The 10 most beautiful beaches in Saint-Malo
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, Saint-Malo offers an exceptional coastline with its many fine sandy beaches. Between the famous corsair town and the surrounding area, discover the 10 most beautiful beaches in Saint-Malo, which attract millions of visitors every year. Whether you’re looking for a family beach, a wild cove or a water sports spot, Saint-Malo is sure to please.
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Discover the corsair town with our Saint-Malo itinerary, which includes 30 fun audio guides. This 6.6 km itinerary takes you through the ramparts, historic squares and of course to the city’s most beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect way to round off your discovery of Saint-Malo’s seaside treasures!
1. Bon-Secours beach, the most emblematic beach
It’s impossible to begin this list of the most beautiful beaches in Saint-Malo without mentioning the famous Bon-Secours beach. Situated at the foot of the ramparts of the corsair town, this beach is undoubtedly one of the most photographed in Brittany. Its natural seawater pool, built in the 1930s, and its 10-metre-high diving board make it unique in the world.
From this beach, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the islets of Grand Bé and Petit Bé. The contrast between the golden sand, the turquoise waters and the imposing granite ramparts creates a picture of striking beauty. The Bon-Secours swimming pool is particularly popular with families, offering safe swimming even at high tide.
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2. Le Sillon beach, the largest
Stretching over 3 kilometres, Plage du Sillon is the largest beach in Saint-Malo. Voted France’s most beautiful beach in 2023 by TripAdvisor, it richly deserves its place in this top list of Saint-Malo’s most beautiful beaches. This immense stretch of fine sand runs from the Pointe de Rochabonne to the outskirts of Intra-Muros.
Le Sillon beach is perfect for water sports enthusiasts: sand yachting, kitesurfing, windsurfing… The constant winds of the Emerald Coast make it an ideal playground. Bordered by the Paramé breakwater and its magnificent Belle Époque villas, it also offers superb walks. Don’t hesitate to visit Saint-Malo to discover all its architectural treasures.
3. Éventail beach, the most accessible
Located at the foot of the ramparts, opposite Fort National, Plage de l’Éventail takes its name from its distinctive shape, which opens out like a fan at low tide. This family-friendly beach is easily accessible from the fortified town, notably via the Porte Saint-Thomas.
L’Éventail beach is ideal for families with young children. At low tide, numerous natural pools form between the rocks, creating perfect water play areas for the little ones. The view of Fort National, accessible on foot at low tide, adds a historic dimension to your seaside holiday.
4. The Nicet beach, the most unspoilt
Nestling in the Rothéneuf district, the Nicet beach is a little gem for those who know how to deserve it. Access is via a steep staircase that may discourage the less motivated, but that’s precisely what gives it its charm! This confidential beach offers a wilder, more unspoilt setting, protected from the prevailing winds by its cove-like configuration.
Once on the sand, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Pointe de la Varde and an exceptional natural environment. The Nicet beach is particularly popular with locals, who come here in search of tranquillity and authenticity, away from the tourist crowds of the town centre.
5. Le Môle beach, the most sheltered
Located to the south of the old town, the Môle beach enjoys a privileged position, sheltered from the winds by the ramparts and the Môle des Noires breakwater. This makes it one of the most pleasant beaches in Saint-Malo on a windy day. The Môle des Noires lighthouse at the end of the jetty offers a romantic walk with an exceptional view of the fortified town.
From Le Môle beach, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Dinard and its Belle Époque villas on the other side of the Rance estuary. This beach, which is supervised in summer, is perfect for a lunch break in the sun, sheltered from the sea spray. The water is often calmer than elsewhere, making it ideal for swimming.
6. La Varde beach, the most secret of all
To the north of Saint-Malo, Plage de la Varde remains one of the best-kept secrets of the Emerald Coast. Adjacent to the pointe de la Varde, this fine sandy beach is bordered by small dunes protected by ganivelles. The atmosphere here is resolutely natural and unspoilt, far removed from the tourist hustle and bustle of the town centre.
This beach is a haven of peace for those seeking tranquillity. Hikers particularly appreciate this area for its varied landscapes and historical remains, including a blockhouse bearing witness to the region’s military history. Pets are prohibited from April to September to preserve bird nesting.
