Like a stone ship, Saint-Malo’s ramparts stand tall, keeping watch over its port and its beaches. They cut an altogether unique figure! There’s a sense of adventure in the air here whatever the season. At once a historical, seaside and portside city, Saint-Malo is a maritime cave of wonders… You’ll love its myriad atmospheres!
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Experience Saint-Malo
A striking granite city, looking proudly out to sea. A wave of emotion washes over anyone who beholds Saint-Malo… Intra Muros, its old town, which has sheltered behind the stone walls since the 12th century, beckons you in to discover the spellbinding charm of its narrow streets. Enter through Porte Saint-Vincent, after a walk round the ramparts to stretch your legs – your reward will be breathtaking panoramas from every corner. Architectural gems and delightful shops abound, from Rue de l’Orme up through the cobbled streets… stopping for a treat at Place Chateaubriand along the way!
An epic maritime tale
Saint-Malo, a bustling portside city for 500 years The 14th-century trade boom; the terre-neuvas, French cod fisherman who sailed to Canada’s Newfoundland (discovered in the 16th century by Jacques Cartiers, who was born in Saint-Malo); the shipowners’ mansions… and the legendary privateers. All aboard for hoards of fun! Pointing seawards, Surcouf (or his statue!) looks as if he’s ready to set off for yet more conquests… This is where the Saint-Malo spirit, which fills us with such excitement, is sparked, in a great splash of ocean swell, adventure and freedom!
A thrilling destination in all seasons
Visit the city outside the summer months to better unearth its secrets. To see nature shimmering along its shores, the gentle sunlight catching the wooden stakes, acting as a breakwater on Plage du Sillon beach, this is the best time to come! Water sports can be practised here at any time of year. But winter is when Saint-Malo’s high tides are at their most spectacular, transforming the shoreline. A highly sought-after spa & wellness destination, Saint-Malo is also a draw for creative chefs and artists who stir up a vibrant cultural scene all year round. See you in September for the Vent en Poulpe and Baisers volés festivals!
A wave of emotion washes over anyone who beholds Saint-Malo, so striking and proud… Spellbinding!
Did you know?
Once the scene of swashbuckling privateers,
Saint-Malo now stages blockbuster races!
Its sailing spirit still runs deep. Route du Rhum, Transat Québec/Saint-Malo, every four years, the city eagerly awaits the arrival of legendary races!
Broaden your horizons!
Beyond the walls of Saint-Malo’s iconic old town, there’s a whole other world to see! The benefits of its bracing sea air can be enjoyed on its miles of fine sandy beaches, the coastal footpath that runs along the Emerald Coast towards Cap Fréhel, and on leisurely outings such as the Alet trail, via the Solidor Tower and Saint-Servan district. Street art brightens up the port here and there. Hop on a bike to cycle to the tip of Rotheneuf where you can admire the sculptured rocks – land art ahead of its time – or on a boat to cross the River Rance, in just 10 minutes you’ll be in Dinard!
The ramparts: city enclosure consisting of towers (14th – 15th centuries), castle walls and bastions from the 17th and 18th centuries
The castle: large keep (1424), general tower (1475), Quic-en-Groigne tower (1498 – 1501), Dames and Moulins towers (16th century)
The national fort, built by Vauban and Garangeau (1689)
Le Petit Bé (“the best and the most attractive of all our forts”, Vauban 1695)
The tidal island of Grand Bé and Chateaubriand’s tomb
Saint-Vincent cathedral (12th c.) with its dazzling stained-glass windows
Solidor tower with three keeps from the 16th century
The 18th-century For de la Cité d’Alet Sainte-Croix church and Saint-Ideuc church
How to get there / get around
Coming to Saint-Malo
Hop on the train and head off to the privateer city! Saint-Malo has direct high-speed train links to Paris and the journey takes around 2 hours 20 minutes. From Rennes, it takes around 55 minutes by TER train or by car. Would you prefer to fly? Scheduled and low-cost flights land at Dinard, 13 km from Saint-Malo.
Getting around in Saint-Malo and its region
To enjoy the town with peace of mind, leave your car at the entrance to Saint-Malo. Use the Paul Féval park & ride, where a day ticket will give you five seats in the shuttle bus to the historic centre.
The entire Emerald Coast is also within reach on the MAT bus network. If you have sea legs, take the boat from Saint-Malo with Compagnie Corsaire to Cancale, Saint Cast-le-Guildo or Dinan. From April to October, the “sea bus” organises regular shuttles all day long between Dinard and Saint-Malo in 10 minutes.
