Saint-Malo cruises and privateers: open-air boating

The town of Saint-Malo became the famous port it is today thanks in part to the corsairs it welcomed. In the 15th century, royalty itself designated the town of Saint-Malo as a corsair port. The aim of these pirates, working on behalf of the monarch, was to plunder enemy merchant ships in order to weaken their economy. Thanks to their navigational skills and unparalleled daring, these courageous men protected the coasts against enemies and amassed considerable wealth on behalf of France.

To do this, they used a civilian ship supplied and armed by the king and targeted specific vessels. Most often they targeted merchant ships of different nationalities, but in times of war they could attack any type of ship, even the most heavily armed, when necessary. The main aim, however, was to restrict the trade routes of other nations. The major difference between pirates and privateers was their code of honour. Whereas pirates had no code of honour, privateers only attacked goods and had to respect the rules and laws of the time.

Surcouf, legendary privateer

One name that has contributed to the fame of the port of Saint-Malo is undoubtedly that of Robert Surcouf, France's most renowned privateer. Between 1787 and 1801, his years of service, he imposed a reign of terror on foreign merchant ships, particularly the British. He had been sailing since the age of 13 and became a privateer at 20, so the sea held no secrets for him. A statue of Surcouf stands in front of the Fort National in Saint-Malo.

Jacques Cartier, the explorer from Saint Malo

The other great Saint Malo navigator was Jacques Cartier, the man who discovered Canada and part of the USA. Like the privateers, he was commissioned to carry out his mission by the king, in this case François 1st. Several relics bearing his likeness can be found in the town, including a bust in the Limoëlou museum, portraits on old houses and a statue on the ramparts.

Corsaire cruises

Corsaire is a cruise company based in Saint-Malo with a name that perfectly suits our subject. It offers guided cruises in the various bays of Saint-Malo, with familiar names such as Baie Jacques Cartier and Baie Surcouf. The crossing allows you to get up close and personal to the city's various places of interest, such as the ramparts, the Fort National, the Grand Bé and so on.

Chateaubriand cruises

The Chateaubriand company, named after the famous philosopher who rests at the Grand Bé, offers different types of cruise. Its biggest asset is its on-board restaurant, which it offers in a variety of ways: lunch cruises, dinner cruises and evening DJ cruises. All three offers include a meal, of course, but it is possible to sail for less without eating out.

Sailing aboard a real 3-masted privateer!

In Saint-Malo, there is a perfect replica of a three-masted privateer: the Etoile du Roy. Often docked, it can be visited and allows visitors to plunge into another century and learn more about these pirates working for the King. Like a museum, the ship can be discovered in the same way. What's more, L'étoile Marine, the company that owns the Etoile du Roy, offers a number of sea trips aboard this and other ships. You'll discover the special sailing sensations that these privateers experienced hundreds of years ago. The company also makes these boats available for other special events on the quayside or at sea (weddings, cocktail parties, dinners, etc.).