St Malo, located on the northern coast of Brittany, France, is a beautiful, historic walled city. Famous for its pirate past, stunning beaches, and unique island trips, St Malo captivates all who visit.
Whether you’re wondering where St Malo is or looking for your next travel destination, this city is a must-see for anyone exploring France’s northern coastline.
Where is St Malo?
St Malo is located on the northern coast of Brittany, along the Emerald Coast of France, near the English Channel. It is part of the Ille-et-Vilaine department, about 70 km north of Rennes and just 55 km from Mont Saint Michel.
St Malo is a popular stop for travelers exploring northern France, as it is easily accessible by train from Paris (about 2.5 hours) or by car. Its proximity to UK ferry ports like Cherbourg and Roscoff also makes it a convenient destination for British visitors.
5 Great Reasons to Visit St Malo, Brittany
To help you plan your next holiday, here are five compelling reasons to visit St Malo.
1) St Malo’s Fascinating History
St Malo has a rich and captivating history that dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was a fortified island. Its historical significance lies in its role as a base for privateers—pirates who operated with the blessing of the French crown to plunder enemy ships.
These privateers played a crucial role in shaping the city’s wealth and reputation, making St Malo a powerful and prosperous city-state at one point in history.
One of the best ways to experience St Malo’s history is by walking along the ancient city ramparts. These stone walls stretch nearly 2 kilometers around the old city, offering panoramic views of the sea, harbor, and old town.
The ramparts were built to defend the city from foreign invaders and stand today as a testament to the city’s resilience.
As you walk, you’ll encounter key historical landmarks such as the Château de St Malo, now home to the Musée d’Histoire.
This museum delves into the city’s pirate and maritime history and showcases St Malo’s adventurous spirit. Another highlight is the Saint-Vincent Cathedral, a Gothic structure that has withstood the test of time, having been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries.
For history buffs, don’t miss the Jacques Cartier Museum, which is dedicated to St Malo’s most famous resident, Jacques Cartier, the explorer credited with discovering Canada. Walking through St Malo, you can almost feel the legacy of the pirates, adventurers, and explorers who once called this city home.
Top Travel Tip: The ramparts offer the best views during sunset, when the light casts a golden hue on the walls and the surrounding sea. It’s a peaceful, scenic experience perfect for photos.
2) Stunning Beaches
St Malo is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brittany, perfect for families, adventurers, and those looking to relax. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or explore tidal pools, these beaches offer something for everyone.
Grand Plage is the city’s main beach and a popular choice for families. This wide stretch of sand, located just outside the city walls, offers plenty of space to relax, play, and swim. With lifeguards on duty during the summer and a view of Fort National, the beach has a great mix of history and leisure.
For a quieter experience, head to Plage du Sillon, a 3 km stretch of golden sand. It’s perfect for long walks along the shore, especially at low tide, when sandbars and rock pools are exposed.
Families with young children will enjoy exploring the pools for marine life. The area is also ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing, with consistent winds providing excellent conditions for these sports.
Bon Secours Beach is another must-visit, known for its tidal swimming pool, which is built into the sea and remains full even when the tide is out. It offers a unique swimming experience, with the backdrop of the city’s ramparts and Grand Bé Island adding to the atmosphere.
Top Travel Tip: The best time to visit Bon Secours Beach is at low tide when you can walk across the seabed to nearby Grand Bé Island.
3) Unique Island Excursions
St Malo is perfectly situated along the Emerald Coast, making it an ideal base for exploring nearby islands. These unique island trips offer a mix of history, natural beauty, and adventure.
Grand Bé: One of the most popular trips is to Grand Bé, a tidal island just off the coast of St Malo. At low tide, you can walk across the seabed to reach the island. The island is home to the tomb of François-René de Chateaubriand, one of France’s most celebrated writers who was born in St Malo. The views from the island are simply stunning, offering panoramic vistas of the sea and coastline.
Île de Cézembre: For those looking for a more secluded adventure, take a boat ride to Île de Cézembre, an uninhabited island with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming, the island is also steeped in history, having been heavily bombed during World War II. Remnants of bunkers and fortifications remain, offering a glimpse into its past.
Île de Batz: A day trip to Île de Batz is another fantastic option. This small, lush island offers scenic walking paths, botanical gardens, and secluded beaches. Thanks to its mild climate, Île de Batz is home to a variety of plants that are rare elsewhere in France, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Top Travel Tip: Boat tours to the islands often operate according to the tides, so be sure to check tide times in advance and book early during peak tourist season.
4) Delicious Breton Cuisine
St Malo is a paradise for food lovers, particularly for those who enjoy fresh seafood. Thanks to its maritime heritage, seafood plays a starring role in the local cuisine.
The Marché aux Poissons (Fish Market) is a great place to experience local seafood at its freshest. Don’t miss the opportunity to try moules-frites (mussels served with fries) or a seafood platter featuring Cancale oysters, which are some of the best in the region.
Beyond seafood, St Malo is known for its Breton specialties. Try the traditional galettes (savory buckwheat pancakes) filled with ham, cheese, or eggs, followed by crêpes for dessert. Pair your meal with a glass of Breton cider, traditionally served in a bowl.
For dessert, don’t leave without sampling Kouign-Amann, a rich pastry made with layers of butter and sugar—a true treat for those with a sweet tooth.
Top Travel Tip: Many restaurants in St Malo offer daily specials based on the catch of the day. Ask your server for recommendations to experience the freshest seafood available.
5) Fort National
A visit to St Malo wouldn’t be complete without exploring Fort National, one of the city’s most iconic historical sites.
