Grand Bé, Tidal island in Saint-Malo, France

Grand Bé is a rocky island off the coast of Saint-Malo, connected by a causeway that becomes accessible depending on tidal conditions. The island holds remains of old fortifications and structures that show its military past, along with ruins of a chapel and views toward the walled town and nearby fortifications.

The island served as a fortified outpost for centuries and became a German military position during World War II with artillery installations added. American bombing raids in 1944 damaged these defenses, leaving the island with visible scars from its wartime occupation.

Chateaubriand chose the island for his grave in 1823 and asked the town for "a little corner of land" in 1828; the municipality refused, and only Hippolyte Michel de la Morvonnais's intervention advanced the request. The tomb stands on a promontory west of the island, facing the sea. The ruined 14th-century chapel of Notre-Dame-des-Lauriers, later Saint-Ouen, was the goal of a procession that gave rise to Saint-Malo's Sainte-Ouine festival.

Access to the island depends on tides, so check the tide schedule before heading out to ensure you can walk across safely and return before water rises. Wear sturdy shoes since the path can be slippery and uneven, and plan your visit with time to spare before the tide returns.

The ruins of the Notre-Dame des Lauriers chapel still stand on the island, a religious building long since abandoned that visitors can walk among. From this spot, the sight line stretches across the city walls and toward the neighboring Petit Bé fortification, offering a perspective on how these defenses were once connected.