Cidade Turismo
France

Before you go

Your trip to Saint-Malo.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Saint-Malo – Bretanha Destination Bretanha about 72 km from Rennes

How to get there

  • Aéroport Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle (CDG) Roissy-en-France · 410 km
  • Aéroport de Rennes-Bretagne (RNS) Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande · 80 km
  • Gare de Saint-Malo 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

By train, the TGV links Paris-Montparnasse to Gare de Saint-Malo in about 2h15, and there are regional trains from Rennes. By car it's about 70 km from Rennes. The nearest airport with regular flights is Rennes. Check before buying.

How many days

One day is enough for the ramparts, the cathedral and a walk across at low tide. With two days you can add Dinard, Cancale and the Pointe du Grouin. With three, you can fit Dinan and a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy.

When to go

From May to September the days are long; July and August are the busiest months. The spring tides tend to be stronger near the equinoxes, in March and April and in September and October. Outside summer, the sea is usually rougher and there is less activity.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For the city, no: the Intra-Muros and the beaches are walkable, and there are city buses. For Cancale, the Pointe du Grouin, Dinan and Mont-Saint-Michel a car makes things easier, but there are regional buses, a boat to Dinard and excursions; check schedules.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Saint-Malo
  1. Morning
    Walls of the Intra-Muros

    Enter through the Porte Saint-Vincent and walk the circuit along the remparts, with views of the beaches and islets. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent.

  2. Afternoon
    Low-tide crossing

    According to the tide table, walk to Grand Bé, to Chateaubriand's tomb, or to Fort National. See the Piscine de Bon-Secours uncovered.

  3. Late afternoon
    Beaches and the Sillon

    Walk along the Sillon promenade or return to the top of the wall to watch the tide rise around the islets.

  4. Evening
    Dinner in the Intra-Muros

    Galettes, crêpes and cider or seafood in the granite streets of the old town.

2 days in Saint-Malo

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Remparts and cathedral

    Complete walk around the ramparts and visit to the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent.

  2. Afternoon
    Grand Bé or Fort National

    At low tide, cross the sand to one of the islets. At high tide, swap it for the Grand Aquarium.

  3. Late afternoon
    Bon-Secours

    Stay on Bon-Secours beach and watch the seawater pool and the changing tide.

  4. Evening
    Intra-Muros

    Dinner inside the walls.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Cancale and oysters

    Go to Cancale, see the oyster beds at low tide and taste oysters near the harbour.

  2. Afternoon
    Pointe du Grouin

    Head to the Pointe du Grouin for views of the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Chausey islands.

  3. Late afternoon
    Dinard

    On the way back, cross by boat or via the Rance barrage to Dinard and walk the seaside with views of Saint-Malo.

  4. Evening
    Return to Saint-Malo

    Dinner in Dinard or back in the Intra-Muros; check the time of the last boat.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How do the tides work in Saint-Malo?

The sea rises and falls twice a day, and the difference between high and low tide can reach about 14 metres in the biggest tides. At low tide the sand reveals paths to the islets; at high tide the water reaches the walls. Times change every day: check the tide table (horaires des marées) before any crossing.

What are the spring tides?

They are tides with a high coefficient, around full moon and new moon, and tend to be stronger near the equinoxes. The sea withdraws much more and, at high tide, can pass over the breakwaters in windy conditions. Dates vary each year; check before planning.

Saint-Malo or Rennes as a base?

Saint-Malo is better for the coast, the tides, Cancale, Dinard and Mont-Saint-Michel. Rennes has more trains and is convenient for those continuing to other parts of Brittany.

Is it possible to do a day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel?

Yes. Mont-Saint-Michel is in Normandy, about an hour by car. There are buses and excursions; check schedules and consult the tide table.

Can you do a day trip from Paris?

Yes, with the TGV of about 2h15 each way, but the day is short. To watch the tides at leisure, stay at least one night.

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