Saint Malo

Saint-Malo: The Corsair City at the Gateway to the Ocean

Perched on the Emerald Coast, Saint-Malo is a city where history and the sea intertwine in a spectacular setting. A privateer city, an impregnable fortress, the birthplace of illustrious sailors, it embodies the adventurous and maritime spirit of Brittany.

A Fortified City with Exceptional Heritage

As soon as you arrive, the ramparts of Saint-Malo impose their majesty. These granite walls, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, surround the old city within the walls, offering sublime panoramas of the sea, the port and the surrounding islands. The walk on the ramparts is an immersion in history, punctuated by breathtaking views and powerful bastions.

In the heart of the city, the cobbled streets reveal a unique architectural heritage, between privateer houses, lively squares and historic buildings such as the Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Largely destroyed during the Second World War, Saint-Malo was rebuilt with a desire to preserve its authenticity, thus retaining the charm of its old stones.

A Past of Sailors and Explorers

Saint-Malo was the birthplace of some of the greatest French navigators and explorers. Among them, Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada in 1534, and Robert Surcouf, a fearsome privateer who scoured the seas in the service of France.

The Saint-Malo History Museum, located in the Château de Saint-Malo, immerses visitors in this fascinating maritime epic, retracing the exploits of the privateers and the great maritime expeditions that marked the history of the city.

The Essentials of Saint-Malo

• The ramparts and the old town: A panoramic walk offering spectacular views of the sea.
• The National Fort: Built by Vauban in 1689, it can be visited at low tide and bears witness to the city's military past.
• Le Grand Bé: Islet accessible on foot at low tide, where François-René de Chateaubriand, a writer born in Saint-Malo, rests.
• The beaches of Sillon: Huge stretches of sand perfect for a seaside stroll or a swim opposite the fortified town.
• The Jacques Cartier Museum: Located in the home of the famous explorer, this museum traces his incredible journey to Canada.

A Port Open to the World

Thanks to its strategic position, Saint-Malo is also a gateway to the Channel Islands and England. Ferries provide regular connections to Jersey, Guernsey and Portsmouth, making the city a true maritime crossroads.

Why Visit Saint-Malo?

Whether you are passionate about history, a lover of seascapes or looking for adventure, Saint-Malo offers a unique experience. With its old fortified town, its wild beaches and its vibrant maritime atmosphere, the corsair city seduces travelers in search of escape and discovery.

Come and explore Saint-Malo, where the wind and legends still blow over the ancient stones!

See the Saint Malo website