Saint-Malo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo which includes food
Saint-Malo showing heritage elements and general coastal views
Saint-Malo showing art
St. Malo Beach which includes heritage elements, a bay or harbour and general coastal views

A real gem on the Emerald Coast, Saint Malo has a rich maritime history once renowned for buccaneering. Are you ready for an adventure? Then step aboard, me hearties!

This is one of those places where time seems to have stood still. A major maritime centre in the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint Malo is full of treasures surrounded by an impenetrable fortress. In addition to its exceptional architecture, this rocky peninsula is best known for its walled townwithimposing granite ramparts.

Start your visit at Saint Vincent Gate where you can climb the walls and walk along the top. More than a mile long, this route is a great place to take in the sea air and enjoy the magnificent views of the bay. From the Bidouane Tower to the Bastion of Holland, passing by the Notre-Dame Tower, you can enjoy one viewpoint after another, each more beautiful than the last. You will be able to make out the Small Bay and the Large Bay, a wild island which houses the tomb of the writer Chateaubriand and, if the weather is fine, you will even see the famous Fréhel Cape. As you walk around the ramparts and the town’s streets, you will pass by a number of bronze statues of famous locals from history, such as the explorer Jacques Cartier who discovered Canada in the 16th century and the naval officer Duguay-Trouin.

To the north of the town, a few hundred metres from Éventail beach, is the National Fort, a remarkable structure which was built by the great architect Vauban at the end of the 17th century to protect the town’s prosperous port. This astounding place perched on an islet will delight anyone interested in military architecture, but be aware that it can only be reached at low tide! Next, drop in to the impressive Château de Saint-Malo for a visit to the Musée d’histoire et traditions maritimes du Pays malouin [Museum of the history and maritime traditions of St Malo], which tells the story of the town and the great names that made it what it is.

If history isn’t your cup of tea and you would rather spend your holidays getting a boost of adrenalin, why not try some of the many sporting activities on offer here, such as sand yachting, diving and windsurfing. Saint Malo is also the starting point for the famous Route du Rhum sailing boat race to Guadeloupe which takes place every four years and gives visitors the chance to witness some incredible vessels taking to the water.

So where do kids fit into all this? Your little treasures will love the extremely fun Grand Aquarium and the Les P’tits Pirates leisure park with its inflatables and trampolines for budding buccaneers!

You can get to Saint Malo by ferry, air, road or rail. Ferry crossings are available from several ports on the south coast of England, including Portsmouth and Plymouth. Trains from Paris take about three hours, involving a change of train in Rennes. Dinard Airport, less than 10 miles from Saint Malo, has flights arriving from several UK airports including London Stansted.

Saint Malo is a fascinating maritime town brimming with natural treasures and a unique history.

Where to stay in Saint-Malo

St. Malo Beach which includes heritage elements, a bay or harbour and general coastal views

Intra Muros

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Cafes, historical sites and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Intra Muros. Make a stop by St. Vincent Cathedral or St. Malo Citadel while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Intra Muros
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Rocabey - Alsace - Gare

5/5(2 area reviews)

Uncover some of the top draws of Rocabey - Alsace - Gare like its waterfront views and historical sites. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, stop by Sillon Beach or Port of Saint-Malo.

Rocabey - Alsace - Gare

Parame

Parame is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Plage de Rochebonne and Plage de La Hoguette while you're in town.

Parame
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Courtoisville-Sillon-Moka

4.5/5(34 area reviews)

The beaches and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Courtoisville-Sillon-Moka. A stop by Grande Plage or Sillon Beach might round out your trip.

Courtoisville-Sillon-Moka
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Saint-Servan

4/5(18 area reviews)

Waterfront views, historical sites and restaurants are just a few things travellers enjoy about Saint-Servan. Check out Plage de Solidor or Plage des Corbières while you're exploring the area.

Saint-Servan
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Saint-Ideuc

You'll appreciate the beaches during your time in Saint-Ideuc and you might want to plan a stop by Plage de Rochebonne and Plage du Minihic while you're in the area.

Saint-Ideuc
Hôtel France et Chateaubriand
Hôtel France et Chateaubriand
3 out of 5
12 Place Chateaubriand, Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
The price is £121 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£121
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Saint-Malo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (892 reviews)
"Great locations"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Hôtel France et Chateaubriand
Kyriad Prestige Saint-Malo
Kyriad Prestige Saint-Malo
3 out of 5
4, Rue de la Guymauvière, Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
The price is £115 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£115
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Saint-Malo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Perfect location for old town and ferry port... No issues ,big comfy bed ,but no UK tv stations..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Kyriad Prestige Saint-Malo
Hôtel des Marins
Hôtel des Marins
3 out of 5
2 Rue Des Marins, Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
The price is £111 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£111
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Saint-Malo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (862 reviews)
"Very nice hotel in the centre of old/tourist area. Walk from the train is about 15 minutes. Otherwise all the restaurants, the ramparts and all the tourist stuff is right next door so you can pop in your room any time if you forget something, etc. Two comments: the water in the shower is set to a ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Hôtel des Marins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
3 out of 5
33, rue Georges V, Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified residence in Saint-Malo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Saint-Malo Ferry Port ...
8/10 Very Good! (263 reviews)
Great for cyclists using the ferry.
"Very handy for the ferry. Secure internal storage for our bicycles. Just wish we could get decent firm pillows when in France. I always get a stiff neck with these soft square French ones."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
Résidence Reine Marine
Résidence Reine Marine
4 out of 5
67, Avenue Kennedy, Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Saint-Malo. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions St. Malo Beach and Saint-Malo Ferry ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (183 reviews)
Family travels
"Great spot on the beach. The indoor pool was a hit with our kids. Tidy and clean, good for family with kitchen and bedrooms. We had a car so was convenient and easy to get places."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Résidence Reine Marine
Comfy House near the Centre | Private Entrance!
Comfy House near the Centre | Private Entrance!
Rue des Mauriers, Saint-Malo
Stay at this holiday home in Saint-Malo. Enjoy a sauna, laundry facilities and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Saint-Malo Ferry Port and St. Malo ...
6.6/10 (4 reviews)
C’était bien passé à refaire
"Impeccable"

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2025

Comfy House near the Centre | Private Entrance!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Saint-Malo

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
45
5 - Excellent 51%
4 - Good
41
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good restaurant's and bar's.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visit regularly as live in jersey always a good place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful historic place

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

This was agood choice of hotel , value for money, helpful friendly staff ,Clean and comfortable rooms and a good breakfast . Major disappointment, NO English speaking television channels available in rooms .Unaceptable with children on holiday

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The beaches are beautiful and not very busy. There are plenty of heritage sites to visit and transport links to other places. Have a galette at the Ambassador hotel on Chaussée de Sillon as they are better than the ones in town

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great town for visiting lots to do. Food and restaurants pleasing

Cities near Saint-Malo