5 Things to do in Saint Malo
Saint Malo is a beautiful coastal city located in Brittany, France. It is famous for its historic walled city, picturesque beaches, and rich maritime history.
Here are some things you might consider doing during your visit to Saint Malo
The walled city
Saint Malo is a fortified coastal city located in the Brittany region of France, known for its historic walled city and rich maritime heritage. The walled city of Saint Malo, known as Intra-Muros, was built in the 12th century and served as a strategic military stronghold for centuries. The city walls are still largely intact and are a major tourist attraction.
The walled city of Saint Malo is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways, lined with tall granite buildings and historic landmarks. The most famous landmark is the Cathedral of Saint Vincent, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century. Other notable landmarks include the Château de Saint-Malo, a medieval castle that houses a museum dedicated to the city’s history, and the Fort National, a 17th-century fortress that sits on a small island just off the coast.
The walled city of Saint Malo also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the city’s rich maritime history at the Musée d’Histoire de la Ville et de la Mer, or enjoy contemporary art exhibitions at the Galerie des Arts.
Beyond the walled city, Saint Malo is also known for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastline. The Plage du Sillon is one of the most popular beaches, with miles of golden sand and crystal-clear water. The city is also a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as surfing, sailing, and kayaking available.
Overall, the walled city of Saint Malo is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into France’s rich history and culture.
The Castle of Saint Malo
The Chateau de Saint Malo, also known as the Castle of Saint Malo, is a historic fortress located in the walled city of Saint Malo in Brittany, France. The castle dates back to the 15th century and was built to protect the city from attacks by sea.
The Chateau de Saint Malo is a rectangular-shaped castle with four towers and a courtyard in the center. It was originally built as a defensive structure and was later used as a prison. During the French Revolution, the castle was used as a military barracks and a warehouse.
Today, the Chateau de Saint Malo is home to the Musée d’Histoire de la Ville et de la Mer (Museum of the History of the City and the Sea), which showcases the city’s maritime heritage and history. The museum features exhibits on shipbuilding, seafaring, and naval battles, as well as artifacts and documents related to the city’s history.
Visitors can explore the castle’s ramparts and towers, which offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding coastline. The castle also features a beautiful garden, which is a popular spot for picnics and relaxation.
Overall, the Chateau de Saint Malo is a must-visit destination for history buffs and anyone interested in the rich maritime history of Saint Malo and Brittany.
Relax on the beach of Saint Malo – Plage du Sillon
The beach of Saint Malo, also known as Plage du Sillon, is a long stretch of sandy beach that spans over 3 kilometers along the coast of the walled city of Saint Malo in Brittany, France. The beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the city walls and the sea.
The Plage du Sillon is a wide and sandy beach that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. The beach is divided into several zones, including a family area, a sports area, and a naturist area.
The beach is backed by a long promenade that is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a lively and bustling area. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the promenade, take a dip in the sea, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
The Plage du Sillon is also a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, with activities such as surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing available. The beach is known for its strong currents and high tides, making it a challenging spot for experienced surfers.
Overall, the beach of Saint Malo is a beautiful and lively destination that offers something for everyone, from families with young children to water sports enthusiasts and sun-seekers.
The Grand Aquarium in Saint Malo
The Grand Aquarium in Saint Malo is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in France. Located just outside the walled city of Saint Malo, the Grand Aquarium offers visitors a chance to explore the fascinating underwater world and learn about marine life from all around the world.
The aquarium is home to over 10,000 marine creatures from 600 different species, including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and exotic fish from tropical oceans. The aquarium is organized into different zones, each representing a different aquatic environment, such as the tropical seas, coral reefs, and the Amazon rainforest.
One of the highlights of the Grand Aquarium is the Nautibus, a unique underwater exploration vessel that takes visitors on a simulated deep-sea adventure. The Nautibus is a thrilling experience that takes visitors through a tunnel filled with sharks and other large fish.
The aquarium also features daily shows and activities, such as feeding demonstrations and educational talks by marine experts. Visitors can also participate in interactive experiences, such as touching and feeding rays, or diving with sharks in a secure cage.
Overall, the Grand Aquarium in Saint Malo is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life and the underwater world. It offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, and is a great activity for families or groups of friends.
Things to do in Saint Malo – Taste local cooking
Cooking in Saint Malo is a delightful experience, as the city is known for its delicious seafood and traditional Breton cuisine. Visitors can sample fresh seafood dishes, such as mussels, oysters, and lobster, as well as traditional Breton specialties, such as crepes and galettes.
Seafood is a major part of the local cuisine, and Saint Malo is home to several seafood markets where visitors can purchase fresh fish and shellfish to cook at home. The Marché aux Huitres is one of the most popular markets, offering a wide selection of oysters and other shellfish.
For those who prefer to dine out, there are many restaurants in Saint Malo that specialize in seafood and Breton cuisine. The city is also known for its delicious crepes and galettes, which are made with buckwheat flour and filled with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients.
One of the most popular dishes in Saint Malo is the galette complète, a savory crepe filled with ham, cheese, and a fried egg. Another local specialty is the kouign-amann, a rich and buttery Breton cake that is similar to a croissant.
Visitors can also take cooking classes in Saint Malo to learn how to prepare traditional Breton dishes. The classes are led by local chefs and provide a hands-on experience that is both fun and educational.
Overall, cooking in Saint Malo is a wonderful way to experience the city’s rich culinary culture and savor the flavors of Brittany
