Visit Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is a city renowned for its landscapes, picturesque locations, vibrant downtown atmosphere, and its rich cuisine, particularly the seafood. Miam-miam! Navaway can already hear your stomach growling as you listen to the best spots for dining in the city. The famous Place Jean de Châtillon boasts some of the best gourmet establishments serving local dishes, while Place de Poncel features refined places with flavors described as “absolutely remarkable.” Not-so-obvious spots? Place de la Poissonnerie and Rue des Cordiers offer top-notch services, especially for fans of charcuterie, cheese, and fine wines. The delicious platters of scrumptious treats are waiting for you!

Saint-Malo is a picturesque port city in Brittany, offering an idyllic setting for vacations in the open air, far from the relentless noise of big cities and the blaring car horns. If you’re looking to stay in Saint-Malo, head to Rue de la Croix-Raux, known for its upscale, flower-filled establishments, perfect for couples seeking a cozy and romantic atmosphere. For affordable hotels offering great value, Navaway recommends Chaussée du Sillon and Place des Frères Lammenais, both with four-star rooms, well-equipped and perfectly located for visiting the city and its landmarks.

Saint-Malo is famous for its stunning beaches, perfect for a summer getaway. If we had to recommend one, it would be the Sillon beach: spend an afternoon in this peaceful haven, and you’ll understand why it was voted the “third most beautiful beach in France.” For a water-themed activity, head out to the Emerald Coast by boat. This is definitely a must-do if you’re visiting Saint-Malo: a warm boat ride that will forever stay in your memory. A landmark not to miss? The Solidor Tower, located at the southern tip of the city, is a splendid building resembling a medieval keep. During a rewarding visit, you’ll learn its history and what it was used for. If you still have time, visit the Fort National, accessible at low tide.

While Saint-Malo is a dream destination for families, especially due to its outdoor activities and turquoise beaches, many say its nightlife is also very lively. Groups of friends enjoy heading to Rue Sainte-Barbe, known for some of the best cafés in town. The interiors of the bars are often decorated in retro style, giving the places both a unique and nostalgic vibe that visitors love. Rue Saint-Thomas also has picturesque bars offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks—perfect for those abstaining or driving.

The best way to travel to Saint-Malo? Without a doubt, by train—quick and eco-friendly. The trip from Paris to Saint-Malo takes around 2 hours and 44 minutes, with about 13 trains running daily. If you book in advance, you can find reasonably priced tickets, especially if you’re traveling in a group. We recommend catching the first train, departing at 6:53 AM. The route is served by TER, OUIGO, and TGV INOUI. For those who prefer driving, the GPS will guide you along a picturesque route through villages and beautiful landscapes, taking about 4 hours. Alternatively, if you prefer to fly, the quickest flight from Paris to Saint-Malo is just 1 hour.

Saint-Malo is beautiful on its own, but if you’re wondering what to do in the surrounding area, there are plenty of activities to enjoy! First, visit Dinard and its villas, one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the Emerald Coast. We recommend taking a moonlit walk along the sea… About an hour away from Saint-Malo is Mont Saint-Michel, one of France’s gems, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take the time to explore its little streets and the famous abbey built on a rocky island. Along the Rance River, visit the medieval town of Dinan: its marina and local restaurants offering regional specialties are particularly popular with tourists.

Planning a trip to the Corsair City in 2024? Aside from all the cultural activities like Rue Saint-Vincent, the Old Town tour, the Grand Aquarium visit, and museum explorations, don’t miss a walk along the ramparts. At around 1.7 kilometers long, the ramparts are accessible via the Saint-Vincent Gate. In addition to a pleasant seaside walk, you’ll have an incredible view of the Emerald Coast. After your stroll, take a break at one of the cafés in Place Chauteaubriand, where you’ll find restaurants serving local specialties with a variety of menus. Of course, you can also visit one of the city’s iconic beaches or head to the “Grand Bé” at Bon Secours, where you can see the Petit Bé Fort and enjoy the view of Intra-Muros.

A boat excursion is a must for tourists visiting Saint-Malo. But if you’re not sure where to start or where to rent a boat, head to Port Vauban or Port des Sablons—these are the best spots for boat rentals. The guide will recommend the best boat based on your preferences and needs, and the agencies are known for offering affordable rates. However, if you have a specific type of boat in mind, you can check out the “Samboat” platform, where you can plan your trip in advance with a few clicks and reasonable pricing. Note that if you’re planning to go without a guide, you’ll need a boating license.

The best way to visit Saint-Malo is to spend at least two days, over a weekend. The first day will likely be dedicated to exploring the Old Town and the ramparts, offering a magnificent view of the Emerald Coast. You can also visit the Solidor Tower and its museum to learn more about the city’s history, customs, and traditions. Saint-Malo boasts a rich cultural heritage! As for food, don’t worry—the city has plenty of restaurants with delicious menus, mostly seafood, to satisfy your taste buds. The second day offers many options: a visit to the Aleth Corniche, the Rothéneuf sculptures, or the Grand Aquarium of Saint-Malo…

No worries about parking in Saint-Malo—it’s easy and even free in many areas! There are parking lots open year-round for very reasonable prices. The most famous free parking lot is at Rocabey, located east of the Duguay-Trouin Basin. After parking, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the Saint-Vincent Gate. Another option is the Paul Féval relay parking, located near the train station, east of the Saint-Malo racetrack. The price is very affordable—under 5 euros—and parking includes a round-trip bus ticket to the city center.

The best time to visit Saint-Malo is from May to October when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. Of course, if your main goal is to swim and enjoy the enchanting marine atmosphere, the best time to visit is in August when the water temperature is at its best. However, no city (even the warmest ones) is immune to a little rain. If it rains in Saint-Malo, no worries—just head to the museums, especially the “La Demeure du Corsaire” museum in the heart of the city, which will take you back in time and provide insight into the city’s history. Alternatively, you can always visit the Grand Aquarium, offering an underwater experience with 600 different marine species.