Saint-Malo, France

The Bon-Secours Beach sits at the foot of Saint-Malo’s ancient city walls. Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in this historic French port, it is a popular place to soak up the sun or stroll along the promenade. Visitors can rent kayaks, swim in the seawater pool, or sip on a cocktail on the terrace at the beachside restaurant. The best way to reach Bon-Secours is to park near the Casino Barrière Saint-Malo and follow the stone wall to the beach, where you will find a magnificent view of the city and the nearby islands.

Bon-Secours Beach, 4 Rue de la Crosse, 34500 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-825-13-52-00

Just steps away from the Saint-Malo Cathedral, this acclaimed French patisserie has a mouth-watering selection of sweet and savory treats. Customers can choose from tarts and tortes beautifully arranged in polished glass cases, macaroons in boxes tied with colorful ribbons, and artfully displayed cakes for holidays and other special occasions. Loaves of freshly baked bread tempt visitors with their golden crusts and enticing aroma at Boulangerie de la Cathedrale. Guests can dine on gourmet salads and sandwiches at one of the small tables in the boulangerie or pair them with an icy cold beverage from the cooler for an impromptu picnic at the beach.

Boulangerie de la Cathedrale, 1 Rue du Pourpris, 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-2-99-40-89-11

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Children of all ages will love the nostalgic Carrousel Malouin. Decorated with scenes from Saint-Malo’s history, this year-round attraction can be found near the main gate to the walled city, known as La Ville Intra-Muros.

Carrousel Malouin, Esplanade Saint-Vincent, 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-8-25-13-52-00

Located in Saint-Malo’s pedestrian zone, this highly rated creperie serves artisanal crepes made with local and regional ingredients. Though best-known for its crepes, Creperie Margaux also has sweet and savory galettes, specialty tea and cider, and Nespresso coffee on the menu. Reservations for one of the seats inside or outside on the heated terrace is highly recommended as Margaux is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is open seven days a week during the months of July and August, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays the rest of the year, and closed altogether from mid-November until February.

Creperie Margaux, 3 Place du Marche aux Legumes, 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-2-99-20-26-02

A bit less crowded than its neighbors, Plage de l'Eventail (Eventail Beach) is a family-friendly beach located near the entrance to the old city. Parents will appreciate the presence of a certified lifeguard during the summer months as well as easy access to snacks from the vendors along the promenade. Its designation as a smoke-free beach means that little ones can enjoy the healthy seaside air as they romp in the waves and build sand castles on the shore. At low tide it is even possible to walk the few hundred meters over to Fort National for some first-class exploring.

Eventail Beach , Chaussee du Sillon, 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-8-25-13-52-00

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Designed in the 17th century under the direction of King Louis XIV, Fort de la Conchee is part of a string of forts built off the coast of Saint-Malo to keep the English and Dutch from entering France. Centuries later it was demilitarized by the French, but the Germans commandeered it during World War II and it was bombed by the Allies during the liberation of Saint-Malo. This historical monument is currently in the last stages of a multi-year restoration project. Until the restoration is complete, visits to the fort are scheduled only during the annual European Heritage Days at the end of September.

Fort de la Conchee, 27 Rue de la Tour du Bonheur, Rotheneuf, 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-8-25-13-52-00

Fort National is housed on a tiny island accessible only at low tide. Built by the military architect Vaubun to prevent the invasion of Saint-Malo by the English and Dutch in the 17th century, the fort is open to visitors when the French flag can be seen flying high above the stone walls. Individual explorers and groups can make their way across the sand to the drawbridge where they will meet experienced guides well-versed in the history of the fort. Looking back on the city of Saint-Malo, guests will be treated to a panoramic view of its breathtaking bay.

Fort National, 60 Chaussée du Sillon, 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-6-72-46-66-26

When the tide is low, visitors to Saint-Malo can walk across the beach to this rocky outcrop Grand Be. Starting from Bon-Secours and following the path to the island, explorers will have the opportunity to see what remains of a fort that was part of a strategic defense system designed by French architect Vaubun. Also of interest is the tomb of Saint-Malo’s native son and the father of French romanticism, Francois Rene de Chateaubriand, which can be found on the western end of the island. By climbing to the top of the rocks, visitors will get a spectacular view of Brittany’s Emerald Coast.

Grand Be, St-Malo, France, Phone: +33-8-25-13-52-00

Grand Parc de la Briantais is a 66-acre estate on the bank of the Rance river. Its landscaped grounds and well-maintained 19th century chateau belongs to the city of Saint-Malo. The grounds are open daily and admission is free to the public. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. The chateau is only open during scheduled events, but the Instagramable exterior is worth the trip even if you don’t get to tour the inside. Be sure to walk around the back of the building for a beautiful view of the bay of Saint-Malo.

Grand Parc de la Briantais , 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-2-99-81-83-42

Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo has more than 600 species of marine animals in a 43,000 square foot facility on Avenue du General Patton. Open since 1996, its kid-friendly attractions include the Nautibus, a small submarine; the Ring of the Seas where you’ll find yourself surrounded by sharks; and the underwater forest of The Mangrove. Visitors can interact with different kinds of sea creatures in the Touch Basin, ponder the role of plankton in the Laboratory of the Sea, and dive into the depths of the ocean in the Abyssal Descender. Ticket prices range from €12 to €16.50 and children under four are free.

Grand Aquarium Saint-Malo , Rue du Général Patton, 35400 Saint-Malo, France, Phone: +33-2-99-21-19-00