Saint-Malo travel guide
Saint-Malo Tourism | Saint-Malo Guide
You're Going to Love Saint-Malo
The ancient port of Saint-Malo is one of the jewels of France's Brittany region. It's the kind of achingly beautiful city where romance, history and beaches combine to create an irresistible combination.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Saint-Malo
1. The Beautiful Old City
Once a pirate haven, Saint-Malo's medieval walled center is now tourist heaven. Wander the ramparts, visit the chateau and relive centuries of maritime history.
2. A Dramatic Beach Setting
Saint-Malo's beach is gorgeous. With the ramparts and the rocks as a backdrop, it's a great place to sunbathe.
3. Magical International Events
Every July, Saint-Malo hosts folk performers from all over the world, as the Festival des Folklores du Monde swings (and sings) into town.
4. It's a Wonderful Sailing Destination
If you want to hire a sailing vessel, Saint-Malo or nearby Dinard are great places to do so, and it's an enthralling experience.
5. Fine Breton Food
Sample local delicacies like galettes (pancakes), mussels and oysters as well as potent Breton cider. Saint-Malo is a gourmet paradise.
Where to Eat in Saint-Malo
Great food is everywhere in Saint-Malo. Standouts include Le Chalut, which caters for seafood fans, Autour du Beurre, who make their own range of butters, and Bistro de Jean, which specializes in poultry dishes. Prices should be around EUR20-25 per head.
When to visit Saint-Malo
Summer is the best time to visit. Between June and August, the beach is at its best, the Folklore Festival comes to town and Brittany is alive with energy.
How to Get to Saint-Malo
Plane
Low-cost airlines operate flights from London and Paris to Dinard-Pleurtuit-St-Malo Airport. A taxi from there will cost around EUR25.
Train
TGV trains run into Saint-Malo from Paris (3 hours, around EUR20). From the station, it's a 20 minute walk to the city center.
Car
From Paris, take the A11 to Le Mans, the A81 and the E50 to Rennes, then the N176 to Saint-Malo.
Bus
Buses from Rennes are operated by Illenoo and run hourly, costing around EUR5.
Airlines serving Saint-Malo
Where to stay in Saint-Malo
The best hotels in the Old Town include the Hotel Maison des Armateurs and the Le Grand Hôtel des Thermes, which has a luxury spa attached.
Popular neighbourhoods in Saint-Malo
Intra Muros - Literally meaning "inside the walls", Intra Muros is the Old Town of Saint-Malo and is a wonderful place to wander around.
Dinard - Located just across the Rance estuary, Dinard is a beautiful beach resort with great activities for sailors and water sports fans. From here, there's easy access to Saint-Malo via the D168.
Paramé - Once a resort in its own right, Paramé still has its own seemingly endless beach as well as an assortment of luxurious spa hotels.
Where to stay in popular areas of Saint-Malo
Most booked hotels in Saint-Malo
How to Get Around Saint-Malo
Public Transportation
Saint-Malo's bus network is excellent. Tickets are purchased in 90 minute blocks and cost EUR1.15 each.
Taxi
Taxi costs vary, but expect to pay EUR6-8 per mile inside the city. A taxi to Mont St Michel will cost close to EUR150 for a return trip.
Car
Car rental options in Saint-Malo include Avis, Hertz and Enterprise, and rates should be around EUR15-25 per day.
The Cost of Living in Saint-Malo
Shopping Streets
Central Saint-Malo is full of classy boutiques, like the shoe retailer Bessec or wine merchants like V and B. There are also outdoor markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Intra Muros neighborhood.
Groceries and Other
Saint-Malo's supermarket options include E. Leclerc and Carrefour, where you should be able to find a gallon of milk for around EUR3.50.