St Malo
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Saint-Malo – A Day Trip from Normandy

Although Saint-Malo is in Brittany, it’s very accessible from the southern Manche in Normandy. I have guests who go for a day trip as it’s less than 90 minutes drive.

Highlights include the Solidor Tower in Saint-Servan – a 14th-century building that houses a collection tracing the history of voyages around Cape Horn, the Great Aquarium Saint-Malo, and the theme park Labyrinthe du Corsaire.

However, the walled city and the coast around it offers plenty to see and do. At low tide you can visit the islands of the Petit Bé and the tomb of the writer Chateaubriand on the Grand Bé. You can also walk across the sands to the Fort National.

The Fort

The Walled City

The walled city is delightful and offers views of both islands and the fort. Follow signs for La Ville Intra-Muros. I parked by the Tourist Office which is just outside the walled part of the city. You can take a trip on the tourist train from here.  The video below shows what to expect. It runs from the end of March to the beginning of October and lasts around 30 minutes. It’s 4,50€ for children under 10 and 6,50€ for adults and children over 10. The commentary is in French and English and it will give you a good overview of what there is to see in the town. Click here for more information about the train. Information correct as at 2018.

Nearby is the impressive chateau, the town museum and the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall). 

Accessing The Walled City

There are various gates which give you access to the walled part of the city and also the ramparts. You can walk around the ramparts – it’s around 1.8km. Much of Saint-Malo was bombed during WW2 (in error) and was re-built from 1948 – 1960. The very tall, stone buildings are beautiful and look down onto narrow cobbled streets. The area near the chateau is very lively with plenty of bars and restaurants; the ideal place to people watch.

Saint-Malo

The cathedral is also worth a visit with its magnificent stained glass windows. 

Saint-Malo

My visit to Saint-Malo was relatively short as I had commitments later in the day. It’s certainly on my list of places to re-visit and spend a little longer exploring in more detail.

The tourist office site is here which will enable you to plan your trip.

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