A romantic weekend in Saint-Malo

A port city and former corsair stronghold, Saint-Malo is a must-see destination for lovers of Brittany, to the east of Dinard and to the north of Dinan. With its coastline of rocky islets, its charming old cobbled town surrounded by ramparts, its impressive high tides, and its emblematic Sillon beach, the town will win you over with its scenery as well as its generous gastronomy and cultural heritage, making it the ideal place for a romantic weekend away. Just over two hours from Paris by train, the beautiful Breton town is within easy reach, making it the perfect destination for a weekend relaxing hand in hand by the sea. So here are our tips for the perfect two days in this Breton town, so loved by French people and foreigners alike.

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Saint-Malo

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Day 1: Breathing in the sea spray

Explore the charming old town

If you're arriving by train, it's easy to get to Saint-Malo intra muros from the station, as it's just a twenty-minute walk across the harbour to the Porte Saint-Vincent. With the old town on one side and the Sillon beach on the other, you'll soon realise that you're right in the heart of Saint-Malo. Admire the ramparts, and make the most of the opportunity to enjoy a calorific but delicious and obligatory breakfast at DĂ©lices du gouverneur, a leading spot for a traditional kouign amann.

Practical information

đź“Ť Address: 6 Rue Porcon de la Barbinais, 35400 Saint-Malo

Afterwards, it's the perfect opportunity to stroll along the ramparts and admire the magnificent views over the old town, the beaches and the islands, as well as getting lost in the charming cobbled streets. Breathe in the scent of the sea, let the spray wash over you, and be lulled by the sound of the waves. Then continue your adventure on the Grand BĂ©, an island accessible at low tide at the foot of the ramparts, and home to the tomb of Chateaubriand which bears the following epitaph: "A great French writer wished to rest here to hear only the sea and the wind. Passant, respect his last wish". What could be more romantic than the texts of this great French poet?

Enjoy a galette in elegant, intimate surroundings

Saint-Malo may not be the first gastronomic destination that springs to mind in France, but the local cuisine is nonetheless rich, thanks in particular to the tasty Breton galettes and crĂŞpes. Made from buckwheat flour, galettes are a typical savoury version of crĂŞpes, which are sweet and made from wheat flour. A must for any trip to Brittany, enjoy them in a romantic setting with a good bowl of cider.

Galette de sarrasin traditionnelle de la Bretagne

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Opposite the cathedral in Saint-Malo intra muros, Bergamote is a delicious crêperie and tearoom, offering both an intimate and elegant atmosphere, as well as a menu that has been developed but retains the classic recipes. From traditional wholemeal crepes to andouille de Guémené and Saint-Jacques, there's something for everyone, using fresh local produce.

Practical information

📍 Address: 3 Place Jean de Châtillon, 35400 Saint-Malo, France.

An afternoon with your feet in the sand

From the old town, you can easily find the Sillon beach by going out through the Porte Saint-Vincent, then walk along the sea wall, or even walk directly on the beach and put your feet in the water. Let yourself be soothed by the gentle sound of the sea, but watch out for the spectacular high tides and the hungry seagulls that sometimes attack visitors if they walk along the beach with appetising pastries.

Plage du Sillon Ă  Saint-Malo

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Give up a moment of your afternoon to stop off at the Thermes Marins de Saint-Malo. You don't have to be staying at the hotel to take advantage of the spa facilities, so you can enjoy the messages, sauna, hammam and Aquatonic circuit with your other half for a relaxing moment of bliss together.

Seafood dinner for two

Set in a former Saint Malo shipowner's residence, in the heart of Saint Malo and in front of the Porte Saint-Vincent, enjoy a romantic dinner at the Café de Saint-Malo, which is particularly well-developed in its seafood offering. With its oyster bar, seafood platters, lobsters and generous, atypical menu, you're sure to have a convivial, impressive and tasteful evening.

Practical information

đź“Ť Address: 4 Place Guy la Chambre, 35400 Saint-Malo

Sleep at L'HĂ´tel des Abers for a calm and relaxing night

A 3-star hotel that is both family-friendly and elegant, this is the perfect place for a romantic, quiet night's sleep, while still being right in the heart of the town. With its warm decor, spacious rooms and incredibly varied and delicious breakfast, this hotel will be a haven of peace during your stay.

Practical information

đź“Ť Address: 10 Rue de la Corne de Cerf, 35400 Saint-Malo

HĂ´tel des Abers Saint-Malo
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HĂ´tel des Abers

Occupying a building built in the 16th century, the Hotel des Abers is located in the centre of Saint-Malo, 400 metres from the casino and 500 metres from the Cale de Dinan ferry. The Saint-Malo marina is 290 metres away.
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Day 2: Taking inspiration from the beauty around you

Start your breakfast at your L'HĂ´tel des Abers hotel, which offers an excellent buffet at a totally affordable price. It includes all our beloved French specialities such as bread, sandwich bread, brioches and viennoiseries, as well as charcuterie, cheese and yoghurts for savoury lovers, and delicious homemade cakes and even crĂŞpes. You'll get your day off to the best possible start, and be bursting with energy for the day's adventures.

Admire the Sculpted Rocks of Rothéneuf

North of the town centre on the way to Cancale lies the pretty seaside district of Rothéneuf, which offers a host of walks including the sandy beach of Le Val, the cliffs of Pointe de la Varde, and the famous 300 statues of the Rochers Sculptés de Rothéneuf, featuring legendary figures carved into the granite. Unusual and captivating, the rocks are a poetic and almost supernatural visit, sure to inspire you and make you dream, bordered by its stunning cliffs.

Taste delicious oysters in Cancale

Whether you're travelling by car or not, the ideal lunchtime destination is Cancale, where you can enjoy delicious oysters on the harbour with a glass of white wine. A picturesque little port known for its wild flat oysters, Cancale is the perfect place for an afternoon of pure Breton pleasures, and romantic moments of eye-to-eye lunch in an idyllic setting.

Discover the Saint-Malo Aquarium

With its focus on the maritime theme, the Saint-Malo Aquarium is one of the town's star attractions, and rightly so, as it features 10,000 fish, 600 species and 9 different rooms with a variety of themes, including the Mangrove, the Abyssal Room, the touch pools and the Sea Laboratory. Admire the magnificent underwater panoramas and discover the many different species of animals with your loved one.

by Faustine PEREZ
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