Cruises to Saint-Malo

14 Reviews
Saint-Malo (Photo:gnoparus/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Saint-Malo

In Brittany's walled city of Saint-Malo, France, getting lost is part of the lure. You're almost guaranteed to be drawn delightfully off course by an enticing quiet cobblestone alley, the warm sugary aroma of a creperie or a shop window beckoning passersby with artfully arranged French fashions. But if you ever find yourself truly disoriented by the maze of narrow medieval streets, just keep walking; the historic section of Saint-Malo is so small that you're never more than a few minutes from the thick stone ramparts that have protected the city for centuries. Follow these walls until you reach a gate to the outside world or a set of stairs leading up to the top of the ramparts, from which you can orient yourself by looking out over the city.

Known as the City of Corsairs, Saint-Malo made its fortune on the high seas through trade, exploration and, in some cases, privateering -- piracy that was sanctioned by the crown during times of war. These 17th- and 18th-century pirates, called corsairs, could capture enemy ships and keep both the vessel and anything on it for themselves, as long as they contributed a portion of the bounty to the king. Modern-day visitors can learn more about the dangerous but lucrative life of an 18th-century corsair at the Demeure de Corsaire, or Privateer's House.

Saint-Malo has long since outgrown the bounds of the original medieval city, and today, only about 1,000 people live permanently within the walls. The area is particularly popular with wealthy Brits and Parisians who keep summer residences there and with visitors who appreciate the convivial sidewalk cafes, historic plazas and bracing salt air.

Many cruisers to France skip Saint-Malo altogether in favor of a day trip to Mont Saint-Michel, the famous medieval abbey and village that loom over the surrounding tidal flats in many a French postcard. Saint-Malo is also a good jumping-off point for other explorations in the Brittany region; appealing stops include the oyster farms of Cancale, the pretty riverfront village of Dinan and the 19th-century beach resort of Dinard.

  • More about Saint-Malo

  • Why Cruise to Saint-Malo?

  • Saint-Malo Cruise Port Facilities?

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285 Reviews
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More about Saint-Malo

Why Cruise to Saint-Malo?

Pros:

Saint-Malo is a fantastic base for exploring the Brittany region of France

Cons:

Many of the shops in town close on Sundays

Bottom Line:

A gorgeous town to explore by foot, Saint-Malo has a well-preserved old city and creperies galore

Saint-Malo Cruise Port Facilities?

Arriving passengers are within walking distance of just about everything -- restaurants, souvenir shops, a taxi stand and gates into the old city.

Good to Know?

At low tide, visitors can walk to the fort on the island of Petit Be, but stay too long and you could be stranded on the island when the water rushes back in. Ask about the tide schedules at the tourist office before setting out.

Getting Around?

On Foot: The narrow streets of the walled district are perfect for strolling -- and so are the walls themselves. It only takes about 30 minutes to walk around the city atop the ramparts (not including stops for pictures).

By Bike: Rental bikes are available at Ty'Boost (49 Quai Duguay-Trouin, +33 02 99 56 47 18). A great spot for a ride is along Digue de Rochebonne, a wide path that borders the beach.

By Taxi: Taxis line up outside Porte Saint-Vincent. They can be hired for excursions to Mont Saint-Michel, the Normandy beaches, the village of Dinan and other popular attractions in the region. Reserve online in advance at, or call +33 (0)2 23 18 11 81.

By Car: While you don't need a vehicle if you want to stay within the city walls, renting a car can be a nice option if you want to drive along the coast and see Mont Saint-Michel at your own pace. Several car rental companies are clustered near the train station, including Avis, Hertz and Europcar. It helps to be able to drive a stick shift, as most available vehicles have manual transmissions.

By Bus: Buses are not permitted within the old city walls, but various companies provide transit around the more modern part of Saint-Malo and to other cities and towns in the region (such as Dinard, Rennes and Mont Saint-Michel). Some bus services pick up along Quai Saint-Vincent, while others must be boarded near the main train station. Companies include Keolis Saint-Malo, Illenoo and Tibus.

By Train: Le Petit Train takes tourists on a 30-minute ride through the walled city, departing approximately twice an hour from Porte Saint-Vincent. Saint-Malo's train station is outside the walls and offers service to Rennes, Dinan and other cities in the region.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The currency in France is the euro. There's an ATM in the old city at the Banque Populaire de L'ouest (3 Rue Porcon de la Barbinais).

Language?

French is the official language. Many locals speak at least a little English, especially within the city walls, where tourists are common.

Where You're Docked?

Smaller ships dock along the Quai Saint-Louis, just a few steps from one of the entrances into the old city. Larger vessels must moor farther out and tender passengers to Cale de la Bourse, which is also within walking distance of the city walls.


Saint-Malo Cruise Reviews
absolutely beautiful enclosed city/town. Unfortunately the guide we had was absolutely terrible. We did inform the expedtions desk on our return. He even lost about a 1/3 of our tour group for 20 minutes as he jusRead More
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GICNJC
Great port with beautiful walled city.Read More
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cruiser4801
Lovely old town very popular destination with lots of things going on. Easy to walk around.Read More
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robbieandjimmy
Visited on our own. Took the tender into town, then entered by the "Grande Porte" - through 2 imposing 15th century towers. Beautiful; little town, very walkable, easy to explore on your own. Started with the SainRead More
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sensrock

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