The Hardest City to Invade: A Guide to Saint Malo’s Secrets and Stories

Every cobblestone and sea breeze in Saint Malo seems to whisper a tale of resilience, adventure, and the enduring spirit of Brittany’s captivating coastal city. On this walking tour, you’ll embark on a journey around its walled old town to see its hidden treasures.

The tour starts outside the Office de Tourisme de Saint Malo. You’ll walk a short distance up to Chaussèe du Sillón, a boulevard offering incredible vistas. As you venture towards Saint Malo Castle, where echoes of corsairs and conquests linger in the sea-salted air, you’ll gain insight into the name Saint Malo.

I’ll show you three of the old city’s gates, starting with Saint Vincent Gate, where I’ll tell you why you’ll see ermines everywhere in Saint Malo. On your way to the Big Gate where our tour ends, you’ll walk along Saint Malo’s ramparts, hear its surprising history and learn a thing or two about the area’s climate.

On this 90-minute Saint Malo’s tour, you’ll:

• Get to know about Chateaubriand, a renowned politician and diplomat, and see where he was born
• Pass through Place Vauban, the large square in front of the castle, named after the city’s notorious combat engineer
• Find out why there are three Saint Thomas gates, at Porte Saint Thomas
• Spot the statue of Jacques Cartier (who “discovered Canada”) at the formidable Holland Bastion, a silent guardian of Saint-Malo’s maritime heritage
• Learn the difference between a corsair and a pirate
• Hear the story behind the name of the dancing cat street at the Bidouane Tower
• Immerse yourself in the Place du Quebec (Quebec Square), where you’ll have a chance to visit House Quebec
• See Saint Vincent Cathedral of Saint Malo where prominent individuals are buried, including Jacques Cartier

By the end of this tour, you’ll have gained a new appreciation for this slice of Brittany, its history, and maybe, just maybe, a new sense of humour courtesy of the Malouins who call the city home.