Viewpoint
Tour Solidor
Saint-Servan / Saint-Malo · Ille-et-Vilaine
A heritage viewpoint over the Rance and Saint-Servan, around a 14th-century medieval tower that is no longer open for regular visits.
- Suggested time
- 30 minutes to 1 hour with a walk along the quays and towards the Cité d’Alet.
- Type of place
- Viewpoint
- Atmosphere
- Historic, calm and very maritime.
- Getting there
- Easy access via the Saint-Servan district and the Cale Saint-Père; the view is mainly from outside.
Who this place suits
- With family
- 9/10
- As a couple
- 9/10
- With friends
- 8/10
- Solo
- 9/10
- With a dog
- 7/10
- Reduced mobility
- 8/10
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 Tour Solidor stands in Saint-Servan, on the banks of the Rance. Begun in the late 14th century under Duke John IV of Brittany and altered early in the following century, it controlled the estuary and its trade. The museum that occupied the tower closed to the public in 2019, along with the other former sites of the History Museum. In 2026, the tower is therefore not open for regular visits inside, although occasional events, such as the European Archaeology Days or Heritage Days, may be held there. The view from outside remains very worthwhile.
What you will see
- Type of site: a medieval monument and viewpoint over the Rance.
- Main view: the Rance, the quays of Saint-Servan, the Cité d’Alet and the estuary landscapes.
- Walking: direct access from the Saint-Servan district.
- Heritage: a tower begun in the late 14th century under John IV of Brittany, then altered under John V.
- Environment: the Rance estuary and the historic district of Saint-Servan.
- The Tour Solidor museum closed to the public in 2019.
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- The tower can still open occasionally for events.
- Archaeology visits were held in June and September 2026.
Practical information
- Address
- 9 cale Saint-Père, 35400 Saint-Malo
- Getting there
- Easy access via the Saint-Servan district and the Cale Saint-Père; the view is mainly from outside
- Public transport
- Very good urban public transport
- Services
- Restaurants, shops and services in Saint-Servan
- Parking
- Street parking in Saint-Servan; plan ahead in season
- Pets
- Yes, on a lead in outdoor areas
- Accessibility
- Good outdoor access in several areas; the inside of the tower is closed
- Pushchair
- Yes, on the quays and developed promenades
- Difficulty
- Very easy
- Safety
- Usual care by the water and on the quays
- Best time
- Late afternoon, for the light on the Rance; all year
- Photography
- Excellent for medieval architecture and the Rance
- Nearby
- The Cité d’Alet, Bas-Sablons beach, Saint-Servan, Intra-Muros, the Rance
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.
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- 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.
- Do not come expecting to visit the inside freely.
- Check the cultural programme if you want to go inside the tower.
- Combine it with the Cité d’Alet.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of viewpoint is it?
A medieval monument and viewpoint over the Rance.
What can you see from it?
The Rance, the quays of Saint-Servan, the Cité d’Alet and the estuary landscapes.
Why is it worth the detour?
A beautiful view over the Rance and the Cité d’Alet, best enjoyed from around the outside of the tower.
How much time should I allow?
30 minutes to 1 hour with a walk along the quays and towards the Cité d’Alet.
Can I go inside?
Not for regular visits; the tower only opens for occasional events.
Is the site free?
The outside is free. The inside is closed for regular visits, except for occasional events.
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Traveller reviews
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Photograph: Pline · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons