Things to do in Saint Malo

No. 2 of Family-friendly Attractions in Brittany

Grand Aquarium Saint Malo

Saint Malo, in the Lower Normandy region of northwestern France, is a renowned tourist destination. The ancient walls once used to defend against pirates, the white-capped beaches, and the well-preserved medieval old town are all must-see attractions. However, today we are focusing on theSaint Maloancient walls, specifically the Grand Aquarium Saint Malo beneath them. It houses 4,000 fish of 250 different species, offering a glimpse into marine flora and fauna from oceans around the world. It is a great place for children, combining education with entertainment, and the service is warm and attentive. Enter theSaint MaloGrand Aquarium Saint Malo through an entrance reminiscent of the elephant trunk described in Jules Verne's novels. The stunning decor immerses you, inviting you to embark on a wonderfuljourney of marine discovery. With jellyfish, sea anemones, giant crabs, and daisy-like sea flowers, this place is truly an underwater garden, where beautiful sea anemones wave their tentacles and arms in a graceful dance. The larger circular tank in the aquarium offers a 360-degree view and holds 600,000 liters of seawater. Oncethe marine worldopens its doors to curious visitors, the fun continues, with scorpionfish endlessly performing their unique marine dance. You can see a variety of marine fish here, such as surgeonfish, wrasse, and angel sharks. Each ocean has its own inhabitants, living in harmony or competing with one another. The tropical ocean exhibition hall presents a colorful scene.

Saint-Malo

Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is a small granite island in the bay at the border of Normandy and Brittany, France, and a sacred site in the hearts of Catholics. According to legend, in 708 AD, Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, received three revelations from the archangel Michael in his dreams, instructing him to build a sanctuary for the angel on the rocky outcrop then known as "Tomb Mountain." Both the mountain's name and the abbey atop it originate from this story. Today, the abbey complex at the summit, constructed and expanded from the 11th century onward, features Romanesque naves and Gothic spires layered one upon another. The golden statue of the archangel atop the spire, sword raised toward the sky, is a distinctive landmark visible from afar when gazing upon the holy mountain. Tides are the core attraction here. The bay's tidal range can reach over ten m, with the sea retreating up to over ten km during low tide, exposing vast mudflats. During high tide, the sea rapidly closes in, described by Victor Hugo as advancing "like galloping horses." On days with exceptionally high tides, the entire island is encircled by seawater, recreating the true spectacle of an isolated island at sea. Tidal times change daily, so check the tide chart before your visit. Witnessing the starkly different scenes of mudflats and ocean during both high and low tides is a must. Ascending along the main street, you'll find shops and restaurants with medieval charm on both sides. The stone houses and alleys exude an antique atmosphere, and the ancient city wall trail around the island is also worth exploring. The high-vaulted nave, Gothic cloisters, and tranquil gardens of the hilltop monastery deserve careful appreciation, while the platform offers a panoramic view of the bay's tidal flats and winding streets. The island also features small museums showcasing the history of the sacred mountain, tides, and navigation, which can be visited if time permits. Note that the bay's tidal flats flood rapidly with quicksand, so avoid venturing onto them alone. Always follow a professional guide if you wish to cross the bay.

