The Ultimate Saint-Malo Guide: 15 Best Things to Do in Saint-Malo, France

🏰 The Ultimate Saint-Malo Guide: 15 Best Things to Do in Saint-Malo, France

lanning a trip to the Brittany coast? This Saint-Malo Guide highlights the very best things to see, do, eat, and experience in this historic seaside gem of northwest France. Famous for its walled city, corsair legends, tidal beaches, and coastal walks, Saint-Malo is a destination packed with character, culture, and stunning scenery.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer Brittany road trip, here are the top 15 things to do in Saint-Malo—including local favorites and experiences you won’t want to miss.

1. Take a Guided Walking Tour of the Famous Walled City (Intra-Muros)

Start your visit inside the city walls, known as the Intra-Muros. A guided walking tour is the best way to understand the city’s extraordinary past—from wealthy merchants and privateering to WWII destruction and post-war reconstruction.

Saint Malo Guided Tours offers English-speaking 2-hour tours of the Walled City and ramparts, sharing the stories, legends, and colorful history that shaped Saint-Malo into one of France’s most notorious ports. Expect sea-spray views, remarkable anecdotes, and hidden corners most visitors miss.

2. Dive into the Bon Secours Seawater Pool

A Saint-Malo icon! The Bon Secours tidal swimming pool offers a truly unique seaside experience. Built in the 1930s to allow swimming at low tide, it remains free and open to the public.

Bring a towel and (if you’re brave) take the plunge like a local.

If your a serious swimmer, check out our guide 👉 Saint-Malo's surrounding beaches

3. Have a Galette and Cider on the Ramparts

No Saint-Malo Guide would be complete without Breton cuisine. For a memorable lunch with a view, head to Le Corps de Garde, a cozy crêperie tucked into a former guard tower overlooking the bay.

Order a buckwheat galette (the Breton savory crêpe) and pair it with a cup of local apple cider. Arrive before noon to avoid the line—especially in summer.

If you love buttery Breton cuisine, you may also enjoy this post:👉 Breton Must-Try Food and Cuisine – Saint-Malo Guided Tours

4. Tour the Étoile du Roy (Corsair Ship)

Step aboard the Étoile du Roy, a stunning three-mast corsair ship modeled after an 18th-century frigate. Docked in front of the walled city, in the summertime you can climb aboard and explore the ship.

Tickets:• Adults: €7• Children (1–12): €4• Family (2 adults + 2–3 kids): 18€

5. Eat Mussels and Fries with a Sea View

For a casual seaside bite, stop by the snack bar at Saint-Thomas’ Gate overlooking the Plage de l’Éventail and Fort National. There’s nothing more French than moules-frites on the beach with sea air in your hair.

6. Visit the Sculpted Rocks of Rothéneuf

Just east of Saint-Malo, the village of Rothéneuf is home to more than 300 cliff-carved sculptures created by Abbot Fouré in the late 1800s. Time and erosion are slowly wearing them away—so see them while you can.

Tickets:• Adults: €5• Children under 10: Free

7. Explore La Pointe de la Varde

A spectacular headland with coastal trails, La Pointe de la Varde boasts some of the best panoramic views of Saint-Malo. Wander past WWII bunkers, grassy cliffs, and scenic beaches. It’s a great spot for a picnic or sunset walk.

8. Visit the Cité d’Alet: Key to Saint-Malo’s WWII History

With Roman ruins, WWII bunkers, and sweeping harbor views, Cité d’Alet is a must for history fans. Over 500 German soldiers were stationed here during WWII, making it a decisive site in the Liberation of Saint-Malo.

9. Take a Shuttle Boat to Dinard

Hop on a 10-minute ferry ride across the bay to the stylish seaside town of Dinard—known for Belle Époque villas, beaches, and art deco charm. Boats run daily in summer, departing near the Porte de Dinan.

10. Get a “Super Boule” Ice Cream at Sanchez

It’s impossible to miss the line in summer—Sanchez is a Saint-Malo institution. Their “super boule” cone and rotating flavors make it a must-stop for a sweet treat as you wander Intra-Muros.

11. Sip a Rooftop Drink at Les Ambassadeurs

For a relaxed evening cocktail, walk 10 minutes from the walled city to the rooftop bar at Les Ambassadeurs on the Sillon Beach. It’s one of the only rooftop terraces with direct ocean views in the area—ideal at sunset.

12. Walk the Digue Seawall at Sunset

The Digue stretches along the Sillon Beach, offering a peaceful seaside stroll. Watch the sun dip behind the horizon, then wander back across the sand listening to the waves—one of the most romantic things to do in Saint-Malo.

13. Visit the Cliffside Chapel Notre-Dame des Flots

Near Rothéneuf, follow the coastal trail from the Benetin restaurant parking area to this charming little chapel perched above the sea. The views over the Lupin Harbor and Chevret Islands make it a scenic stop.

14. Explore the Château de la Briantais

Dating back to the 1600s, the elegant Château de la Briantais and its 27-hectare park offer estuary views, landscaped gardens, and summer cultural events. On warm weekends, you’ll often find outdoor food and drink pop-ups.

15. Dine Al Fresco by the Solidor Tower

Located in the Saint-Servain neighborhood of Saint-Malo, the 14th-century Tour Solidor overlooks the Rance Estuary and is surrounded by a row of harbor-side restaurants—perfect for an outdoor summer dinner. Seafood, views, and history combine for a memorable evening.

🧭 Why Saint-Malo Belongs on Your France Itinerary

Whether you’re a history lover, coastal walker, or foodie, Saint-Malo offers a mix of culture, scenery, and adventure that’s hard to beat. If you're visiting the region after touring the D-Day beaches or Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, a quick drive to Saint-Malo is worth the extra miles. For English-speaking travelers looking to understand the heart of the city, a guided tour with Saint Malo Guided Tours is a fantastic place to begin.