English Walking Tours in Saint-Malo
Embark on a private walking tour in English of Saint-Malo. Step into the city's dramatic history and fascinating maritime culture with a local guide. The tour incorporates a photobook from the Saint-Malo archives and you will be treated to a tasting of traditional Breton butter biscuits along the way. At the end, each guest receives a post card created by a local artist.
My walking tours lead you to the city's most historic locations. I give you insight into Saint-Malo's rich and world-changing history. You will learn about Breton culture, WW2, and more. You will not believe what has happened inside these granite walls!
Designed for couples, families, and small groups, my private walking tours combine local history, stunning views, and insider knowledge of life in Saint-Malo today. I offer concise and enriching 2-hour tours, or in-depth full-day tours that let you explore more incredible sites in Saint-Malo.
In the summer, I offer ticketed tours for 25€ with a start time at 10am.
Private 2-Hour Saint-Malo Walking Tour
200€ (12 people max)
The 2-hour walking tour covers a complete circuit of Saint-Malo's walled city. We scale its ramparts, duck through its backstreets, and stroll through its rich history, exciting anecdotes, stupendous riches, and darkest eras. By the end of the tour, our goal is for you to have seen one of France's most beautiful cities and experienced the history that gives it such vigorous character.
Subjects that are covered in the tour:
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Medieval Castle and forts
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Corsairs (Privateers and Pirates!)
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Wars with England
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The exploration of Canada by Jacques Cartier
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All the Light We Cannot See
- Local cuisine and delicacies
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World War 2 and the near destruction of the city
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The ambitious post-war rebuild
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Modern life in the city
Activity Level: Easy
400€ (8 people max)
* Lunch is not included in the price
The full-day tour combines a walking tour of Saint-Malo's historic walled city, a stop for lunch at a traditional Breton creperie, a tour of the famous Cité d'Alet, and a stroll by the imposing and picturesque 14th-century Solidor Tower.
The Cité d'Alet
Brittany is famous for its buckwheat galette crepes and salted-butter desserts. Lunch at a creperie is a perfect time to learn about the region's cultural history that led to this unique cuisine.
Private Full-Day Saint-Malo Walking Tour
Lee Miller was the only female American war correspondent in WW2. She photographed the liberation of Saint-Malo. We visit her monument on the Bas-Sablons beach.
The Cité d'Alet was the site of Saint-Malo's main battle during the city's liberation in World War 2. The area houses roman ruins, 18th century fortifications, and dozens of German defenses.
Breton Creperie Lunch
Lee Miller Memorial
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What will you see?
Your tour of Saint-Malo will bring you to the area's most historic sites. Our guides will tell you about the history that cloaks this legendary city and the famous characters who called it home.
Anne de Bretagne's 15th-century chateau
Outside the Chateau, our tour begins! We talk about the region of Brittany, the religious origins of the city, and the surprising reasons this imposing fortification was built.
Rue Chateaubriand
Who was this famous Romantic writer? What happened when he visited the United States? Here we learn some colorful stories about this famous Saint-Malo citizen and we begin our walk down some of the most historic and preserved streets in the city.
The Ramparts
Saint-Malo's walls have defended the city from its earliest days in the 12th century. We walk along these mighty stone defenses and learn about their design and the fierce battles that have assaulted them.
Robert Surcouf: The King of Corsairs
Why is Saint-Malo called the Corsair city? The answer to this question is answered at the foot of the statue of the city's most famous corsair Robert Surcouf.
World War 2 and the Battle of Saint-Malo
During our tour we will learn all about the poignant liberation of Saint-Malo by the American 83rd division. 80% of the city was destroyed.
Saint-Vincent Cathedral
Our tour ends at Saint-Vincent's Cathedral. We learn more about the Catholic origins of the city and the significant events that have impacted this place of worship.
Buttery Biscuit Break!
During our tour we will have a break for a Breton biscuit tasting. These salted-butter cookies are famous in the region today. We learn why as we enjoy a delicious treat. At the end of the tour, you will receive a Saint-Malo postcard made by a local artist.
The Cité d'Alet
On our Full-Day Tours, we will cross over outside of the walls to the Cité d'Alet. We will view Roman ruins, WW2 defenses, and an incredible vista over the bay of Saint-Malo
Lee Miller Memorial
Inaugurated in August 2025, the Lee Miller Memorial is at the Bas Sablons port. During our Full-Day tour, we follow in the footsteps of the 83rd division as they besiege the imposing German defenses on the Cité d'Alet.
Photo of Lee Miller's son, granddaughter, and the Mayor of Saint-Malo Gilles Lurton.
Your Guide
Meet Brendan! He is an American who has been living in France for over 10 years and now a proud husband and father living in the Saint-Malo area.He learned French in Québec and moved to Saint-Malo after having read All The Light We Cannot See and now spends his days showing travelers around the city that captured his imagination.
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