Viewpoint
Saint-Malo Ramparts
Saint-Malo · Ille-et-Vilaine
A panoramic loop of about 1.75 km around Intra-Muros, with views of the Sillon, Fort National, the Grand Bé, Dinard and the harbour basins.
- Suggested time
- 1 h to 1 h 30 for the full loop with photo stops.
- Type of place
- Viewpoint
- Atmosphere
- Historic, maritime and very spectacular.
- Getting there
- Through several gates and stairways in Intra-Muros. Three ramps give access to the ramparts without using the stairs.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 10/10
- As a couple
- 10/10
- With friends
- 10/10
- Solo
- 10/10
- With a dog
- 6/10
- Reduced mobility
- 9/10
These scores are calculated from what the page records: official rating, facilities, difficulty, duration and location. They are a guide, not a substitute for contacting the venue, especially about accessibility.
About
The walk round the ramparts is Saint-Malo’s unmissable outing. The tourist office gives a length of 1.754 km for the full loop. The Porte Saint-Thomas is often recommended as a starting point, with an immediate view of the Sillon beach, Fort National and the Grand Bé. The wall walk then alternates views of the sea, the forts, Dinard, the harbour and the rooftops of Intra-Muros. Three ramps, at the Saint-Philippe bastion, Moulins Colin and Vauban, make access easier for those who want to avoid the stairs.
What you will see
- Type of site: historic wall walk and maritime urban panorama.
- Main view: the Sillon, Fort National, the Grand Bé, Dinard, the harbour and the rooftops of Intra-Muros.
- Walking time: the full loop is 1.754 km, about 1 h to 1 h 30 with stops.
- Heritage: Saint-Malo’s historic walls and their many bastions.
- The Porte Saint-Thomas is an excellent starting point, with views of the Sillon, Fort National and the Grand Bé.
- Three ramps let you avoid the stairs: the Saint-Philippe bastion, Moulins Colin and Vauban; cobbles can still be difficult for some manual wheelchairs.
Practical information
- Address
- Intra-Muros, 35400 Saint-Malo
- Getting there
- Through several gates and stairways in Intra-Muros
- Public transport
- Very good city access and buses.
- Services
- Many shops, toilets and restaurants in Intra-Muros
- Parking
- Paid car parks around Intra-Muros, very busy in season.
- Pets
- Yes, on a lead, respecting the crowds
- Accessibility
- Three access ramps let you avoid the stairs. Cobbles and some sections can still be difficult.
- Pushchair
- Possible via the ramps, with some less comfortable cobbled areas
- Difficulty
- Very easy to easy, with some cobbles and steps depending on the access
- Safety
- The usual care with children, especially on stairs and high sections
- Best time
- Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
- Photography
- Exceptional for architecture, the sea, the forts and urban panoramas
- Nearby
- Fort National, the Grand Bé, Bon Secours beach, Intra-Muros, the Sillon, Dinard
Tips on the spot
- Check the local weather on the day; in fog or very poor visibility, postpone if the view is your main aim.
- Come in the morning or late in the day for softer light and fewer people.
- Bring a windproof and waterproof layer: the wind makes it feel much colder.
- Wear shoes with good grip; after heavy rain, paths can be muddy or slippery.
- Never cross a fence or safety marking for a better photo, and stay back from the cliff edge in strong wind.
Show 9 more tipsHide
- With children, be especially careful near cliffs, rocks and exposed areas; keep dogs on a lead.
- Stay on the paths to limit erosion, and take all your litter home.
- Do not count on toilets at the viewpoint, and bring water if the site is isolated.
- Do not fly a drone without checking the rules, and do not disturb seabirds.
- For sunset, plan your walk back after dark and bring a small torch.
- Start early to enjoy the ramparts before the crowds.
- With a wheelchair or pushchair, locate the three ramps before your visit.
- Check the tide if you then want to go to the Grand Bé or Fort National.
- Do not just do the southern half: the view of the Sillon to the north is essential.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of viewpoint is it?
A historic wall walk and a maritime urban panorama.
What can you see?
The Sillon, Fort National, the Grand Bé, Dinard, the harbour and the rooftops of Intra-Muros.
Why is it worth the trip?
It is one of the best urban panoramas in Brittany, as a loop with many exits and three access ramps.
How much time should I allow?
1 h to 1 h 30 for the full loop with photo stops.
How far is the walk?
The full loop is 1.754 km, about 1 h to 1 h 30 with stops.
Is it free?
Yes, access to the ramparts is free.
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Read in the journal
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Photograph: Gzen92 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons