saint malo

Capital of the sea totally opened to the sea, the town is definitely the jewel of the Emerald Coast and as well a famous sea side resort. Forever stamped by History, legends and well known people, the authentic corsair city also boasts its ramparts and ancient monuments. Come to visit Saint Malo all year around to discover magnificent sites, its iodised and tonic climate, as well as breathtaking coastal sceneries.

Some examples of tourist sites:

The Walled City
The Saint Malo Castle
The Cathedral Saint Vincent
The Island of Grand Bé
The Island of the Petit Bé
The National Fort Island
The Privateer’s House
The Jacques Cartier Museum
The House of Chateaubriand
The Hotel Magon
The Harbour
International Museum of the Long-Cours
Park of the Briantais
Malouinière Du Puit Sauvage
The Great Aquarium

The Walled City

Destroyed in 1944, the city of Saint Malo was completely rebuilt in its original style which makes it unique in France. Come and admire the breathtaking view of the bay of Saint Malo as you walk the two kilometres of the ramparts that surround the walled town, from Saint Vincent Gate to Saint Thomas Gate.

The Saint Malo

Castle Built through many centuries, the Saint Malo Castle represented the royal power. Its big dungeon of thirty four metres dominates the entry of the city that it used to protect. From that sentry post, you get a beautiful panorama of the city. Nowadays, the castle welcomes the Museum of history of Saint Malo. The museum mentions the history of the city and especially that one its Corsairs. It also tells the story of another child native from the town, the author Chateaubriand. Finally, don’t miss the Musée of Ethnography in the "Tour Générale". It retraces the good days of the fishing.

The Cathedral of Saint Vincent

The original church, built in the 9th century, was burnt down during the attack by the Franks. Rebuilt by the archbishop Jean De Châtillon in the 12th century, it became a cathedral in 1146. Constructed over nearly seven centuries, it was finished in 1987 when the spires of the shape of a granite arrow were fitted.

The island of Grand Bé

The island of Grand Bé is a tidal island near Saint Malo. It is located at the mouth of the Rance River, a few hundred metres from the walls of Saint Malo. At low tide, the island can be reached on foot from the nearby Bon Secours Beach. On the island are the remains of an ancient fort. You can also see the tomb of the famous author François René de Chateaubriand facing to the sea.

The island of Petit Bé

On Petit Bé is a fort built in the 17th century. It was part of the defense belt designed by Vauban to protect the city of Saint Malo from British and Dutch fleets. This belt also in included the Fort National, the Fort Harbour, the Fort de la Conchée, the fort of Cézembre and Pointe de la Varde (these last two have been destroyed) and the wall of the city. The Forts were built by the Saint Malo engineer Siméon Garangeau. Property of the French Army until 1885, the fort has been returned to the city of Saint Malo. It became a historical monument in 1921.

The National Fort Island

Formerly called Royal Fort and also Imperial Fort during the years of the First and the Second Empire, the current National Fort was built in 1689 by the engineer Siméon Garangeau. It was ordered by Louis XIV and created according to Vauban’s plans. Advanced Bastion of the city of privateer, it is part of the fortifications which were established from the Fort de la Latte to the Pointe de la Varde.

The Privateers House

Welcome to the home of François-Auguste Magon de la Lande, privateer and Merchant. François-Auguste Magon was one of the most powerful ship-owners in the heydays of Saint Malo and also a director of the French East India Company. His house, built in 1725, is listed as an historic monument (exterior and interior) so as to protect its authenticity and to ensure that the restorations respect historical accuracy.

The Jacques Cartier Museum

The Jacques Cartier Museum, also called the Limoëlou manor, is the only heritage from Jacques Cartier who has discovered Canada in 1534. This great explorer of the European XVI century opened France to North American Continent by the Saint Laurent River. Restored and fitted to recall its owner’s everyday life and travels, the manor is a unique and touching testimony which visit must not be missed.

The House of Chateaubriand

This brilliant writer was born in the city of Saint Malo. Today his native house perpetuates the souvenir with the watchword (however today a little modified) that we can also see on the Combourg Castle “My blood ties the French Banner”. That Watchword appeared during the reign of king Saint Louis. It is in Combourg that the famous author found his romantic inspiration but it is in the city of Saint Malo that he wanted to rest forever.

The Harbour

The harbour of Saint Malo, in feet of ramparts, often welcomes leading guests: three masts and old “gréément” of any kind. Malouins people are not grow of observing the preparations for the race: The Road of Rum.

International Museum of the Long-Cours Cap-Hornier

The museum is situated in the Saint Servan Quarter. Discover testimonies concerning the history of the sailing in Long-Cours and especially Cape Horn sailors. The museum is on four floors in the Solidor Tower. It retraces the discovery of the Cape Horn and the life of the Cape Horn sailor thanks to maps, famous sailor’s portraits, models of ships, details of superstructure and photos.

Park of the Briantais

Overhanging the estuary of the River Rance, this exquisite park will make you discover in bends of the path magnificent sights and seascapes. The Castle regularly welcomes expositions of paintings and sculptures.

The Great Aquarium

The Great Aquarium invites you for a total immersion. Enjoy the unique collection of fish from the cold seas to the hot seas, from the salt water to the fresh water. A real disorientation among more than 600 species: sharks, giants crabs, barracudas, turtles and piranhas…

Some examples of tourist sites in the neighbourhood: