Best Luxury Hotels In Saint
But a brief hop across the channel, Saint-Malo is Brittanys pretty port town. Its location makes it a frequent docking point for cruise liners these days, but its heritage stretches back as far as one century B.C. The towns ramparts and towers stand out on approach, the land edged by golden sandy beaches that, at low tide, provide direct access to nearby islands. A tidal pool provides extra safe swimming opportunities for young families, with dive points a little further out giving older kids and teens hours of fun. Plus there are plenty of outdoor eateries, markets and an aquarium.
Tips For Car Parks In Saint
If you plan to spend a whole day in Saint-Malo, the best option is to park in the Paul Féval car park , open all year round, where free shuttles are available between the car park and the Intra-Muros city. The daily rate is 3.30 for a car and 7.50 for a motorhome. Storing the ticketday gives access for 5 passengers to the Express Féval, the shuttle for the Intra-Muros via the station or line 2 of the bus network, diverted to pass near the Paul Féval car park.
If you are a Kéolis subscriber, the Relais Paul Féval car park is free.
Other Saint Malo Restaurants
- Bistro Autour du Beurre Bordier right next to the Bordier butter shop is this bistro dedicated to creating season dishes with you guessed it, Bordier butter!
- LAbsinthe sourcing from the markets surrounding its location, you get modern French cuisine in a 17th-century building.
- Le Chalut Michelin-starred seafood restaurant, feeling luxurious? Go for the all-lobster menu!
- Le Bistro de Jean this spot is where the locals hang out. Known for their heartier dishes like duck, lamb, and sea bass.
- Le Bulot in the St-Servan neighborhood, this local bistro is known for its salt cod purée and lemon-marinated chicken if it is sunny head out to eat on the wooden terrace. The restaurant has views of Port-Solidor.
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Best Things To Do In Saint
Home»Destinations»15 Best Things To Do In Saint-Malo, France
We didnt know what to expect when we pulled into the charming and historic town of Saint-Malo. This French port town is located in Brittany on the English Channel coast and is probably one of the prettiest places Ive ever been. The walled city has a very long and rich history filled with piracy, war, and tourism, with a ferry serving the English Channel islands.
Saint-Malo is a great place for a day trip, but to really get the most out of your time, I recommend a few days of proper exploration. There is a lot of beauty waiting for you in Saint-Malo. Read on if youre wondering what to do in Saint-Malo.
Stop By The Maison Du Quebec
The Maison du Quebec right on the ramparts focuses on the life of Saint-Malos native son, Jacques Cartier, the explorer and navigator. In the mid-1500s, he traveled across the Atlantic from Saint-Malo to Canada, sailed inland along the Saint Lawrence River, and claimed the land that is today Canada for the French. Apart from being a small museum, this is also a cultural exchange center focusing on all things Canada and Quebec.
Pro Tip: The museum is only open between May and August, and its closed on Tuesdays.
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What To See In Saint
The fortified ramparts are the best place for walking tours in Saint-Malo. From the lofty heights of the two-kilometre-long defence walls, you’ll easily spot the spiky tower of medieval Cathédrale Saint-Vincentdominating the skyline, and come across bastions and forts that were built to protect the city from attack by sea. From there, go on to explore the old town. Once inside the tangle of cobbled streets that is Intra-Muros, landmarks include the Musée d’Histoire de la Ville, celebrating the city’s fishing and nautical heritage, set in a mighty 15th-century Saint-Malo castle constructed by the all-powerful Dukes of Brittany. A walk around this lively little enclave leads past stately corsairs’ palaces to the charming Place Chateaubriand, the perfect spot to sip a Brittany cider under gaily striped cafe awnings.
Tips For Visiting Saint Malo France
Saint-Malo weather is always going to be a factor, I liken its location to the USs Pacific Northwest so it is often cold, cloudy and rainy. If you search for images of Saint-Malo you will often find the photos have clouds!
There are some glorious days in late spring, and the summer is usually just gorgeous, which is why Saint Malo beaches are pretty popular with the Parisians. But as always, we prefer to visit during the shoulder season, even offseason if we can. The St Malo weather might not be ideal at these times, but what we give up in sunshine we make up for in the ability to wander the streets without the crowds.
Like most of the Brittany coast, the culture, traditions, and food come from either the sea or from the people who live and work on it. For example, that delicious, buttery Kouign Amann that I raved about in Dinan, was created to comfort sailors who had been out on the sea for months and needed something to fatten them up after only having the slimmest of pickings for food.
The Sentier des douaniers coastal hiking trails were the result of paths created by customs or coastguard officials looking for smugglers with illegal goods .
I love the Breton humor in general, they are very sarcastic and love to make fun of themselves, but always with a ferocious pride. My friend Alexine did a walking tour through the town and visited spots I missed, check out her promenade en armoreux.
