France > France regions > Brittany > Ille-et-Vilaine > Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is on the north-eastern coast of Brittany.
The town is perhaps best known as a major arrival point for ferries from the UK to France, but it is also a very impressive town to visit in its own right - don't just go hurtling through!
Saint Malo built its wealth during the 16th to 18th centuries, when it was a base for many 'official pirates' - these were ships approved by the King of France to attack and seize the goods from ships of other nations. It was a profitable trade as evidenced by the town that we can now see - and also its fortifications.
The town was very largely destroyed during the invasion of France in 1944 and much of what we now see is a reconstruction, albeit one of the very highest quality in meticulous detail.
One of the best ways to discover St Malo is to take the 2 km walk around the high, sturdy ramparts that encircle the town, with good views of the town itself and also of the beaches, coast and surrounding area. This part of the town is on a peninsula with water more or less all around.
This will be followed by an exploration of the walled city of Saint-Malo within the ramparts, known as 'Intra-Muros', to admire the grand granite houses dating from the days of the pirates. Enter through the impressive Porte St Vincent (which also accesses the rampart walk).
Other highlights include the 12th century Saint Vincent cathedral in the centre of the intra-muros; the Parc de la Briantais, which is an attractive very large open park area which offers good views; and there are some interesting exhibits about the history of St Malo in the town museum.
Just off the coast and accessible only at low tode are two small islands (Petit Bé and Grand Bé), one of which holds the 17th century, Vauban designed, National Fort.
Saint-Malo: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
|
|
Plan a visit to Saint-Malo, France
Hotels Saint-Malo
Holiday rentals / travel
Property for sale Saint-Malo |
PV Holidays, Saint-Malo
|
Map of Saint-Malo, France |
Places to visit - Saint-Malo
Explore places within about 70 kilometres on a map at Visit Saint-Malo.
Some of the closer places are listed below (distances from Saint-Malo are approximate and direct - as the crow flies. Only places listed on the france this way site are shown!)
- Dinan Breton town at 22 km
- Dinard Coastal town at 6 km
- Cancale Town at 20 km
- Plancoet Town at 28 km
- Emerald Coast Brittany coastal region at 0 km
Tourist Classifications for Saint-Malo
- Town is "Ville Fleurie category 4" (ie good attention to gardens and flowers)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Saint-Malo when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
