Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is the proudest city in Brittany — a corsair city enclosed by mighty granite fortress walls on a rocky island, only connected to the mainland by a causeway. The Malouins were privateers, explorers, and rebels: Jacques Cartier sailed from here to Canada, Robert Surcouf captured British ships, and the city even briefly declared itself an independent republic (1590).

The Intra Muros (old town within the walls) was 80% destroyed in August 1944 and then faithfully rebuilt — granite houses, cobbled streets, the Saint-Vincent Cathedral. The wall walk (1.8 km, free, accessible at any time) offers breathtaking views over the harbor, the offshore islands, the beaches, and during storms, dramatic spray splashing over the walls.

At low tide, you can walk to the offshore islands and forts: the Fort National (1689, built by Vauban, €6 entry, only accessible at low tide), the Île du Grand Bé (grave of the writer Chateaubriand — he wanted to hear only the sound of the sea) and the Fort du Petit Bé (€5, guided tour). Caution: The tide comes in quickly — check tide tables!

The Plage du Sillon is the main beach: 3 km of fine sand, up to 200 m wide at low tide, protected by wooden breakwaters. Swimming at high tide, land sailing, and kitesurfing at low tide. Water temperature: 16–20°C in summer (fresh but refreshing).

Saint-Malo is also an ideal starting point: ferry to Jersey and Guernsey (1 hour, Condor Ferries, from €35 one way), day trip to Dinard (10 min. by ferry, €8 return) or to Mont Saint-Michel (1-hour drive).