Built on a granite island on the Emerald Coast of Brittany, the beautiful city of St Malo rises up from the rock and curves around a natural harbour. Its ancient citadel, the Cathédrale St Vincent, dominates the skyline, and sailing into the port early in the morning best captures the romance of the town.

Founded in the 6th century by Welsh monks, in the 12th century, Bishop Jean de Chatillon also transferred his bishopric to the town. But the town’s murkier past is illustrated by its nickname as the City of Corsairs, so-called after its pirates, who routinely preyed upon English ships crossing the channel in the 18th and 19th centuries.

St Malo’s heart is the old walled town, known as Intra-Muros or ‘within these walls’. Visitors can walk round the ramparts of the city’s 20-foot thick walls for one mile to get splendid views of the town and the harbour. Lower down, the city’s winding streets, reminds one of a medieval maze, where you can stumble upon quaint shops, bars and restaurants. There are sandy beaches near the town, which stretch along the Northern Brittany Coast.

Top Attractions

Château de St Malo

Called the Bastille of the West, the Chateau was first the symbol of ducal power and then Royal power. It has barrack facades, now the town hall, a reservoir, a large keep and a castelet. Its towers house the Musée de l'Histoire de St Malo, where you can discover the city’s fascinating past, and find souvenirs of the famous pirates Duguay-Trouin and Surcouf.

Ramparts

Head for the 15th century Porte St-Vincent to access the magnificent ramparts. The 12-foot wide walls were built over several centuries, some dating from the 12th century, and offer fantastic views of the old town’s houses, the bay and the islets at the mouth of the Rance. Most of the ramparts had to be rebuilt after the Second World War.

St Malo's Cathédrale

The cathedral elegantly marks the transition between Romanesque and Gothic, and is famous for its 1160 nave vault. Admission is free, and it's open daily from 8am to 7pm.

The Grand Aquarium

The entrance fee includes a fantastic underwater ride on the Nautibus, past wrecks and a lost city.

Corniche d'Aleth

This lovely walk offers magnificent views of the city of St-Malo, the islands of Petit Bé and Grand Bé, and Cézembre. If the tide is low, consider walking along the stone-flagged path to Grand Bé islet..

Ile du Grand Bé

At low tide, this 25-minute walk will take you to Chateaubriand’s tomb, marked by a simple cross. From the Ile you can get great views of the main coastline.

Shopping

There is a hypermarket, just outside the city.

Dinan and Dinard

Take a short boat trip or the Bus de Mer, to Dinard to experience its quaint mansions, casino and beaches. Alternatively drive or take bus 10 to the medieval walled town of Dinan, 20 miles south of St Malo.

Eating & Drinking

À la Duchesse Anne is one of the town’s best restaurants. It is built into the city walls, and has mahogany panelling and summer dining under a canopy. Try the seafood specialties including lobster in a rich brandy sauce and Cancale oysters. The gourmet menu includes five courses and a glass of champagne and costs €70. The Bistro de Jean is a cosy bistro offering a very reasonably priced menu for €30. L'Univers is great value for money, and has delicious fish soup and fresh oysters. For drinks, head for The Nautilus, which is very like a pub in decor. Expect lots of atmosphere and merriment.