St Malo – The Complete Guide To Enjoying your Holiday
Saint Malo is a beautiful city situated in Brittany on the west coast of France. It is on the Atlantic coast and has so many wonderful and interesting things to see and do, whether you are on a weekend trip or a two week holiday, you will never get bored.
The city was founded in the twelfth century, Saint-Malo was named after the Welsh monk Mac Low, who, in the sixth century, became bishop of Alet.
The Citadel
As large as the Tuileries Gardens in Paris, the citadel is surrounded by ramparts of 1,754 meters long.
Unlike the city which was 80% destroyed, the walls have not suffered from Allied bombing in 1944. The enclosure was built in the early 12th century. These walls surrounded the 16 hectares of the city until the 16th century.
Between 1708 and 1742 Garangeau Simeon, architect engineer of the king, leading the expansion program of fortifications designed by Vauban. The area of the city extends over 24 hectares. Specially designed the ramparts of Saint Malo are resting on the rock that supports the city and do that by the weight of stacked stones.
From the Porte St.Vincent, the main entrance to the town-house to the Porte Saint-Thomas, the walls measure 1,754 yards. The ramparts of Saint Malo are classified historical monument since 1921.
Composition of the flag of Saint Malo
The emblem of the Flag Malouin with its motto is:
“Neither French nor Breton, Saint-Malo am I”
The Fortress, Saint-Malo boasts of never having been conquered.
Chateau de St-Malo
The 15th century Chateau de St-Malo sits at the edge of the ramparts and was built by the dukes of Brittany between the 15th and 16th centuries. Within the Chateau is the city’s history museum (Musèe díHistoire de la Ville) Plenty to see and do there, plus some wonderful old photos of Saint Malo after world war two.
Ile du Grand Bé
During low tide it is possible to walk out to Ile du Grand Bé which is approximately 500 yards off shore. This is where the great 18th century romantic writer Viscount RenÈ de Chateaubriand is buried. This small islet can be reached at low tide only, so keep an eye on the tide and the time while there. This causeway remains impassible for around six hours once the tide turns, if you are stranded you will have to stay on the islet until the next low tide.
Grand Aquarium St-Malo
A must visit especially if you have children with you. The Grand Aquarium St-Malo is situated approximitely 4km from the city. It has a mini submarine and a touch pool where you can put your hand in and touch the fish. (beware of the sharks)
Cathèdrale St-Vincent St Malo
Another wonderful building that was badly damaged after the last war. Constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries, there is a mosiac plaque on the floor of the building which marks the spot where Jacques Cartier was blessed by the bishop of St-Malo prior to his voyage from 1534 – 1542 where he discovered Newfoundland in Canada.
The old town of Saint Malo
The old town is full of character with it’s cobbled streets, many shops, fine resturants and some really nice hotels. If you get tired of walking, why not continue on with your sight seeing tour by taking a ride on the petit train which runs from the beginning of April through to the middle of November. This is a great way to learn more about St-Malo and has commentry in many languages including English.
Le Petit Train de Saint-Malo
Le Petit Train de Saint Malo takes you on a visit to the heart of the Breton pirate town: Saint-Malo… An unforgettable moment during your vacation in Upper Brittany Ille et Vilaine. Discover the Bay of Saint Malo, its narrow streets, ramparts and the history of its frequent flyers.
Starts at the Castle to the old walled city from April 1 to November 13, 2011
Prices: 6 € / Adult – 4 €/ child at time of writing.
Visiting the old town with an Audio-Guide.
In this audio tour, you will relive the fantastic history of the corsairs of Saint Malo and this mysterious city. You will discover the city walls, houses with wood sides, the castle, dogs of the ford, the forts of Vauban and many other historical sites.
Staying in Saint Malo
There are lots of hotels inside the city walls of Saint Malo. Use the search form to find the best deal available for your stay. We stayed at Hotel Inter du Louvre and we had a very pleasant stay. You can read a review of the hotel here if you like.
Musée du Cidre
Cider is a bubbly alcohol made from the fermentation of apple juice. There are two cider producers in the region of Saint Malo, handcrafted cider and sweet crude cider.
To learn more about cider making, or to buy and try, go and visit the ” Musée du Cidre ” Pleudihen-sur-Rance.
The home of Guella continues the tradition of Artisan Confectioner in France since 1920
Vincent Guella, grand-son of the founder is proud to share his legacy through his family recipes. In this famous house where you can find the home made famous salted butter caramels from Brittany, candy, cream spreads by lollipop …. and their boiled sweets in the old award-winning best candy in France (Lollipop: the Chiquette, candy: the Guenaots). This old house will welcome you into their oldest shop in the main street of the Intra-Muros (8 rue Porcon).
Open from 10am to 12.30pm and from 14h to 19h
Closed in January.
Saint Malo Crackers
The tradition of Saint Malo Crackers continues since 1923. The recipe has not changed as it is in keeping the authenticity of the product. The cracker is a small piece of bread Breton tradition, crunchy to the bite and melts in the mouth. The crackers are made of simple ingredients, without additives or preservatives and are carefully chosen: wheat flour selected by the miller, whole eggs, milk, malt extract. They are scalder before baking, soaking in boiling water.It is this specific way of cooking which gives the cracker their characteristic concave shape.
Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 12.30pm and from 14h to 18h30 and on Saturdays during school holidays.