Plage de l'Éventail, Coastal beach by medieval walls in Saint-Malo, France.

Plage de l'Éventail is a sandy beach that runs along Saint-Malo's medieval walls, offering clear views of Fort National and the Breton coastline. The strand features showers, toilets, lifeguard supervision during summer, and accessible facilities for people with reduced mobility.

The beach sits between two forts built in the late 1600s by military engineer Vauban to defend the coast against attack. These fortifications were part of a broader strategy to protect Breton waters during the reign of King Louis XIV.

The beach's name, "Éventail" (fan), refers to its fan-shaped curve of sand at the foot of Saint-Malo's ramparts. Bathers share the strand with walkers circling the walls, and at low tide the retreating sea opens the sandbank toward Fort National, a passage timed by the tides rather than by any schedule.

The beach is accessible year-round, but swimming is best from June through September when lifeguards are on duty. Winter seas are cold and rough, so visitors should plan their clothing and gear depending on the season they visit.

At low tide, visitors can walk across exposed sand to reach Fort National, creating a temporary natural pathway to the island. This fleeting passage appears only a few hours each day, offering a special adventure for those who time the tides correctly.