7. Rochebonne beach, the sportiest
In the Paramé district, Rochebonne beach is particularly lively in summer, with a host of sporting activities. Beach volleyball, beach soccer, sand yachting… this dynamic beach attracts fans of thrills and beach sports. Its position at the end of the great Sillon beach gives it a unique atmosphere.
Rochebonne is home to a spectacular phenomenon: during spring tides, the beach disappears completely, leaving the sea foaming and licking the dykes. This impressive natural spectacle attracts many curious onlookers who come to admire the power of the ocean. Be careful, though, as swimming becomes impossible at this time.
8. La Hoguette, the most thermal beach
Located between the Sillon and Rochebonne beaches, La Hoguette beach owes its reputation to its proximity to the Saint-Malo Thermal Spa. Facing the thalassotherapy centres, this beach boasts a privileged setting and facilities suited to spa visitors and those in search of well-being.
La Hoguette beach is also a well-known spot for sand yachting and kitesurfing. The wind conditions are excellent, and schools regularly offer introductory courses for all ages. For people with reduced mobility, special handisport equipment allows them to practice sand yachting in complete safety.
9. Le Val beach, the most colourful
In the Rothéneuf district, Plage du Val is a surprisingly beautiful stretch of water, with emerald reflections depending on the light. This protected cove, surrounded by rocks, forms a bay where the water can exceed 20°C in summer. A real little paradise for families looking for a swim in ideal conditions.
Le Val beach is equipped to accommodate people with reduced mobility, with special facilities to make access to the sand and water easier. A family atmosphere reigns here: impromptu beach volleyball, snowshoeing, prawn fishing in the rocks… But be warned: parking can be difficult in high season.
10. The island of Cézembre, the most exotic of all
To round off this tour of the most beautiful beaches in Saint-Malo, head for the island of Cézembre, only accessible by boat from Saint-Malo or Dinard. This historic island, which still bears the scars of the Second World War bombings, offers the only south-facing beach on the Emerald Coast.
The island of Cézembre is a veritable bird sanctuary, home to gulls, cormorants and penguins. Walks are regulated to protect the fauna, but the beach remains accessible for an exceptional day of idleness. Don’t forget your picnic or book a table at the “Le repaire des Corsaires” restaurant to extend the pleasure.
In conclusion, Saint-Malo’s most beautiful beaches offer a remarkable diversity, from the famous Bon-Secours beach to the secret coves of the Pointe de la Varde. Each beach has its own unique character: family-friendly, sporty, unspoilt or historic. For a complete discovery of these seaside treasures, don’t hesitate to follow theSaint-Malo itinerary, which will guide you to the most beautiful viewpoints on these exceptional beaches. Whether you’re a fan of idleness, water sports or unspoilt nature, Saint-Malo and its beaches will appeal to you all year round.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the best beach in Saint-Malo?
Bon-Secours beach is generally considered to be the most beautiful beach in Saint-Malo. Situated at the foot of the ramparts, it offers an exceptional setting with its natural seawater pool and views over the islets of Grand Bé and Petit Bé.
What is the longest beach in Saint-Malo?
Plage du Sillon is the longest beach in Saint-Malo at 3 kilometres long. Voted France’s most beautiful beach in 2023, it stretches from the Pointe de Rochebonne to the outskirts of the walled city.
Is it possible to swim all year round in Saint-Malo?
Technically, yes, but the water temperature varies from 8°C in winter to 18-20°C in summer. The Bon-Secours seawater pool makes swimming more comfortable, even outside the summer season. The beaches are supervised only during the summer months.
How do I get to the islands off Saint-Malo?
Le Grand Bé is accessible on foot at low tide (pay attention to tide times!). The island of Cézembre requires a boat trip from Saint-Malo or Dinard with Compagnie Corsaire or other local operators.
Which beaches are best for families?
The beaches at Bon-Secours (with its secure swimming pool), Éventail (natural pools at low tide), Le Val (warmer water and protected cove) and Le Môle (sheltered from the wind) are particularly recommended for families with children.
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