Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
29/08/2025
Thanh Ly, Pexels
Saint-Malo is a historic walled city renowned for its dramatic tides, which create an ever-changing coastal landscape. It offers a captivating blend of rich maritime history, beautiful sandy beaches, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it a desirable destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Within the ancient city walls, known as Intra Muros, visitors will discover the heart of Saint-Malo's social activity. This area is home to numerous restaurants, inviting cafes, and charming boutiques, providing ample opportunities to enjoy local cuisine and socialise. The popular Sillon Beach also buzzes with activity during warmer months, offering amenities for beachgoers.
Top 7 Things to do in Saint-Malo
Exploring Saint-Malo involves engaging with its storied past, enjoying scenic coastal walks, and discovering marine life.
1. Walk the Ramparts of Saint-Malo
Circling the historic city for approximately 2 kilometers, the ancient ramparts offer panoramic views of the city's rooftops, the vast bay, and the ever-changing tides. Walking along these defensive walls provides a profound sense of Saint-Malo's maritime heritage and offers excellent photo opportunities. It is particularly striking to witness the powerful waves crashing against the sea walls during high tide. The walk typically takes about 1.5 hours, allowing for stops to admire the views.
Cost: Free to access and explore.
Transport: The ramparts encircle the old town (Intra-Muros), making them easily accessible on foot from any central location.
2. Explore Intra-Muros (The Walled City)
Stepping through one of the ancient gates, visitors are immersed in the heart of Saint-Malo. The narrow, cobbled streets of Intra-Muros are filled with charming boutiques, art galleries, and inviting cafes and restaurants. Wandering through these lanes reveals the city's resilient spirit, rebuilt stone by stone after World War II, yet retaining its historic character. Taking time to simply get lost in the alleys, discover hidden courtyards, and soak in the atmosphere is a highlight.
Cost: Free to wander; costs depend on shopping, dining, and cafe visits.
Transport: Intra-Muros is the city center and is best explored entirely on foot.
3. Visit Fort National
This historic fortress, built in 1689 by Vauban to protect Saint-Malo, sits on a tidal island. It is a unique experience to walk across the sand to reach the fort during low tide, seeing the causeway disappear beneath the waves at high tide. Guided tours, lasting about 35 minutes, provide insights into its military past and offer expansive views of the coastline. It is crucial to check tide schedules before planning a visit for safe access.
Cost: Adult entry is approximately €5, children aged 6-16 pay €3. Group rates are available for adult groups of 10 or more at €4 per person.
Transport: Accessible by foot at low tide from Plage de l'Éventail, located in front of the Château de Saint-Malo.
4. Discover Grand Bé Island and Chateaubriand's Tomb
Another tidal island near Saint-Malo, Grand Bé is accessible on foot during low tide from Bon Secours Beach. The island is notable as the burial place of the famous French writer François-René de Chateaubriand, whose tomb offers a serene and picturesque spot overlooking the sea. Visitors can also explore the island's natural landscape. Access requires careful planning around the tides.
Cost: Free to access. Note: checking tide times is essential.
Transport: Walk from Bon Secours Beach at low tide. Bon Secours Beach is located near the western ramparts, walkable from Intra-Muros.
5. Explore the Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo
This large aquarium provides an immersive journey into various marine ecosystems, from local Brittany waters to tropical and abyssal environments. Key attractions include the Nautibus, a mini-submarine offering a unique underwater exploration, and the Abyssal room, a deep-sea diving simulator. It is an engaging and educational experience, particularly popular with families.
Cost: Tickets typically start from €13.90 for online bookings. Combined tickets may also be available.
Transport: The aquarium is located outside Intra-Muros. Take bus line 1 from 'Talards' (near the train station) or 'Intra-Muros' to 'Aquarium-Cézembre' or 'René Godest' stops. The journey takes approximately 18-22 minutes, with services every 15 minutes. A single bus ticket is around €1.35. A taxi ride costs about €9-€12 and takes 4-5 minutes.
6. Visit the Demeure de Corsaire (House of a Privateer)
Step into the 18th-century mansion of François-Auguste Magon de La Lande, a notable privateer and shipowner. This guided tour offers a glimpse into the life of Saint-Malo's 'gentlemen corsairs,' who, unlike pirates, operated with royal permission. Visitors can explore secret passages, historical salons, and learn about the city's privateering history through fascinating anecdotes and artifacts.
Cost: Adult full rate is €8.50, and children (7-12 years) pay €6. Children under 7 are free.
Transport: Located at 5 rue d'Asfeld, within the Intra-Muros walls, it is easily reachable on foot from anywhere in the old town.
7. Relax on Sillon Beach or Bon Secours Beach
Saint-Malo boasts several beautiful sandy beaches. Sillon Beach is the most expansive and popular, offering a lively atmosphere for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports during warmer months. Bon Secours Beach, nestled against the western ramparts, provides a calmer setting and features a unique seawater swimming pool filled naturally at high tide. Both beaches are perfect for witnessing the dramatic tides and enjoying the coastal scenery.
Cost: Free access.
Transport: Both Sillon Beach and Bon Secours Beach are easily accessible on foot from Intra-Muros.
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