Les Remparts de Saint-Malo

No. 10 of Night Attractions in France

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey

How it all started with a dream? Legend has it that the story of Mont-Saint-Michel began in 708 after the Archangel Michael appeared three times in dreams to Bishop Aubert. Saint Michael reportedly requested the construction of a sanctuary in his honor on an island called Mont-Tombe. The building of this first oratory echoes the construction of the initial sanctuary dedicated to the archangel on Mount Gargano in Italy's Apulia region, but above all, it reflects the rise of Christianity in the West at that time. In 966, Duke Richard I of Normandy established Benedictine monks on the Mount, monks who followed the Rule of Saint Benedict. From the moment the monks settled and the construction of the Romanesque abbey church began according to tradition in 1023, Mont Saint-Michel became an essential pilgrimage site throughout the Christian West. Pilgrims came to seek protection and salvation for their souls from Saint Michael. At the same time, the abbey began producing, preserving, and studying a large number of manuscripts. It thus became a major cultural center during the Middle Ages. As a true political and intellectual crossroads, Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey welcomed pilgrims from all walks of life, including several kings of France and England, such as Henry II Plantagenet, Saint Louis, Louis XI, Anne of Brittany, Francis I... An incredible abbey with the appearance of a fortress A true architectural feat, the abbey is dizzying and disorienting. What stands out is its verticality. Its location at the summit and on the side of the cliff requires a complex organization with overlapping and winding structures. Strategically located in the heart of the bay, the abbey also served as a fortress for the Duchy of Normandy during the Middle Ages. Throughout the Hundred Years' War, despite numerous conflicts in the region, Le Mont-Saint-Michel held firm. This was largely due to the construction of formidable ramparts that made it an impregnable stronghold, as well as the relentless ebb and flow of the tides. Le Mont-Saint-Michel endured an English siege starting in 1423 and emerged victorious in 1434, becoming a symbol of triumph for the Kingdom of France. In 1421 during the Hundred Years' War, at the worst moments of the English siege, the Romanesque choir of the church collapsed. It was only fully rebuilt a century later in the spirit of Flamboyant Gothic art. The abbey also amazes with the diversity of its architectural forms! From monks to jailers In the 17th century, pilgrimages began to decline. Nevertheless, the monks (now Maurists) soon had to contend with the arrival of prisoners detained by lettres de cachet in an abbey gradually transforming into a prison. It earned the nickname "Bastille of the Seas." During the French Revolution, the state nationalized clergy property, and the monks were subsequently expelled from the abbey. Transformed into a "central prison" in the 19th century, the abbey had most of its spaces completely redesigned to accommodate the largest number of common-law prisoners and other political prisoners. Among its notable inmates, Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey housed Armand Barbès and Auguste Blanqui, fierce opponents of the July Monarchy. This prison period, although dark, helped preserve the abbey from complete destruction. From the cockade to the snow globe When the prison permanently closed its doors in 1863, the abbey was completely dilapidated. It had to be saved! At the same time, the concept of heritage was born, and the abbey was listed as a Historical Monument in 1874. From that moment on, restoration work began, and the surroundings of Mont-Saint-Michel were developed to welcome the first tourists in its history. Following the celebration of the monastic millennium in 1965-1966, a small community of Benedictine monks settled in the abbey in 1969. In 2001, they were replaced by the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem. Today, about a dozen monks and nuns live within this national monument. "Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay" were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, making it one of the first French cultural sites to be included. About twenty years later, the site was listed again, this time as part of the serial property "Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France." This dual recognition highlights its outstanding universal value. An abbey of yesterday and today Extraordinary restoration projects are multiplying at the abbey with the aim of preserving its exceptional character and maintaining it in the best possible condition for future generations. The cloister, the statue of the archangel, and more recently the buildings of La Merveille have been restored. At the same time, numerous cultural events are organized each year to bring the abbey to life. We offer a rich, diverse, and bold cultural program.

The Sculptured Rocks

This is a monumental art sculpture depicting various characters and scenes. You can also enjoy the magnificent sea view here, which is very suitable for checking in and taking pictures.

Saint-Vincent Cathedral of Saint-Malo

The Saint-Vincent Cathedral was built in the 11th century and completed in the 18th century. In the 19th century, a hollow spire was added to the Saint-Vincent Cathedral. Above the basilica of the church is a very protruding pointed dome in the style of Ange. The basilica built in the 13th century forms a sharp contrast with the altar, and the beautiful stained glass designed by Jean LeMoal The decoration here is very beautiful, and the sun shines into the main hall from there. The stained glass in the side aisle was designed by Max Ingrand and is mainly in cool tones. The stained glass in the transept is a bit weaker than the side aisles. The Cathedral of St. Vincent was badly damaged by artillery fire in 1944. If the narrow streets are blocked, people can successfully evacuate through 17th-century escape hatches. You can walk around the city wall, the whole circle is about 2 kilometers away, including the main city gate, there are several free entrances on the city wall. Looking north along the walls, you can see Fort National.

Dinard Plage

Saint Malo Intra-Muros

Aquatonic Saint-Malo