Making the most of Saint Malo
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships of up to 150m can lock into the inner harbour and moor alongside a quay by the old-town walls. Two larger vessels of up to 240m can use four mooring buoys, with a tender transfer of about 10 minutes. Taxis, a shuttle service, tourist information, toilets, a post office, restaurant/bar and shops are available.
Recent investment has provided a new pedestrian bridge to improve terminal access.
Take a printable map with you.
Originally a monastic settlement on the Brittany coast, this charming town became famous in the 16th century as the home of the Corsairs of Saint-Malo, a fierce breed of pirate-mariners often credited with discovering Canada and the Falkland Islands. Explore La Ville Intra-Muros, the "walled city", best seen when sailing into port early in the morning; climb its 20-foot-thick walls for a full mile. Also see the Chateau of Saint-Malo and the Cathedral of St. Vincent.
Several museums in St Malo reflect Brittany's distinctive history and culture.
St. Malo's rich historical tapestry is represented by beautiful buildings and attractions, including the magnificent Cathedral, the City History Wax Museums, the Old Market Hall, St Sauveur Chapel, the House of the Duchess Anne and Pelicot's ancient street of timber houses.
Tides are enormous here, with a 14-meter difference between low and high tide.
Getting around
Le Mont St Michel, the spectacular monastery on a semi-island, is often cut off at high tide, and finding a taxi to take you there may be difficult.
Visitors are welcome at the nearby mussel and oyster farms.
At low tide, you can reach the isle of Grand Bé, burial place of the romantic French writer Chateaubriand.
The Alet peninsula has an overhanging panoramic view across the Bay of St Malo and is the perfect gateway for exploring the further delights of Western France.
Nearby places
Saint Malo is also a base for excursions to legendary Mont Saint Michel, around an hour's drive away. The Abbey of Mont Saint Michel and its ensemble of buildings crown the mount's summit, soaring high above the sea, and form one of the country's most spectacular monuments. The abbey is matched by extraordinary tidal variations: at low tide the mount looks out across bare sand, while at high tide the same land is completely submerged.
The medieval town of Dinan lies about 25 miles south of Saint Malo. Though once entirely enclosed by ramparts, 14 towers and much of the walls still stand around beautiful 15th-century timbered houses.
Food and shopping
Walk the tiny, ancient cobbled streets, browse fascinating shops of local crafts and open markets, or sample the great seafood restaurants, bars and boutiques. St Malo has many delicious recipes, from traditional pancakes and cider to prestigious gourmet feasts, and a huge supermarket just outside the city.
Money
Currency: Euro.
Staying connected
The terminal provides free WiFi.
For local emergencies, call 112.
Opening Hours and
In France, most shops, businesses, information services, museums and banks remain open throughout the day. Smaller shops and enterprises may instead close for lunch between 12.30pm and 2pm. Big shops generally trade from 8 or 9am until 6.30 or 7.30pm Monday to Saturday, while smaller shops usually open Tuesday to Saturday, although some also open on Monday afternoon. Boulangeries and food shops can always be found open when others close, normally until noon on Sunday.