Saint-Malo, Fortified port city in Brittany, France
Description
Saint-Malo is a walled coastal city in Brittany on the English Channel, surrounded by massive granite fortifications. The narrow lanes of the old town lead to small squares with stone houses, while towers and bastions mark the outline of the historic settlement.
History
A monastery from the 6th century gave the settlement its name and later developed into a fortified harbor. Privateers operated from here starting in the 16th century and conducted raids against English merchant ships, bringing the city wealth and military importance.
Culture
Locals call themselves "Malouins" and maintain a long seafaring tradition that still shows in the restaurants and fish markets today. Fishermen return each morning with fresh catch and sell it directly at the harbor, where visitors experience the daily rhythm of coastal life.
Practical
A walk along the city wall takes about an hour and offers views over the sea and surrounding islands. At low tide you can walk to the offshore forts on foot, but watch the tides carefully to avoid being caught by rising water.
Did you know?
The entire old town was rebuilt after World War Two destruction using original techniques and matching materials. Stonemasons used the same granite quarries as the original construction, so the houses today are almost indistinguishable from the historic originals.
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Saint-Malo is a seaside town where stone is everywhere. Strong city walls surround the old part. Gray granite streets lead down to the harbor. Sand beaches stretch along the walls. Walking on the walls, you see the bay and islands on the horizon. Fort National sits on its island, reachable at low...
Rochers sculptés de Rothéneuf
5.8 km
Tomb of Chateaubriand
650 m
Great Aquarium Saint-Malo
4.1 km
Grand Bé
615 m
Ramparts of Saint-Malo
327 m
Aleth
1.5 km
Solidor Tower
1.7 km
Saint-Malo Cathedral
41 m
Fort National
622 m
Petit Bé
961 m
Les Remparts de Saint-Malo
183 m
Saint Malo Castle
327 m
Fort de la Conchée
4 km
Villa Greystones
2.8 km
Île Harbour
3.2 km
Villa Les Roches Brunes
2.5 km
Grand hôtel des Thermes marins
2.2 km
Manoir de Limoëlou
5.1 km
Pont roulant de Saint-Malo à Saint-Servan
693 m
Château de la Briantais
3.6 km
Saint-Malo Intra-Muros
77 m
Château de Montmarin
5.5 km
Mémorial 39-45 de Saint-Malo
1.4 km
Aleth Cathedral
1.3 km
Rue du Chat-qui-Danse
155 m
Plage de l'Écluse
2.6 km
National Fort
649 m
Malouinière de la Chipaudière
5.3 kmReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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