Saint-Malo
Place Chateaubriand, Porte Saint-Vincent, Brittany
One of Brittany’s most striking port cities, Saint-Malo is known for its walled fortifications, idyllic beaches, and rich gastronomy. The ancient city’s turbulent past includes a legacy of piracy and devastating bombing in World War II. But today, this glittering, seaside gem is best known as a relaxing vacation destination.
With beaches, medieval architecture, walled fortifications, islands, top-notch cuisine, and cultural attractions, Saint-Malo is a top Brittany destination. Start in medieval Old Town (Intra-Muros), ringed by granite walls with highlights including Saint-Malo Cathedral, Château de Saint-Malo, and Demeure de Corsaire. Access its coastal islands—including Grand Bé with writer Châteaubriand’s grave, and Petit Bé with Fort du Petit Bé—on foot at low tide. In summer the golden sands of Grand Plage (and its crowning Fort National) are a draw.
Saint-Malo features on multi-day itineraries of northern France, while boat tours, private day trips, and other tours make discovering the coastal city simple.
Saint-Malo is renowned for its numerous crêperies, fresh oysters, and other seafood dishes.
For some of the best views of the city, explore the ramparts on foot: The 17th-century walls can be accessed at the city’s main gates.
Swim safely at Plage de Bon Secours, which features a protected, sea-water swimming pool.
Saint-Malo is located on the Brittany coast. Its main train station, Gare de Saint-Malo, connects Saint-Malo with Rennes, which in turn links it with Paris and other destinations across France. Saint-Malo can be reached by ferry from the English Channel Islands and is accessible by car—take the D137 from Rennes, or the A11 or A14 from Paris.
As a beachy retreat, Saint-Malo’s high season is summer, so expect higher prices and greater crowds as a trade-off for the sun and surf-friendly temperatures. Saint-Malo hosts a range of popular annual events, including the Étonnants Voyageurs (Amazing Travelers) literary festival in May, World Folklore Festival in July, Route de Rock music festival in August, and a Christmas Market in December.
Venture beyond Saint-Malo’s Old Town to discover nearby hubs and attractions. Saint-Servan, located outside of the Old Town’s fortifications, is where the city was founded and where its 18th-century pirates spent time; continue south to reach Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo, one of France’s top aquariums. Saint-Malo is also roughly an hour from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont-Saint-Michel, and the two destinations are frequently paired on full-day tours.
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