What to do in Saint-Malo: the complete guide

Saint-Malo is first explored on foot, along its ramparts, then at low tide, when the sea uncovers the islets you can walk to. Check the tide times before anything else: they decide the order of your day.

Walking around the ramparts

The wall walk goes all the way round the walled city, free and open all year round. On one side, granite roofs and the chimneys of shipowners’ houses; on the other, the sea, the forts and the islands. Allow an hour, taking time for photos.

In the lanes, the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, the Maison de Corsaire and Place Chateaubriand can be found without a map. The history museum in the castle is closed: the town is preparing a new maritime museum to house its collections.

The Grand Bé and Fort National, at low tide

From Bon-Secours beach, a causeway leads to the islet of Grand Bé, where Chateaubriand lies facing the open sea. Fort National, built by Vauban, is reached the same way from the Éventail beach. Both crossings are covered at high tide, and the sea comes back fast: follow the signs and the posted times.

At high tide, the Bon-Secours seawater pool fills up: its diving board is one of the classic images of Saint-Malo.

Saint-Servan and the Tour Solidor

Quieter than the walled city, Saint-Servan has its Tour Solidor on the Rance, and the Pointe de la Cité from where you see the ramparts in profile. In Paramé, the sea wall runs for nearly three kilometres along the Sillon beach, and the carved rocks of Rothéneuf wait further along the coast.

With children

The Grand Aquarium and its shark ring fill half a day in any weather. In season, the little tourist train goes round the walled city, and boats leave for the forts and islands of the bay.

Around Saint-Malo

Cancale and its oysters are twenty minutes away, and the Pointe du Grouin just beyond, facing the Île des Landes. Dinard is ten minutes away by the boat that crosses the estuary, and Mont-Saint-Michel less than an hour’s drive.

Where to stay in Saint-Malo