What are the best things to do in Saint-Malo?

To visit Saint-Malo is to discover a town with a proud heritage, steeped in history, culture, good food… And magnificent beaches! Through its picturesque streets, you can follow in the footsteps of adventurous sailors and navigators in this corsair town. Who doesn’t want to walk along the city walls or sail along the coast like a pirate of the time?

If you visit Saint-Malo, you’ll be able to understand the history of the corsairs and illustrious men who left their mark on the city. Thanks to the monuments, statues and museums that you will discover in this article, try to understand this famous French commune in Great Britain. After that, it will hold no more secrets for you!

What to do in Saint-Malo? 5 ideas for activities

1 – Visit the old town

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: To start your stay, there’s nothing better than a little diversions to one of the city’s tourist hotspots. Take a stroll through Saint-Malo’s historic old town, a soothing stroll in the breeze. Many visitors like to start the walk from the mythical château, which now serves as the town hall. Then walk along the massive ramparts to discover a spectacular panorama of the sea and the bay. A little further on, take a short break and enter what is known as the “rue des coquillages” (shellfish street), home to numerous fish restaurants. Once you’ve enjoyed a good meal, head for Saint Vincent’s Cathedral to round off your walk in style. During your stroll, don’t hesitate to visit the many shops in the town’s picturesque little streets. Treat yourself to a little souvenir!

2 – Discover the Saint-Malo aquarium

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: A sea that is at once fiery, calm, impetuous and serene envelops the town of Saint-Malo in its firm arms. If you’re with the family, this is a pastime that will delight young and old alike! A visit to the Grand Aquarium means discovering more than 600 different species from the world’s seas and oceans in 10 representative rooms: because, yes, our beloved ocean has not yet revealed everything there is to know about itself. Rest assured, you’ll learn more thanks to this somewhat unusual activity. The aquarium also offers some unique attractions! And what are they? How about spending a privileged moment aboard a descent simulator to discover the depths of the abyss? You’ll also have the chance to come into contact with different fish, thanks to the touch tank. For those who are more passionate, head to the sea laboratory! The aquarium is located on Avenue du Général Patton, and is open every day of the year, except in exceptional circumstances.

3 – Explore the city on a little train

Category: €/Insolite/Cultural

Description: We already know the concept of city tours by bike, car or on foot… What could be more original than discovering Saint-Malo on board a little train? To board the train, go to the “Esplanade Saint Vincent” and pick up your tickets on board. You’ll enjoy a 30-minute view of the bay and its ramparts on a unique journey, accompanied by explanatory commentary and pleasantly scenic. This magnificent little train, decorated in Breton style, is sure to be a fantastic family experience. Children love this activity, and it’s sure to be one of their best childhood experiences and memories! At the end of your little ride, the history of the town of Saint-Malo will be crystal clear to you, and you’ll see the town from a whole new angle, taking in what you know but can’t see with the naked eye.

4 – Visit the “La demeure du Corsaire” museum

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Located in the heart of Saint-Malo, the Hôtel Magon (also known as the Asfeld) is home to the Demeure du Corsaire, one of the city’s most grandiose historic monuments. If there are any history buffs among our readers, then you’re going to love stepping back in time in this splendid place and exploring the past of the city of Saint-Malo. Built between 1723 and 1725 by François Auguste Magon de la Lande, this 700 square metre residence contains 60 rooms decorated with all kinds of objects. What will you find? Collections of weapons, cellars and period furniture. Listed as a historic monument since 2000, the Demeure du Corsaire is one of the very last hotels not to have been destroyed during the heavy bombardment of the Second World War. There’s so much to learn about the history of this place!

5 – Take a boat trip along the Emerald Coast

Category: €€/Insolite

Description: Saint-Malo is a magnificent fortified city. But what better way to contemplate its ramparts than from the water? That’s why we’re offering you an incredible boat trip to learn more about the city’s heritage. You’ll enjoy views of the outer harbour, the western part of the region and above all the Emerald Coast (both mythical and magnificent): this pearl of Brittany, which owes its name to the colour of its water (emerald), offers some exceptional scenery. You’ll witness the spectacle of the high tides that occur twice a day in Saint-Malo, giving you a foretaste of the climate that reigns over the sea in winter. This will be an exceptional trip aboard a comfortable boat for you, your family or your friends. It’s even better as a couple!

6. The Solidor Tower

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Situated at the mouth of the River Rance in the pretty district of Saint-Servant stands a breathtaking medieval keep, built in 1382. Its name? The Tour Solidor. Comprising three storeys, you’ll need to climb the 104 steps to reach the top (don’t forget to bring your bottle of water). The original purpose of the Tower was to control Saint-Malo, serving in fact as a watchtower. It was later used by the military, as a prison during the Revolution and as a warehouse during the Empire. Today, it is open to the public, and its imposing architecture alone is a real eye-catcher. It’s a symbolic landmark that visitors love to explore from top to bottom!