Saint-Malo offers a unique opportunity to discover its rich maritime heritage and medieval charm. Walk through the Remparts and admire the breathtaking views of the magnificent coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean while listening to the sound of the waves. As you walk through the fortification gates, you are transported back in time, a real treat for history buffs.
Sainte-Marguerite Cathedral, resplendent in its 12th-century Gothic style. The cathedral’s interior, with its intricate stained glass windows and ornate detailing, illuminates the city’s religious and architectural heritage. And for maritime history, the best way to learn about it is to visit the Solidor Tower. This impressive fortress is now the International Museum of the Passers-by of Cape Horn, where you can delve into the history of the brave sailors who braved the dangerous waters of Cape Horn.
Nature lovers will be delighted by the beauty surrounding Saint-Malo. Plage du Sillon, a beautiful sandy beach stretching for miles, is a great place to sunbathe and swim in the Atlantic. For a more intimate experience, the nearby islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé, accessible only at low tide, are worth a visit.
Grand Bé
Grand Bé is an uninhabited island located 400 meters north-west of Saint-Malo, at the mouth of the Rance river, at the foot of the ramparts, not far from another much smaller island called Petit Bé. Le Grand Bé At low tide it becomes a peninsula and can be reached on foot from Bon-Secours beach.
National Fort
Fort National lies on the small tidal island of Îlette in front of Saint-Malo. The Fort can be reached at low tide from Saint-Malo’s ‘grand plage’ (main beach), opposite the castle. Worth a visit in its own right, the Fort also accommodates a museum that recounts the military events connected with the building, as explained by a guide.
Les Remparts de Saint-Malo
The ramparts of Saint-Malo are an important part of the city’s history and a must-see for tourists. They were built to protect the city from enemy invasions and have now been transformed into a popular tourist attraction. The first ramparts of Saint-Malo were built in the 13th century to protect the city from Norman and English attacks.
A place of history and legend, the birthplace of Chateaubriand, the precursor of Romanticism, Saint-Malo proudly stands with its intact ramparts overlooking its beaches and harbor. A stroll along the rampart walk is a must during your getaway to the Corsair City.
Môle des Noires
The Môle des Noires is the name of a 500-meter-long jetty located at the entrance to the port of Saint-Malo. It serves as a mooring point for boats and also acts as a breakwater. To the right of the jetty is Môle Beach, highly sought after in summer for its exposure.
Solidor Tower
The Solidor tower is located at the mouth of the Rance and composed of three floors and has three round towers 18 meters high and a staircase of 104 steps.
Solidor Tower is a strengthened keep with three linked towers, located in the estuary of the river Rance. It was built between 1369 and 1382 by John V, Duke of Brittany. Over the centuries the tower lost its military interest and became a prison. It is now a museum celebrating Breton sailors exploring Cape Horn.
Saint Vincent Cathedral in Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Vincent-de-Saragosse de Saint-Malo) is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Vincent of Zaragoza. Cathedral with astonishing stained glasses that give the whole interior a delightful violet color.
Saint-Malo Cathedral has undergone several transformations so you will see Romanesque, Gothic, High Gothic and Renaissance styles. However, in 1944 during a battle for the city the cathedral was bombed and the choir section collapsed. It took over 20 years to make the repairs.
Demeure de Corsaire
The Corsair Residence – Hôtel Magon, an 18th-century monument in Saint-Malo, reflects the vibrant past of a distinguished shipowner and privateer. Built in 1725 for François-Auguste Magon de la Lande, shipowner and royal privateer, this “private residence” is now a listed historical monument, proudly withstanding the bombings of 1944. A meticulously restored privateer residence.
The Corsair Residence was listed as a historical monument in 2000. It is one of the last hotels of the shipowner not to have been destroyed during the bombings of World War II in Saint-Malo Intra-Muros! The owner will passionately tell visitors the history of this unique place, built on a surface of 700 square meters and equipped with 60 rooms, 31 of which have an internal fireplace.
Val Beach
Val Beach is located at the foot of the residential area of Rothéneuf. This beautiful stretch of fine sand is a pleasant plant and is appreciated by families. The beach is located at the foot of the direct Château de Val. In summer it is supervised by a lifeguard.
Grand Aquarium Saint Malo
Come and discover one of France’s largest aquariums, with 600 different underwater species from seas all over the world! The Grand Aquarium de Saint Malo is located at the entrance to the corsair city, and is designed to share emotions with the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest.
A visit to the aquarium is based on a fictional story about Jean Kermalo, an explorer from Saint Malo, who sets off on a world tour of the oceans. The exploration of underwater worlds is divided into 9 universes. Highlights include the famous Ring of the Seas or 360-degree circular tank, home to various species of shark, as well as a touch tank where you can come into contact with carp, stingrays, starfish and dogfish.
