirates and waves…

Saint-Malo, I’m sure many of you have heard the name, and for good reason. It is one of the most distinctive places in Brittany, which attracts history lovers as well as those who dream of a walk along the ocean. This city can delight at any time of the year: once a harsh, sea climate, another time a beautiful sun…

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The beach that delights – La Plage du Sillon

The first steps are taken by most tourists right here, at La Plage du Sillon. A long sandy beach stretching along the city center. This is one of those places where you can walk miles, listening to the sound of waves.

As the sea recedes, it reveals the road leading to Fort National, a 17th-century rock fortress that can be reached on foot at the tide. The view of the ocean and the city from its walls is unforgettable.

Right next to the beach you will also see the famous breakwater, a row of tall wooden piles stuck in the sand. Their task is to protect the shore from storms.

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Saint-Malo Intra-Muros – a city within walls

The biggest attraction, however, is of course Intra-Muros. The historic center of Saint-Malo is surrounded by massive fortified walls. Unlike other Breton towns, here the Old Town is really big: it’s the whole city in the city.

Among the narrow streets you will find numerous cafes, restaurants and shops with local products (from cheese and cider to mustard and Breton butter cakes).

In the center there is the Cathedral of St. Anthony. Vincent. The heart of the old town, the temple which survived numerous storms and wars, today reminds us of the long and turbulent history of the port.

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Walk through the walls

A walk around the city walls of Saint-Malo is a must. The route around Intra-Muros allows you to look at the city and the ocean from a different perspective. This is where waves, Sillon Beach and nearby islands are most visible.

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Corsair history and character of the city

Saint-Malo is called the „town of buccaneers” and not without reason. This is where the pirates who were acting on behalf of the King of France used to sail. One of the most famous was René Duguay-Trouin, whose monument stands at the waterfront.

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Islands and Surroundings

From the walls you can see two small islands, Grand Bé and Petit Bé. The grave of the French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, one of the most famous Romantics, is situated on the larger one. You can walk there during the low tide, but remember to check the plates with the tide and low tide hours in advance.

On the other side of the bay you can also see the elegant resort of Dinard. It is a former holiday resort of the English aristocracy, full of villas and luxurious hotels. Although different from the climate of Saint-Malo, it is an interesting point on the map of Brittany.

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How to get to Saint-Malo?

Saint-Malo is located in the north-west of France, in the Brittany region, about 70 km from Rennes. We’ll get there:

· By plane: the nearest airport is in Rennes (flights from Paris, London, Dublin), from where you can reach Saint-Malo by train or bus (about 1,5 hours).

· By train: the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Saint-Malo takes just over 2,5 hours.

· Ferry: the most beautiful option is a cruise from Portsmouth, England by Brittany Ferries, the journey lasts all night, and in the morning you can already see Saint-Malo.

· By car: from Paris is about 4,5 hours away (450 km), you can plan to stop in Rennes or Mont-Saint-Michel.

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Saint-Malo is a place that has something special in it… it is a combination of peace, history and maritime energy. And anyone who comes here will quickly understand why this is one of the most beautiful places in Brittany.