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St Malo Travel Checklist

St Malo Travel Checklist

Brittany France Travel Guide

Time-Based Exploration

From a brief stopover to a comprehensive regional adventure, find your best pace.

Explore Saint-Malo in Detail

Discover suggested itineraries for different trip durations.

-Hour Layover Highlights

Emphasize the iconic Intra-Muros and its close vicinity for a brief visit.

AM

Morning Arrival

Arrival & Ramparts

Arrive, drop bags, wander through the full Ramparts loop for panoramic views.

Lunch

Have a traditional Breton galette at an Intra-Muros creperie.

Afternoon Exploration

Explore Intra-Muros: Saint-Malo Cathedral, Château/Musée d'Histoire, Plage de Bon Secours.

PM

Evening Delights

Seafood Dinner

Dine on newly caught seafood at an Intra-Muros restaurant.

Evening Stroll

Leisurely stroll through illuminated streets or along the ramparts.

Quick Tips

Prioritize sites and enjoy the historic ambiance.

Pro

Accommodation

Location

Book accommodation within or very close to Intra-Muros for maximum your time in the heart of the city.

Luggage Drop

Utilize hotel luggage storage to start exploring immediately.

Walkability

The core of Saint-Malo is highly walkable, so rely on your feet.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A good balance of exploring the city and a flavor of the surrounding area.

Suggested Plan

  • Day 1: Reach your destination and immerse in Intra-Muros (Ramparts, Cathedral, shops, traditional dinner).
  • Day 2: Coastal charm and tidal wonders (Fort National/Grand Bé or Grand Aquarium; ferry to Dinard).
  • Day 3: Medieval towns or oyster delights (Dinan or Cancale) before departure.
  • Check tide tables for island visits.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Ample time to look around Saint-Malo deeply and undertake several rewarding day trips.

Extended Exploration

  • Days 1-3: Follow the Weekend Getaway plan.
  • Day FOUR: Oyster capital (Cancale) & Sculpted Rocks (Rothéneuf).
  • On THE fifth day: Coastal beauty & relaxation (Promenade du Sillon, Pointe de la Varde, or thalassotherapy).
  • Day SIX: Majestic Mont Saint-Michel (full day trip).

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

Combine the one-week itinerary with an extension to other parts of Brittany or neighboring Normandy.

Week 1 Focus

  • Follow the "One-Week Comprehensive Experience" for Saint-Malo.
  • Explore its immediate day trips.
  • This deepens your grasp of the local area.
  • Enjoy the diverse local offerings.

Week 2: Brittany Immersion

  • Travel by train to Rennes (Brittany's capital).
  • Head west to explore the Pink Granite Coast (Perros-Guirec).
  • Visit cities like Quimper (Breton culture) and Vannes (city with walls).
  • A rental car is useful for this week.

Week 2: Normandy Exploration

  • Travel east into Normandy for diverse historical sites.
  • For extended stays (month+), consider renting a vacation apartment outside Intra-Muros.
  • This allows slower travel and community engagement.
  • Consider Skillshare for photography courses to capture your protracted journey.

Note for Long Stays

Longer stays in Saint-Malo (a month or more) allow for a local living experience, exploring at leisure.

Seasonal Travel

Each season offers a different feel and set of experiences in Saint-Malo.

Winter Highlights November-March

  • 1
    Quieter City:

    Experience Saint-Malo when it's less crowded and generally lower prices.

  • 2
    Cozy Dining:

    Focus on warm, inviting dining experiences indoors.

  • 3
    Dramatic Scenery:

    Enjoy coastal scenery and storm watching from a safe distance.

Off-Season Exploration

  • Embrace the Weather:

    Dress appropriately for cooler, potentially wetter weather.

  • Fewer Crowds:

    Explore the city without the the busy summer period, for intimate experiences.

  • Authentic Pace:

    Numerous businesses are available; enjoy the authentic local pace of life.

Festival & Event Visits

Route du Rhum

A major transatlantic single-handed yacht race from Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre.

This happens every four years (next is 2026).

Etonnants Voyageurs

An international literary festival dedicated to travel and adventure literature.

Held annually in May/June.

Quai des Bulles

A major comic book festival, celebrating graphic novels and sequential art.

Takes place annually during The month of october/November.

Planning Around Events

If your visit coincides with a major festival, book accommodation and travel well in advance.

Budget-Based Plans

Tailor your activities and choices to your financial plan for a fulfilling trip.

Backpacker's Guide

  • Stay at Auberge de Jeunesse HI Saint-Malo (hostel dormitories).
  • Self-cater from large food stores enjoy pastries from bakeries.
  • Focus on free attractions like ramparts, beaches, and tidal island walks.
  • Walk whenever possible within the city; use multi-journey bus tickets for longer distances.

Mid-Range Traveler's Itinerary

  • Opt for a 2-3 star hotel in or just outside Intra-Muros.
  • Dine at a mix of casual and mid-range restaurants, using "midday meal deal" lunches.
  • Combine walking, public transport, and occasional taxis for day trips.
  • Include several paid attractions like the Castle or Aquarium, and a couple day trips that are organized.

Luxury Experience Plan

Partake in luxury services and special experiences.

High-End Choices

  • Accommodation:4-5 star hotel with sea views or spa access.
  • Dining:Fine dining experiences, private chefs, gourmet food tours.
  • Transport:Private transfers, rental car for complete flexibility, private water tours.
  • Activities:Personalized organized excursions of attractions, thalassotherapy sessions.

Value-Focused Recommendations

  • Visit in the shoulder or off-season for generally lower prices.
  • Book accommodation with kitchen access to save on meal expenses.
  • Always seek out "formule midi" special offers for lunch; they possess superb value.
  • Use discount passes where possible for several sights.

Budgeting Insight

Careful planning of your budget allows for a tailored and satisfying trip.

If you want luxury or savings, Saint-Malo gives you options for every financial approach.

St Malo Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation