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Saint-Malo, Brittany
Natural Phenomenon
Saint-Malo high tides
The large tides of Saint-Malo, with about 13 meters between high and low tide: when they occur, the walk on foot to Grand Bé and the waves on the ramparts.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Saint-Malo high tides in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Saint-Malo high tides
Saint-Malo, on the coast of Brittany in northern France, has some of the largest tides in Europe. In the bay, the difference between high and low tide can reach about 13 meters during the big tides. Twice a day the sea advances and recedes, and the landscape around the walled city changes completely.
Tides are considered "big" when the coefficient is above 100. They usually happen near the full moon and the new moon, several times a year, and the strongest ones generally occur near the equinoxes, in March and September. The tide timetable is published in advance and shows the days and times of each event.
At low tide, the exposed sand links the town to islets that are isolated at high tide. You can walk to Grand Bé, where Chateaubriand’s tomb is, and to Fort National, the fort designed by Vauban. The crossing closes when the sea rises, and you must return beforehand.
At high tide, with wind and waves, the water hits the ramparts and the breakwater of the Sillon, the long avenue along the beach, and waves can wash over the promenade. The spectacle often draws many people on the ramparts and on the Sillon, facing Fort National.
Near the town, the Rance tidal power station, between Saint-Malo and Dinard, has used the tides to generate electricity since 1966. To the east, the Mont-Saint-Michel bay also has very large tides, and the two visits combine well on the same trip.
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Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
The months when it usually happens. It depends on the weather and on nature: it is not guaranteed.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours to watch the tide rise from the ramparts and the Sillon; half a day to walk to Grand Bé and Fort National at low tide and return.
Season
Big tides occur several times a year, near the full moon and the new moon; the strongest ones are usually near the equinoxes, in March and September. Check the tide timetable before you go.
How to get there
Saint-Malo has a train station with connections to Paris and Rennes. The ramparts, the Sillon and the beach from which you go to Grand Bé are within walking distance of the walled town.
Tip
Check the tide time on the day and return from Grand Bé and Fort National before the sea rises. At high tide with waves, keep away from the edge of the breakwater.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saint-Malo high tides
When do the big tides happen in Saint-Malo?
Several times a year, near the full moon and the new moon. The strongest ones are usually near the equinoxes, in March and September.
What is the difference between high and low tide in Saint-Malo?
On big tides it can reach about 13 meters, one of the largest in Europe.
Can you walk to Grand Bé?
Yes, at low tide, across the sand. The crossing closes when the sea rises: check the tide time before you go.
Where can you see the waves at high tide in Saint-Malo?
From the ramparts and the Sillon, facing Fort National—always keeping away from the water’s edge.
Other places
Giant tides
Brazil
Canada
Nova Escócia
Beyond the guide
