Saint-Malo: The pearl of the Emerald Coast

Saint-Malo remains one of the most visited towns in Brittany. It attracts almost 200,000 tourists every summer and is France's favourite destination for Europeans. Thanks to its rich maritime history, the jewel of the Emerald Coast remains an important port and has used this to build its economy on port trade.

Saint-Malo is an active commercial port, and Brittany's second-largest. Every year, more than a million passengers travel between the port of Saint-Malo and the ports of Great Britain, Ireland, Jersey and Guernsey. The port of Saint-Malo handles a large volume of both passenger and freight traffic, despite the difficulty of accessing the port due to extremely high tides. The run-off from the town's bay is among the highest in Europe. So be careful on the seafront, and ask at the tourist office about the tide times before venturing out onto the rocks at low tide.

The first thing that strikes visitors on arriving in Saint-Malo is its magnificent fortified citadel. The ramparts offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and neighbouring islands, creating a spectacular landscape. These ramparts, built in the 12th century, are among the best preserved in Europe and are an emblematic symbol of the city.

A stroll through the narrow streets of the old town within the city walls reveals a rich historical heritage. Saint-Malo was once a haven for privateers and pirates, and you can still feel the essence of that era in the architecture and legends that permeate the buildings and streets. Don't miss the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent, a Gothic masterpiece dating back to the 12th century and a testament to the city's former grandeur.

For lovers of the sea, the town also organises water races, such as the start of the Route du Rhum solo sailing race, the Transat Québec-Saint-Malo crewed race, and occasional events such as the start of the Course des Grands Voiliers or the Raid des Corsaires. As you can see, the Cité Corsaire is first and foremost a place for water sports enthusiasts, waves and long stretches of clear water.