Our5 essentials

Approaching the city of privateers

Protected from the ravages of war, the ramparts which surround the city are a compulsory trip for visitors. Walk on the cobblestone paths and gaze at the amazing view across the English Channel and the town of Dinard. This 2-hour circuit gets under way at the Porte Saint Vincent entrance and ends at the city’s château. During your walk you will be able to admire the Grand’ Porte gate surrounded by 2 majestic towers, the bastions of Saint Louis and Saint Philippe, as well as the statue of Robert Surcouf. An unmissable tour!

You can continue exploring Saint Malo by a little trip to Fort National and the island of Grand Bé, both accessible on foot at low tide.

An essential trip

For lovers of oysters and shellfish what better than stopping at the famous Cancale market, at the eastern end of Port de la Houle. Opposite the sea, a multitude of stands offer you the chance to enjoy freshly-fished oysters.

If you wish to eat them at once on the beach, they are opened before your very eyes, and sellers even supply you with a plate and cutlery. Accompanied by a glass of Muscadet and a dash of lemon juice, it is a real delight! You should allow between €5 and €7 per dozen depending upon their size.

Back to the time of the Vikings

Overlooking the emerald sea, Fort la Latte stands atop a 70-metre cliff, opposite Cap Fréhel. Built in the 14th century, this fully restored feudal château offers visitors a guided tour through time: your will learn a lot about the history of this fort, its weapons of war and architecture…If you have the courage to climb to the top of the keep, you will be rewarded by a view which takes your breath away!

A 5 kilometre tour departing from the fortress takes you to Cap Fréhel. Follow the route GR34 (with red and white markers) and you will discover fabulous landscapes amongst heather and gorse. On a clear day, you can even make out Jersey, one of the Channel Islands..

The place to be

In the heart of the seaside resort of Dinard, the Plage de l’Ecluse beach offers holidaymakers a vast stretch of white sand, which slowly sinks into the magnificent Saint Malo bay. Surrounded by granite rocks this beach, sheltered from the wind, is a spot sought-after by families. When the sea is at low tide, an open-air swimming pool comprised of sea water enables you to swim without going far from your beach towel.

With a delightful pedestrian pathway running alongside, the sea wall enables the discovery of neighbouring beaches, and magnificent villas perched upon the cliffs.

Between land and sea

Dive into the world of the Middle Ages and its knights in armour during your visit to the medieval town. Surrounded by 3 kilometres of ramparts, the town of Dinan and its feudal château overlooks the Rance river . Below, the marina is the perfect place for picnics by the water. Owing to the steep incline, the town can prove difficult to walk around on foot, but have no fear as you will be able to take advantage of the petit train (tourist train) to assist you in covering the town.

From July to August, the most curious will be able to discover the history of the town through guided tours across the ramparts. High-tech visitors can even upload it in MP3 format and listen to it during their walk.

The small +

Lights, action, camera!

Fort la Latte frequently serves as the backdrop for films involving the sword and the cape: Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas in The Vikings, Sophie Marceau and Lambert Wilson in The Chouans!…Do not delay in watching these cinematographic masterpieces after your visit, to discover the fort from another angle.

The Côte d'Emeraude (Emerald Coast) it’s:

4,000Tonnesof oysters
21kilometresof hikes
43charactervillages

And if this were your nextBest holiday memory?