Saint-Malo

Written by Lisa Alexander

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo

The quintessential Breton port of Saint-Malo is a former island near the mainland. Surrounded by ramparts, Saint-Malo has retained the elements of a medieval fortified coastal town. During the Second World War, the historic center (Vieille Ville) of Saint-Malo was largely destroyed, except for the old walls; the château that dates to the 14th and 15th centuries; and the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, which was founded in the 12th century. The town was rebuilt after the war in its original style, with narrow little streets and tall granite houses. It's worth exploring the area within the city's ancient walls to discover stately old buildings; atmospheric cobblestone streets; and elegant public squares such as the Place Châteaubriand, close to the Porte Saint-Vincent. On this square is a luxury hotel, the Hôtel France et Châteaubriand, in a 19th-century Neoclassical building.

Near the Place Châteaubriand are steps leading up to the ramparts, which date back to the 12th century. A walk around the complete circuit takes about an hour. From the projecting bastions are spectacular vistas of the town, the estuary (with the town of Dinard on the opposite bank), the sea, and the offshore islands. Below the west side of the ramparts is Plage de Bon Secours, a sandy beach with fantastic facilities, including a sea-water swimming pool, showers, restrooms and a café. The beach also has a view of the Saint-Malo Bay and the town of Dinard in the distance.


St-Malo Map - Tourist Attractions

Saint Malo Map - Attractions
 (thanks to: www.planetware.com)


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