SAINT-MALO, THE JEWEL OF THE EMERALD COAST
Over time, Brittany has carved out a strong identity: an authentic land made of traditions. It is shaped by wild cliffs, rocky coasts and forests and heather moors in its interior, benefiting from a mild oceanic climate.
Thus, tourist sites are full of natural beauties such as the Pointe du Raz and its pink granite coasts, the peninsulas of Quiberon, Crozon, the Gulf of Morbihan, but also the Islands of Belle-Ile-en-Mer and of Groix.
From small Breton villages such as Pont-Aven, to legends from megalithic alignments passing through the capital of Brittany, Rennes, this region of France offers a vast and delicious tourist choice, including crepes and kouign-amann tasting!
In this range, Saint-Malo also deserves a special detour.
SAINT-MALO
Saint-Malo is located on the Emerald Coast, a coast which makes it one of the chicest destinations in Brittany, bordering Normandy, not far from the mythical Mont Saint-Michel and very close to the Anglo-Norman islands as well as England.
A major port city of Brittany, Saint-Malo is nowadays a highly appreciated seaside resort. A strong place surrounded by ramparts, a bastion of the Corsairs, flanked by the National Fort built by Vauban and its Castle testify to an imposing medieval past.
The walled city three-quarters destroyed during the Second World War has been admirably rebuilt identically, including the large keep of the Castle which houses the Museum of the city and the malouin country.
The Petit-Bé fort also built by Vauban behind the Grand-Bé island was completed in 1707 and can be accessed on foot or by ferry boat. Off the coast of Saint-Malo, you can also visit the Conchée Fort, a large fort in the shape of a 32m long ship that housed a garrison of 200 men.
This city turned towards the ocean has dedicated a space to the marine world with its Aquarium that is a must-visit. In addition, the skippers of The Route du Rhum, the famous Saint-Malo Pointe-à-Pitre nautical race in Guadeloupe, proudly start their race every 4 years in the harbor.
A beautiful Breton city with bourgeois constructions, Saint-Malo remains very pleasant to live in, and an attractive holiday destination with its many beaches.
The Sillon Beach: it is 3 km of white sand between the National Fort and the Rochebonne point conducive to walks and water activities including land yachting, catamaran, boats... invigorating air guaranteed!
The Eventail Beach: It is accessible through the Saint-Thomas Gate of the ramparts, and offers a unique view of the National Fort. Always white sand, ideal for letting your imagination run with a good book.
Eventail Beach
The Bon Secours Beach: It is one of the most beautiful beaches of Saint-Malo, located at the foot of the ramparts of the old city. It offers an exceptional view of Dinard, Cap Fréhel, and the small islands of Grand and Petit Bé. And as a fun activity, it has a saltwater swimming pool and a large diving board. Ideal for holidays!
Bon Secours Beach
The Solidor Beach: South of Saint-Malo on an old shipbuilding site, it offers a nice view of the Rance Estuary, its tidal power plant as well as the Bizeux Rock.
The Bas Sablons Beach and its marina and the Mihinic Beach or Pont Beach, are bordered by small cliffs and highly appreciated by families and children where they can practice their sport in peace.
The coves of the Fort de la Varde or Nicet have an undeniable charm and are conducive to a moment for oneself, of calm and to the tasting of oysters for the gourmet.
The Havre Beach: This beach is sheltered from prevailing winds, it is the ideal place in Saint-Malo to swim in peace at high tide. The Saint-Malo sailing club welcomes sailing athletes and young people who wish to undertake a discovery or improvement course during their stay.
Saint-Malo is definitely a charming maritime city as it attracts you to its historical heritage and its scents coming from the open sea as well as the conviviality of its inhabitants. It is really worth a visit! You will not be disappointed.