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See The Saint Malo Waves And Take A Tidal Tour
The Saint-Malo waves are a powerful sight to see! The area boasts the highest tides in Europe, with water that can rise 13 meters over the course of six hours. The sea has high waves almost every month at the full moon, though the highest tides occur around the equinoxes, in March and September. If you are lucky enough to visit during these times, be sure to watch the Saint Malo waves crash into the walls from a safe distance!
When the tide goes out, take a walk on the beach from the Plage de lEventail to the island of Grand Bé with a naturalist who will explain the ecosystem and landscape as you go. The tour costs 8 Euros , takes place in the afternoon sometime between Friday and Monday depending on the month, and is capped at 35 people. It departs from the tourism office find more information at the Office de Tourisme Communautaire Saint-Malo Baie du Mont Saint-Michel.
Another great tour is the
See The Malouinires Houses
These elegant and luxurious houses are located all over the city, remnants from the age of privateering richly decorated houses built by ship owners and privateers. The houses are collectively known as the Malouinières, with the most famous being the Puits Sauvage , which is still owned by the descendants of the original occupants.
The month of September is a heritage month for Saint-Malo, and the houses are available to visit. But in the off months, you can do self-guided tours through the neighborhoods and see the groupings of lavish houses and the surrounding buildings like bakeries and stables.
- Location: All over Saint-Malo
- Insider tip: Dont miss the huge glass greenhouse containing an incredible cactus garden.
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Explore The Islands Of Grand Be And Petit Be
Just off the coast are two islands, Grand Be and Petit Be but they are islands only when the tide is in. When the tide is out, you can walk across the beach and designated cobbled paths all the way to the islands and explore the forts on each one. Its a lovely walk that allows you a different perspective of the Intra Muros town and fortifications. When across, you can visit Fort National on one island, and the tomb of the writer and politician Chateaubriand on the other.
If you have any flexibility as to when you visit Saint-Malo, take a look at the tidal calendar and pick a day when low tide is during the day.
Pro Tip: When you get the warning to leave the islands because the tide is incoming, do heed it. The tide comes in at an incredible pace, and you dont want to be marooned on a rock in the sea for 12 hours.
La Maison Des Armateurs
Grand Hotel de Courtoisville is located in the center of Saint Malo right by the sea and surrounded by a large flower garden. It is a 20-minute walk from the old Saint Malo and offers a heated indoor swimming pool, equipped with a hydrotherapy massage system. Each of its guest rooms are large, well appointed and comfortable. They are equipped with modern en suite facilities and provide a relaxing living space for the length of your stay. You can enjoy simply refined cuisines including fish and seafood specialties, which are made using the freshest local produce in the hotelâs restaurant.
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Mercure Saint Malo Balmoral
The Hotel Beaufort is located directly on Silicon Beach which is overlooking the Bay of Saint Malo. They provide a wide range of rooms as per your choice. If you are lucky enough then you will also get a private bathroom and a private terrace. Each room is serviced by a lift, and you will have direct access to the beach and it is also close to the Thermes Marins spa center. If you like beaches, beach walking, and promenades, then this is the best choice for you. The rooms in this hotel offer flat-screen TVs and free internet access in the lobby.
Shopping In Saint Malo
Just like Brittany is home to crepes and cider, it is home to the iconic French blue-and-white tops made famous by Coco Chanel. So, if you like anything striped, then Saint-Malo will be your shopping Heaven youll find rain jackets with striped linings, striped rainboots, striped mugs, striped kitchen decor, striped bags, and of course, striped shirts.
Walk around the cobbled, pedestrianized Rue Saint-Vincent and its many side lanes, and youll find striped things galore as well as the famed Brittany biscuits, quirky souvenirs, and lots of small boutiques.
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Visit The Musee Dhistoire De Saint
Built by the Dukes of Brittany in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Chateau de Saint-Malo is not only a great-looking fortified castle, but it also holds the citys history museum, with its many interesting and eclectic exhibits.
Take your time and climb all the way to the top. At times the climb is steep, but you can catch your breath on the various floors on the way up. Get your camera ready the views are simply superb. Look out over the higgledy-piggledy old town and across the marina, the beaches, and the islands. These are the best views in town, by far.
Pro Tip: The museum closes for lunch between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., so be sure to take that into consideration when planning your visit.
Best Restaurants In Saint
Blessed with rich pickings from the English Channel, Saint-Malo’s cuisine has always been centred on the very freshest of seafood, with the best restaurants in Saint-Malo serving lavish platters of lobsters, oysters and mussels. You’ll also have no problem finding that other staple of Breton cooking, the crêpe, as it appears on menus in its various guises sweet, savoury or as a galette snack made from buckwheat flour in eateries across charming Intra-Muros. Although Brittany does produce some fine white wines, it is far, far better known for its dry apple cider, served chilled with anything from moules-frites to a Far Breton custard flan or the buttery, caramelised kouign amann cake made with slim layers of pastry. To round off a Breton feast, regional digestives to taste include chouchen cider fermented with honey and served icy cold or lambig, which is Brittany’s answer to Normandy’s calvados and aged in oak casks.
