Ramparts of Saint-Malo, Medieval fortification system in Saint-Malo, France
The Ramparts of Saint-Malo are granite walls stretching two kilometers around the old town, with eight gates, three secondary entrances, and several bastions forming a complete defensive ring. The structure encloses the historic center and allows visitors walking the top to view both the buildings inside and the bay and islands outside.
Construction began in the 12th century and the walls were rebuilt and reinforced after a major fire in 1661. The architect Garangeau shaped their current form through modifications in the 18th century.
The walls form a continuous path where locals walk daily and visitors sense the rhythm of a city built for defense and trade. This space shows how the fortifications shaped daily life and remain central to how people experience Saint-Malo.
Walking the entire circuit takes around one hour and staircases at each gate provide access to the top. The path is exposed to weather and can be slippery when wet, so sturdy shoes and caution are advisable.
The Bidouane Tower has an unusual horseshoe shape and once stored gunpowder and explosives during conflicts. From this point, visitors can see across the bay toward the islands and understand how the fort controlled the harbor.
Location: Saint-Malo
Address: place Chateaubriand
GPS coordinates: 48.65140,-2.02280
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Saint-Malo combines stone fortifications with sand beaches and coastal paths. The city walls provide views of the sea, while narrow granite streets lead to historic buildings. Features include the Fort National fortress, Plage du Sillon beach, and the Grand Bé island. The harbor area displays maritime heritage through the Tour Solidor tower and the old town gates.
Saint-Malo Cathedral
297 m
Saint Malo Castle
0 m
Micro Zoo de Saint Malo
98 m
Notre-Dame de la Grand'Porte
291 m
Hôtel de la Gicquelais
117 m
Chapelle Saint-Aaron
255 m
Hôtel de la Bertaudière
350 m
Tour Bidouane
440 m
Plage Malo
350 m
Statue of Robert Surcouf
412 m
Palais de justice de Saint-Malo
298 m
Champs-Vauvert Cavalier
416 m
Couvent Notre-Dame-des-Victoires
265 m
Maison de la Duchesse Anne
250 m
Maison, 16 rue de la Corne-de-Cerf, Saint-Malo
185 m
Maison, 8 rue Saint-Benoist, Saint-Malo
319 m
Maison, 6 rue Saint-Thomas, Saint-Malo
141 m
Maison, 6 rue Saint-Benoist, Saint-Malo
327 m
Maison, 18 rue de la Corne-de-Cerf, Saint-Malo
185 m
Maison, 3 rue Saint-Vincent, Saint-Malo
132 m
Maison, 8 rue de la Victoire, Saint-Malo
227 m
Maison, 5 rue Pelicot, Saint-Malo
195 m
Maison, 6 place Chateaubriand, Saint-Malo
114 m
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire de Saint-Malo
293 m
Maison, 2 rue Mahé de la Bourdonnais, Saint-Malo
228 m
Maison, 1 rue Mahé de la Bourdonnais, Saint-Malo
213 m
Immeuble, 10 cour La-Houssaye, Saint-Malo
232 m
Immeuble, 6 cour La Houssaye
242 mReviews
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A very nice walk on the ramparts!
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