Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo or Sant-Maloù in Breton is a city in the North-East of Brittany. Begin the trip through this town seems to be a good starting point because it is the city where there is the largest port for passengers in the region between Brittany and the United Kingdom. The city is easily accessible to all individuals and families from the North.

Saint-Malo is a charming city for both its land and sea side. This is a little spot of paradise if you enjoy sunbathing on the sand, stroll along the harbor or discover the architecture remained intact, you will be happy to deposit your bags a few days.

A dream setting : 

• Intra-Muros

This area of Saint-Malo is undoubtedly the best known part of the city and especially the most typical. This is the "hidden", so-called "Old Town", surrounded by ramparts, this part is only accessible on foot. The architecture takes you into a magical atmosphere harboring hidden treasures. Insides there are many small cobbled pedestrian streets where you can discover a life that seems quiet and many small shops. Of course, several shops are dedicated to Brittany and allow you to come back with memories like the famous tee-shirt marine (blue and white striped), the Galette bretonne (no pancakes, it is totally different) and a Bigoudène that you can hang in your car.

• Feeling hungry ?

Crêpe 

Yes, walk, discover and perhaps even losing can open the appetite. So you can stroll through streets and small stone’s stop for a gourmet break. Many merchants offer waffles, pancakes, ice cream or the Breton specialty: amann kouign. This specialty is mainly made of butter. You can find the recipe link here if you want to bring one part of Britanny at home: here.

Galette

To continue in the Breton charm, you cannot spend a few days in Saint-Malo without enter, sit down and order delicious “galettes” followed by “crêpes” accompanied by cider locally produced. These specialties are made from different flours and are eaten in restaurants called "crêperie". The galettes are accompanied by savory ingredients while crêpes are accompanied by sweet ingredients.

Saint-Malo is an ideal city to enjoy the benefits of Brittany, I had the opportunity to go there regularly since my childhood and to test several restaurants.

Here are the restaurants that are a must for me during your stay:

The “Crêperie Margaux”: this restaurant with typical decoration offers all the Breton’s specialities at affordable prices, around 15€ for a menu. I recommend you the galette called “Arthur”: excellent!

“Bouche en folie”: if you want to taste local products and seafood, this restaurant is for you. Between 15 and 30€ for a menu (yes more than the other but all products are fresh and seasonable). Ideal for a romantic dinner just 20 meters from the beach and close to the ramparts.

• A moment of madness?

    Want to sunbathe?

You just have to climb some stairs during your stroll to reach the top of the ramparts. From there you can see all the beauty of the city in your back while sandy beaches await you down! Saint-Malo is 19 kilometers scope of sandy beaches filled with surprises including 3 kilometers surrounding Intra-muros. At low tide, several sites reveal some coves, dunes, cliffs and ruins. So you have to be patient and just go with what offers Breton’s nature. Several activities are available for all ages, sports, kids club, etc.

    
   
      In the evening

The principal activity and the most famous of Saint-Malo is the casino called “Barrière Casino”. Several gambling halls are installed containing slot machines and table games such as Black Jack. The casino also has theaters that can accommodate concerts or just entertainment. Do not hesitate to ask beforehand.

• Tired?

Accommodation in Saint-Malo is not really complicated, among many hotels, guest houses and other means, you will always find a place to rest and unwind. The best thing to do is book your hotel in the Intra-muros. From there you can make the majority of your desires on foot.

If you want to fall asleep to the waves and enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views of the beach I recommend this hotel: Hotel Kyriad Saint Malo Centre Plage.

For character and charm you can also look with some French keywords like "logement St Malo" which means “accommodation St-Malo”. Rent an apartment allow you to have more freedom and especially to meddle in local life totally. Feel free to look for a rental!

I hope you enjoy your first step in Britain, get ready for more!