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Walk The Beach Promenade Alongside The Grand Plage Du Sillon
Brittany does beaches and coastlines better than any other region. To enjoy the stretch of coast, even on a short visit, walk the promenade alongside the large beach toward the east part of Intra Muros. The white sand, the ocean, and the ancient tree trunks that act as a breakwater make for a relaxing walk, and the view of Saint-Malo is just lovely.
Pro Tip: If you have time, pop into the day spa of the Grand Hotel des Thermes for a thalasso treatment.
Things To Do In Saint Malo France
Saint-Malo is a beautiful, walled port city in Brittany, France. This area of the Bretagne coast boasts the highest tides in Europe, with water that can rise 13m over the course of six hours. But visiting the amazing Saint Malo beach is not the only thing to do there are lots of things to do in Saint Malo to make for a fantastic weekend visit.
Saint-Malo, France is a 4-hour and 20-minute drive from Paris. Its doable for a day trip, but there are so many things to do in Saint-Malo and the surrounding area that I recommend spending a weekend or even a week! Saint-Malo is also only one hour from Mont Saint-Michel, so it is also a perfect add-on to a trip there.
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When To Visit Saint
With a maritime temperate climate of mild summers and cool winters, but prone to rainfall at all times of the year, tourism in Saint-Malo is year round. It sees an influx of visitors to laze on the fabulous beaches in July and August. You’ll find plenty to do whenever you visit Saint-Malo, as dates for the diary include a sacred music festival in summer and numerous events celebrating regional arts, literature and gastronomy throughout the year. One of the major annual draws is the beachside Route du Rock, bringing in big-name international bands along with thousands of rock fans in August.
The Hotel Were Wonderful
The hotel were wonderful . I had a problem I was supposed to. be released from hospital but the doctors did not agree . So the hotel did not charge me they managed to let the room for me .I will certainly stay here next time I am in Saint Malo
- From $85 per night7.5Good642 reviews
It’s a simple, but very clean and cozy hotel. The bed was comfortable, the shower is warm, and nothing is smell here inside. Check in and check out is contactless and perfect. We was in a room for 3 person. At first night was a little noise from neighbours, but second was ideally silent. 15 minutes slow walking to old city. Around several cafes and good shop in the front of the hotel. Ideal for the several night. I’m strongly recommended to stay. Hope, we will visit this hotel next time.Thank you, Le Britannic!
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Free Car Parks In Saint
theparking in Saint-Malo seems more and more difficult. Nevertheless, by doing some research, it is quite possible to find free parking in st malo . However, you will have to arrive early enough to be able to enjoy it. If you have trouble finding parking in Saint-Malo intramural , the nearby parking spaces will interest you. Some of them will cost you nothing. The nearest free car park is in Rocabey. Place de Rocabey has 130 free parking spaces open from Monday to Sunday, and all day. It is not impossible that you will find a placeavailable behind the cemetery or in front of the Rocabey church.
Plenty Of Places To Eat And Drink Food Very Limited If You
Plenty of places to eat and drink, food very limited if you have fussy eaters like I had. Beautiful area St Malo. Buses are brilliant and very reasonable. a must do is the Madeline shopping area 2 euros on the number 2 bus, and also a must is the AuquaMalo swimming complex, 4 euros on the number 1 bus, men must wear speedos/trunks, no swim shorts allowed so an added expense but worth it for the 3 hours we had there. Children and adults have so much fun! Food/drinks are limited so take your own.
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Places To Visit Near St Malo France
- Rochers Sculptees : These sculpted rocks hug the cliffs along the Emerald Coast above the sea and were carved by abbot Adolphe Julien Fouéré who was deaf and mute from 1894 to 1907. They are worth viewing and when you have satisfied your curiosity you can enjoy a seafood lunch or dinner at the restaurant right above the cliffs at Le Benetin , an exceptional seafood restaurant with a stunning view.
- Visit the medieval village of Dinan, just 30-45 minutes away.
- Cancale a fishing port and oyster capital of France, also where our favorite creperie is! 30-minutes from Saint-Malo.
- Mont Saint-Michel, the UNESCO World Heritage medieval monastery built on top of a single rock cut off to the French coast at high tide is 1 hour from St Malo. Here is a great From St. Malo: Mont Saint-Michel Private Full Day Tour.
- Fougères another medieval fortress-of-a-town with a chateau and half-timbered homes 1-hour from Saint-Malo.
- Fort La Latte, a historic 14th-century fort/chateau on the coast that is absolutely worth the 1-hour drive from Saint-Malo.
- Cap Frehel peninsula in Côtes-dArmor with 2 well-known lighthouses, a 1-hour drive from Saint-Malo.