There is something remarkable about sunbathing on the sand of St. Malo Beach surrounded by the rustic backdrop of the city ramparts and an island fortress. At low tide, the water appears to drain away completely and you can walk to Fort National. Enjoy fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants at the back of the beach with a view of the English Channel.
The region’s specialty is the oysters that are caught at Cancale nearby. There are also many stalls and cafés just the other side of the walls from the beach. In the south of the city, find the Plage du mole, which is small and sheltered. Amble along the Mole des Noires jetty and gaze up at the Bastion de la Hollande.
The low tide is so strong that it is quite a walk to find water at certain times in the day. Visit the artificial pool that retains seawater at all times in the Plage de Bon Secours section of the beach. At low tide, you can walk to the Grand Bé beach on an island that harbors the tomb of famous writer Chateaubriand, who was buried there in 1848. Capture photos of the elegant cross that faces the English Channel.
Further out is the Petit Bé, a smaller island that can also be reached on foot at low tide. See the fort that dates back to the 17th century and learn about the tides at the small exhibition.
The main section of beach is known as the Grande Plage. Stay at one of its many hotels facing the water. Sunbathe on the spacious beach to work on your tan.
St. Malo Beach stretches along the northern coast of the city, facing the south of England from where you can take a ferry from Portsmouth, Plymouth and the Channel Islands to reach the beach within a couple of hours. The beach is just on the other side of the walls that surround the small city and is easy to walk to from the city centre.
