Intra-Muros
The ramparts, cathedral, restaurants, harbour and several small beaches are all close together.
Choose this area for maximum atmosphere and a car-free city break.
Brittany · Ramparts, beaches and dramatic tidesSaint-Malo rises like a great granite ship beside the English Channel, with a fortified old town, long beaches, a busy harbour, tidal islands and a maritime history that shapes the entire city.
Intra-Muros lies within formidable ramparts that offer panoramic views of Sillon Beach, Fort National, Grand Bé, Dinard and the boats sailing in and out of the harbour.
Beyond the walls are Saint-Servan, Solidor, Cité d’Alet, Rocabey, Paramé and Rothéneuf. Saint-Malo is also an excellent base for Cancale, Dinan, Dinard, Cap Fréhel and Mont-Saint-Michel.
Walk the ramparts, explore Intra-Muros, follow the tide to the islands and forts, visit a preserved corsair mansion and discover Saint-Servan and the world beneath the waves.
Explore granite houses, the cathedral, squares, small shops, restaurants and traces of corsairs and shipowners.
Visit an historic 18th-century shipowner’s house with reception rooms, staircases, cellars and stories of seafaring life.
See sharks, rays, turtles and marine habitats ranging from cold waters to tropical seas.
Walk between Bas-Sablons, Solidor Tower, Cité d’Alet, small beaches and the city’s oldest historic quarter.
Choose the length of your stay and combine the old town, sea, beaches and memorable Brittany experiences without spending unnecessary time travelling.
In one day, you can experience the ramparts, Intra-Muros, the harbour and the beach.
A long weekend gives you time for several neighbourhoods and a gentler pace beside the sea.
With five days, Saint-Malo can be your base for some of northern Brittany’s most rewarding experiences.
Choose according to whether the old town, beach, railway station, harbour atmosphere, quieter residential streets or easy access by car matters most.
The ramparts, cathedral, restaurants, harbour and several small beaches are all close together.
Choose this area for maximum atmosphere and a car-free city break.The long beach, promenade, spa hotels and views towards Intra-Muros define this area.
A good choice for couples, families and long walks beside the sea.The station, market, more affordable hotels and short distance to both the beach and old town make this a practical area.
Ideal for rail travellers and a more local stay.Bas-Sablons, small streets, the marina, Cité d’Alet and Solidor create a distinctive maritime atmosphere.
Choose this area for quieter evenings and easy access to the Rance.Beaches, residential areas, coastal paths and easier parking lie north-east of the centre.
A good option for families, longer stays and travellers with a car.We have selected nine hotels ranging from two to five stars in Intra-Muros, beside Sillon Beach, near the harbour and close to the railway station. Compare spas, sea views, historic atmosphere, family rooms and location.
★★★★★Five-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering thalassotherapy facilities, an indoor seawater pool, a spa, fitness facilities and a restaurant, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★★★Four-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering an indoor pool, a spa, a hammam, a restaurant and soundproofed rooms, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★★★Four-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering a sauna, fitness facilities, a bar, breakfast service and historic character, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★★★Four-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering a restaurant, a bar, family rooms and historic character, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★★Three-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering a restaurant, family rooms, sea views and historic character, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★★Three-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering a spa, fitness facilities, a restaurant, a bar and a terrace, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★★Three-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering a bar, a terrace, breakfast included and breakfast service, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★Two-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering a restaurant and beach access, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
★★Two-star hotel in Saint-Malo offering a restaurant, a bar, a terrace and beach access, with a convenient location for exploring the city.
The map prioritises campsites with their own websites around Saint-Malo, Dinard, Cancale, the Rance Valley and the roads towards Mont-Saint-Michel. The area is well suited to coastal holidays, cycling, motorhome trips and touring through Brittany.
Walk between Intra-Muros, Courtoisville and Rochebonne along a beach whose character changes completely with the tide.
Swim beside the ramparts, see the well-known diving platform and follow the sand towards Grand Bé when conditions are safe.
Follow coastal paths through heathland, cliffs and small coves, with sweeping views back towards Saint-Malo and the Emerald Coast.
Saint-Malo is a natural destination for oysters, mussels, scallops, langoustines, the catch of the day and generous seafood platters. Brittany also brings buckwheat galettes, crêpes, salted butter, caramel, cider and local desserts.
Modern seafood and seasonal dishes with panoramic views of Sillon Beach and the changing tide.
L’AmiralFish, meat and seafood beside the water, with views towards Dinard and Intra-Muros.
La Barque à PapaModern, produce-led cooking and seafood at Quai Solidor in Saint-Servan.
Les CharmettesRelaxed beach restaurant with a terrace, home-cooked food and Sillon immediately outside.
Crêperie SolidorGalettes and crêpes in a maritime setting beside Solidor and the Rance.
Le ChalutFocused fish cookery in Intra-Muros, using produce from the sea and classic French techniques.
Saint-Malo is ideally placed for elegant seaside resorts, oyster harbours, medieval streets and the vast tidal landscape around Mont-Saint-Michel.
Discover Belle Époque villas, seafront promenades, the market, art and views back towards Saint-Malo.
Best for: an easy car-free day trip Around 15 kilometres eastEat oysters by the harbour, follow the coast and continue to Pointe du Grouin for expansive views across the bay.
Best for: seafood, coast and photography Around 35 kilometres southWalk the ramparts, explore streets lined with half-timbered houses and descend the steep Rue du Jerzual to the harbour on the Rance.
Best for: a medieval town and historic atmosphere Full day to the eastSee the abbey island, tidal flats, salt meadows and one of France’s most distinctive cultural landscapes.
Best for: iconic history and tidesSaint-Malo fits naturally into a tour of Brittany and Normandy linking Rennes, Brest, Bayeux and the coast around Mont-Saint-Michel.
Combine Saint-Malo with half-timbered architecture, markets, parks, culture and an easy rail connection south.
Open the Rennes guide →
Continue to the Bayeux Tapestry, cathedral, medieval streets and D-Day landing beaches.
Open the Bayeux guide →
Continue west to maritime museums, Océanopolis, the Crozon Peninsula and the wild coast of Finistère.
Open the Brest guide →Find inspiration in travel guides, touring itineraries and personal tips from across France. Discover cities, villages, food and wine experiences, nature and new destinations.