Built in 1689 by famed military architect Vauban, Fort National was designed to protect St Malo from naval attacks. Perched on a small island just off the coast, the fortress is only accessible at low tide, adding to its mystique.
Fort National has witnessed many battles over the centuries, including during World War II, when it was occupied by German forces. Today, visitors can explore the fortress, walk through its historic halls, and enjoy stunning views of the Emerald Coast and St Malo’s walled city.
Top Travel Tip: Be sure to check tide schedules before visiting, as the fort is only accessible when the tide is out. Guided tours are available and offer deeper insights into the fort’s military history.
Campsites Near St Malo
If you’re planning an extended stay in the St Malo area, there are plenty of excellent campsites nearby that cater to a variety of travelers. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly campsites, scenic coastal views, or luxurious amenities, these campsites near St Malo offer something for everyone.
Domaine des Ormes
Located about 30 minutes from St Malo, Domaine des Ormes is one of the most popular and well-equipped campsites in Brittany. Set in a vast 250-hectare park, this 5-star resort offers a wide range of accommodations and activities for families and adventure-seekers alike.
At Domaine des Ormes, you can choose a range of holiday accommodation available from Eurocamp. The campsite has something for everyone, including an 18-hole golf course, multiple swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), a wave pool, horse riding, and a treetop adventure course.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Domaine des Ormes offers fishing lakes, tennis courts, and canoeing on its private lake. Children will love the kids’ club, adventure playground, and water slides, while adults can relax at the onsite spa. With restaurants and bars available on-site, you’ll have everything you need without leaving the resort.
Top Travel Tip: This campsite is particularly ideal for families traveling with children. The wide variety of activities ensures that everyone, from toddlers to teens, has something fun to do during their stay.
Le Soleil de Saint Sieu
Just a 20-minute drive from St Malo, Le Soleil de Saint Sieu is a peaceful and relaxed campsite, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of touristy areas while still being close to St Malo’s main attractions.
Located in the heart of the Brittany countryside, this 3-star campsite is surrounded by nature and offers a tranquil atmosphere.
Le Soleil de Saint Sieu a range of comfortable mobile homes from Eurocamp along with more upmarket one for those seeking more luxury. The campsite is family-friendly and provides plenty of amenities, including playgrounds for children, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and a small restaurant where you can enjoy local Breton specialties.
The location of the campsite makes it ideal for exploring nearby attractions, such as Mont Saint-Michel, Dinan, and of course, St Malo. The campsite also has easy access to hiking and cycling trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Brittany and a wonderful sandy beach nearby.
Top Travel Tip: This campsite is perfect for travelers who want a quiet and relaxing base from which to explore both St Malo and the surrounding countryside. Be sure to bring your hiking gear for the nearby trails!
Les Pommiers du Mont St Michel
Situated about 40 minutes from St Malo and just 4 km from Mont Saint-Michel, Les Pommiers du Mont St Michel is a great choice for visitors who want to experience both the wonders of Mont Saint-Michel and the charm of St Malo.
This 4-star campsite offers shaded pitches with fully-equipped mobile homes from Eurocamp for those seeking more comfort. Families with children will enjoy the campsite’s many amenities, including a heated outdoor swimming pool, children’s play areas, and organized family activities during the summer months.
The proximity to Mont Saint-Michel makes this campsite particularly appealing to visitors looking to explore one of France’s most famous landmarks. From the campsite, you can take a short drive or bike ride to Mont Saint-Michel and enjoy a full day of sightseeing before returning to the peaceful countryside.
Les Pommiers du Mont St Michel also offers a small grocery store, bar, and restaurant on-site, where you can sample local cuisine and relax after a day of exploring.
Top Travel Tip: Plan your visit to Mont Saint-Michel early in the morning to avoid the crowds, then return to the campsite for a peaceful evening. Many visitors combine a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel with a visit to St Malo for a complete Brittany experience.
Book Les Pommiers du Mont St Michel
Le Châtelet
Just 25 minutes from St Malo, Le Châtelet is a 5-star campsite that offers stunning coastal views and a luxurious camping experience.
Located on a hillside overlooking the Emerald Coast, this campsite is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking beautiful scenery and easy access to Brittany’s beaches.
Le Châtelet offers a variety of accommodation from Eurocamp. The campsite features a heated swimming pool, a children’s playground, and a sports field for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
One of the best features of Le Châtelet is its direct beach access to Plage de la Pissotte, a quiet and secluded beach perfect for swimming and relaxing.
For those who love exploring, the nearby Cap Fréhel is known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning coastal hikes. The Fort La Latte, a medieval fortress perched on the edge of the cliffs, is also just a short drive from the campsite.
Top Travel Tip: If you’re planning a romantic getaway or simply want to enjoy the best views in the region, this campsite’s cliffside location and proximity to the beach make it a top choice for a luxury camping experience near St Malo.
Conclusion
St Malo is a destination that offers something for every type of traveler. From its fascinating pirate history and stunning beaches to unique island trips and delicious Breton cuisine, it’s a must-visit for your next holiday in Brittany, France.
Staying at one of the campsites near St Malo allows you to enjoy the beauty and history of the region while having a comfortable, family-friendly base.
Whether you’re looking for fun-packed adventures at Domaine des Ormes, peaceful countryside relaxation at Le Soleil de Saint Sieu, proximity to world-famous sites like Mont Saint-Michel at Les Pommiers du Mont St Michel, or luxurious seaside views at Le Châtelet, these campsites offer a variety of experiences to suit any traveler.
Plan your stay in advance, as these popular sites fill up quickly, especially during the summer months!
Don’t forget to check out our other articles including 5 Great Reasons to Visit Carnac, Brittany and 5 Great Reasons to Visit Benodet, Brittany.
