Saint-Malo Corsair Festival
Immerse yourself in Saint-Malo's privateer history with parades, period costumes, and historical reenactments inside the walled city.
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Try these thick, crumbly biscuits made with lightly salted butter. Found in traditional bakeries within Intra-Muros.
Although from the neighboring town, Saint-Malo serves excellent fresh oysters. Visit a coastal brasserie to enjoy them.
Salted caramel is omnipresent here, as ice cream, spread, or in crêpes. Try it at a sweet shop or gelateria in the old town.
A bustling street in the old town known for its culinary specialties, cheese shops, and delicatessens.
Look for classic blue-and-white striped Breton sailor shirts in the fashion boutiques within Intra-Muros.
A large English landscape park just outside the center, offering expansive views over the Rance river estuary.
A beach right against the fortress walls. It is wonderfully peaceful here, especially early in the morning.
Water temperature…
Immerse yourself in Saint-Malo's privateer history with parades, period costumes, and historical reenactments inside the walled city.
Join us for a friendly backgammon session in Saint-Malo and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of gaming.
Discover the fascinating history of Saint-Malo's privateers and their legendary voyages across the oceans.
Enjoy festive events and special entertainment programs in the historic heart of Saint-Malo.
A vibrant celebration of global traditions through dance, music, and colorful costumes in Saint-Malo.
Immerse yourself in the ancient history of the region with this unique historical experience in Saint-Malo.
Visit the major summer exhibition in Saint-Malo dedicated to the famous cowboy Lucky Luke.
A special exhibition celebrating the works of Georges Rouault in his beloved city of Saint-Malo.
Explore the mysterious streets of Saint-Malo under the stars with an atmospheric guided tour.
Discover the historical links between France and Canada at the impressive Fort du Petit Bé.
Saint-Malo is a historic walled port city located on the Emerald Coast in Brittany, renowned for its massive granite ramparts that enclose the Intra-Muros district. Originally established on a rocky island, the city rose to prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries as a stronghold for privateers, or corsairs, who raided merchant shipping under royal commission. The Saint-Vincent Cathedral, featuring a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, serves as the centerpiece of the old town, which was painstakingly reconstructed after being 80% destroyed in 1944. The Bay of Saint-Malo experiences some of the highest tides in Europe, with water levels fluctuating by as much as 13 meters between high and low tide. During low tide, various offshore landmarks such as the Fort National and the island of Grand Bé, where the writer Chateaubriand is buried, become accessible on foot. Today, Saint-Malo is a premier ferry terminal and a major hub for international sailing events, maintaining its reputation as one of France's most prestigious maritime destinations.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 71 | 60 | 57 | 45 | 56 | 49 | 50 | 50 | 44 | 77 | 82 | 83 |
See what it looks like near Saint-Malo right now.
Saint-Malo › North: National Fort - Grande Plage du Sillon · 0.3 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day at the majestic Porte Saint-Vincent, the gateway to the walled city. A walk along the Remparts offers spectacular views of the Emerald Coast and the granite facades of Intra-Muros. At noon, dive into the narrow streets to enjoy local gastronomy. In the afternoon, relax on Bon-Secours beach or take a dip in the sea water pool. If the tide allows, walk over to Grand Bé island to visit the tomb of Chateaubriand. End the day at the Bastion de la Hollande as the sun slowly sinks into the sea, illuminating the sailboats on the horizon.
Start your day sheltered by Porte Saint-Vincent. A walk on the ramparts offers a dramatic spectacle of crashing waves despite the rain. At noon, seek refuge in the Cathedral and the cozy bistros of the old town. In the afternoon, the beach air is refreshing even under gray skies, and the evening concludes with a misty, atmospheric view from the Bastion de la Hollande.
Experience the raw face of Brittany in winter. The crisp air at Porte Saint-Vincent awakens the senses. At noon, the sun warms the sheltered corners of the ramparts, while the Cathedral offers a peaceful silence. The afternoon beach walk is brief as the early twilight bathes the Bastion de la Hollande in magical blue light.
Discover the Saint-Malo coast beyond the walls by bike. The route takes you along Sillon beach to the wild cliffs of Pointe de la Varde. A highlight is the fascinating Rothéneuf rock carvings, hewn directly into the coastal granite. After a quiet picnic in the bay, head back south towards the charming Saint-Servan district. Here, the Tour Solidor dominates the Rance estuary. The tour ends at Cité d'Aleth, the historical birthplace of the city, with an unparalleled panorama of the walled city and the open sea.
A bike ride in the rain requires determination but rewards you with empty paths. Along the Sillon, sea spray lashes across the bike path. At noon, the Rothéneuf rocks offer a dramatic sight before you warm up in Saint-Servan. The tour ends with a refreshing ride through the mist of Cité d'Aleth.
Winter cycling in Saint-Malo means clear horizons and biting cold. Frost glitters on the Sillon. The ride to Pointe de la Varde requires warm clothing against the north wind. After a quick stop at the rock carvings, warm up in Saint-Servan before enjoying the golden light of the low sun at Cité d'Aleth.
By car, you can explore the surroundings of Saint-Malo to the fullest. Start the morning at the impressive Grand Aquarium before driving to the picturesque fishing village of Cancale, world-famous for its oysters. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze right at the harbor. In the afternoon, the journey leads to Pointe du Grouin, where a breathtaking panorama over the ocean awaits. A short detour across the Rance dam takes you to Dinard, the elegant seaside resort with British flair. On the way back, stop at the tidal power station, a technical marvel that harnesses the power of the moon.
The car is the perfect companion for a rainy day in the bay. Start dry at the Aquarium before driving to Cancale. The view of the oyster beds is fascinating even in the rain. Pointe du Grouin shows its wildest side. An evening in Dinard offers a charming view of illuminated Saint-Malo despite the clouds.
In winter, the car provides comfort to explore the vast Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel warmly. The Aquarium is pleasantly empty in the morning. In Cancale, the atmosphere is quiet and authentic. Pointe du Grouin offers spectacular, clear views of the winter sea. The day ends in the soft light of the Rance estuary while the heater ensures well-being.
Famous for its wooden breakwaters, this long sandy beach stretches along the coast of Saint Malo. The dramatic tides give the location a fascinating, ever-changing atmosphere. It is an excellent place to go for a walk and watch the natural spectacle of the tidal range. Caution is advised when walking along the shore during high tide.
