The ramparts of Saint-Malo

One of Saint-Malo's most distinctive architectural features are the famous corsair houses, which were the homes of wealthy Malouin shipowners, and are easily recognisable thanks to their high granite facades. These houses are part of the charm of this small Breton town, so we recommend that you stop for a moment to admire them, and in particular the Hôtel d'Asfeld, which is the best-known privateer's residence. Built for the shipowner Magon de la Lande, it has been listed as a Historic Monument since 2000, and can be visited with commentary from the owners.

Continue your visit as far as the Bastion de la Hollande, which is still filled with cannons and is a reminder of its defensive past. From here, you can admire the Bon Secours beach, home to the famous diving boards and the seawater pool created by René Lesaunier, which has become a landmark for tourists and locals alike.

Thanks to their exceptional location, the ramparts are the ideal place to admire the magnificent view over the panorama and the bay of Saint-Malo, particularly from the Tour Bidouane, which offers a view over the whole bay, and will be the perfect place to admire the islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé, where the great writer Chateaubriand is buried.

At this point in the tour, continue along the ramparts to the Porte and Place Saint Vincent, now the main gateway to the Intra-Muros. Just next door is the Grand' Porte, the oldest gate and the origin of the medieval walls. Admire the architecture, which quickly takes us back to this historic heritage, and stop for a moment in front of the magnificent Cathédrale Saint-Vincent, which combines a Romanesque and Gothic style.

Opposite the Porte Saint Vincent, you can cross the moat garden, which leads directly to the 15th-century Château de la Duchesse Anne, a magnificent legacy of medieval times. You can of course visit the castle, which is also fascinating because it houses the Museum of the History of Saint-Malo in the Grand Donjon, as well as the Museum of Ethnography in the Tour Générale.

Finally, let yourself be carried away to the south of the port of Saint-Malo, where you'll find the charming district of Saint-Servan, full of delicious restaurants and historic sites. One of the main monuments is the beautiful Tour Solidor, which has a long history. Built in 1382 to control the town, it was later occupied by the military, used as a prison during the Revolution and as a warehouse during the Empire. Although until recently it was possible to visit its Cap Horniers museum, its collections have now been transferred to the Saint-Malo Maritime History Museum.

The Saint-Servan district is also home to the Sablons marina, where you can admire the elegance of the yachts, take a leisurely stroll along the quayside, as well as the Bas Sablons beach, a quiet, family-friendly spot, before finishing your stroll with a bowl of cider and a crêpe in one of the traditional crêperies in the district.