Saint-Malo, France

Saint-Malo

A walled corsair city with huge tides and rocky islands you can walk to.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
Mont Saint-MichelFrance · Popular townMont Saint-Michel38 kmRennesFrance · CityRennes64 kmPink Granite Coast (Ploumanac'h)France · Nature spotPink Granite Coast (Ploumanac'h)109 kmBayeuxFrance · Hidden townBayeux119 kmVannesFrance · Hidden townVannes123 kmNantesFrance · CityNantes163 kmBelle-Île-en-MerFrance · Nature spotBelle-Île-en-Mer168 kmQuimperFrance · Hidden townQuimper170 km

Things to do

2 days in Saint-Malo

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk the town walls around the old city.
  2. AfternoonWalk out to Grand Bé island at low tide, check the tide times first.
  3. EveningHave dinner within the walls and watch the sunset from the ramparts.

Day 2

Visit Dinan or the Pointe du Grouin.

What to eat

Galettes and crêpes with Breton cider.

Local tips

Make the most of Saint-Malo

Beat the crowds

The walled town is busiest on summer afternoons. Walk the ramparts in the early morning or at sunset.

Best photo spot

The view from the ramparts over the beaches and the islands, and the tidal pool when the tide is in.

Getting there

Trains from Paris take about 2.5 hours. Park outside the walls and walk in.

Don't miss nearby

Dinan, a medieval town up the river with timber-framed houses, about 30 minutes away.

Good to know

At low tide you can walk to the Grand Bé island. Check the tide times: the path disappears when the water comes back.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Saint-Malo

Our most hidden places around Saint-Malo: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Saint-Malo to take with you.

22 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Saint-Malo

Getting there

  • Jersey Airport (JER)65 km away
  • Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)170 km away
  • Rennes65 km away
  • Nantes165 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypePopular town
Good forCoast, Food
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryFrance

Questions

Saint-Malo: good to know

Is Saint-Malo worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like the coast and food. A walled corsair city with huge tides and rocky islands you can walk to.

How many days do you need in Saint-Malo?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Saint-Malo?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. The walled town is busiest on summer afternoons. Walk the ramparts in the early morning or at sunset.

How do you get to Saint-Malo?

The nearest airport is Jersey Airport (JER), about 65 km away. Trains from Paris take about 2.5 hours. Park outside the walls and walk in.

What is there to see near Saint-Malo?

Nearby hidden places include Mont Saint-Michel (38 km), Rennes (64 km) and Pink Granite Coast (Ploumanac'h) (109 km).

More hidden places in France (72)