Pointe de la Varde, Protected cape in Saint-Malo, France.
Pointe de la Varde is a rocky cape along the Bay of Saint-Malo coast that rises between two sandy beaches and is legally protected. The terrain features sea cliffs with low vegetation crossed by marked trails that guide visitors over rolling ground and through coastal plants.
A military fort was built here in 1694 following Vauban's designs to defend Saint-Malo's harbor. During World War II, German forces added defensive structures before American troops captured the cape in 1944.
The name refers to the green plants that thrive in this windy location. Visitors can observe pathways today that wind through the protected area while safeguarding native plant life.
Visitors can access the cape through well-marked trails starting from either neighboring beach. Parking is available near both beach areas, and the paths are walkable for most visitors.
Concrete bunkers from the war remain visible on the cape, marking where fighting took place in 1944. These structures are woven into the landscape and serve as reminders of the events that unfolded here.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
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
1.5 km
Grand hôtel des Thermes marins
2.8 km
Manoir de Limoëlou
1.9 km
National Fort
4 km
Île Besnard
2.5 km
Phare de Rochebonne
1.5 km
Église Saint-Ideuc
2.5 km
Maison du Peuple de Saint-Malo
4 km
Marché de Rocabey
3.7 km
Malouinière des Courtils-Launay
3.9 km
Plage du Minihic
1.4 km
Plage des Chevrets
3.3 km
Crique du Fort
536 m
Jacques Cartier Museum
2 km
Plage du Nicet
794 m
Malouinière de la Grande Gâtinais
2.4 km
Marché de Paramé
2.7 km
Plage du Sillon
3.2 km
Nouvelle église Saint-Malo de Paramé
2.9 km
Plage du Pont
1 km
Église Saint-Michel de Rothéneuf
1.5 km
Plage de Rochebonne
2 km
Chapelle Saint-Vincent de Saint-Coulomb
2.8 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Flots de Rothéneuf
1.9 km
Ancienne église Saint-Malo de Paramé
2.8 km
Plage de la Hoguette
2.6 km
Épicerie Cueillette
2.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes