Located on the north-west coast of France, in the region of Brittany, the charming walled city of Saint-Malo is historic, lovely, and steeped in culture. Now greatly expanded, the city is made up of the preserved and delightful walled old town and the more sprawling new town that expands beyond the port. A place of gorgeous beaches, quaint stone buildings, and wonderful architectural gems and the recognised as the most-visited place in the region, it is the ideal destination for your next vacation in Brittany.
The city has origins dating back to the first century BC as a Gallo-Roman port town and can trace its more modern beginnings and name to the monastic settlement that was founded by Saint Aaron and Saint Brendan on this island off the coast of Brittany in the early sixth century. The name, then, is said to have come from a follower of Brendan named Saint Malo or Maclou, who had come to the area from what is now modern-day Wales. From around the 12th century onwards the city began to take shape in the form that we see in the Old Town today.
Positioned across the English Channel and at a point from which many left for the New World, Saint-Malo also became an important hub of shipping, leading to great prosperity in the city. This also attracted the attention of privateers from the 18th century and Saint-Malo became forever more connected with a romanticised image of pirates. During WWII, the city was badly bombed but was, thankfully, rebuilt over 12 years from 1948 to 1960 – as one walks through Saint-Malo today, it is hard to even imagine that it suffered such destruction and damage.
In addition to this fascinating past and these incredible historic good looks, there is an impressive array of wonderful tourist attractions to enjoy if you book a holiday rental in Saint-Malo. One, of course, must visit the impressive town castle, which not only houses the town museum and is an architectural wonder but also boasts the most amazing views over the city and coast from its ramparts.
Other museum options in the city include The Privateer's House (La Demeure de Corsaire), which is an 18th-century townhouse that displays artefacts of privateering, weaponry, and models of ships, and the 16th-century manor house museum that was once the home of the controversial explorer Jacques Cartier.
History buffs are also sure to simply enjoy wandering the picturesque streets of the historic town and visiting buildings like the stunning Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral. And, if you want to take the delightful trek out to the Petit Bé island in front of the Old Town when it is low tide, you can visit the fortress there.
Beach-lovers, meanwhile, are sure to enjoy the endless list of truly gorgeous nearby beaches to choose from. Plus, any visitors who are interested in learning all about the local marine life that they might encounter during their time in the area, can head to the brilliant Great Aquarium Saint-Malo, which is one of the major aquaria in France.
More outdoorsy pursuits on offer in the area include various hiking options, water sports, visits to the attraction park of the Labyrinthe du Corsaire, and trips to the Pointe de la Varde Natural Park.
Or, if you are looking to properly relax and unwind during your stay, then you could plan a day at the Saint-Malo Thermal Baths. Overlooking Sillon Beach, this gorgeous historic spa has been attracting visitors to the area for more than 40 years.
With so much to offer travellers and in such gorgeous natural and manmade surroundings, it is easy to see why so many choose to book a vacation rental in Saint-Malo during a holiday in Brittany. Browse our villas in France and come explore this magical part of the world for yourself.