Treasure n°1The must-sees of the Corsair City

Vue Sur Saint Malo Intra Muros Depuis Le Mole Des Noires Saint Malo Loic Lagarde 663 1200px

The must-sees of the Corsair City

Enclosed by its ramparts, Saint-Malo conceals treasures. You will discover them by strolling at your own pace through its streets of irresistible charm. The first step is to pass through its gates.

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A well protected treasure!

Here you enter the most corsair of the Malouin districts. The numerous inhabitants, shipowners, sailors or craftsmen, all turned towards the sea. A maritime city, therefore, with a strong independent spirit. From the Bastion Saint-Louis to the Fort à la Reine, the walk is full of nice surprises. If you arrive by the Porte Saint-Vincent, you will be welcomed by the Castle: first precious stones on your way. A little further up the streets, you will come face to face with another jewel: the Saint-Vincent Cathedral.

Good to know!

Republic during 4 years (1590 – 1594), Saint-Malo remained faithful to its motto: ‘Neither French, nor Breton, Malouin suis!’

1. The Ramparts

Restored intact after 1944, the ramparts surround the old Intra-Muros city for 1754 meters and are divided into 2 major periods: the primitive enclosure from the Middle Ages to the end of the 17th century and the increases made from 1708 to 1744.

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2. The Castle

At the entrance of the Corsair City, the castle houses the city hall of Saint-Malo. Featuring 4 corner towers around the 35-meter high Keep: the General Tower, the Quic-en Groigne Tower, the Ladies Tower and the Mill Tower, the 15th century castle heralds the bastioned fortification of Vauban. The Quic-en-Groigne Tower near the Saint-Thomas Gate owes its name to an inscription erased during the revolution, reminding us that it was built on the orders of Anne of Brittany, against the advice of the inhabitants of Malouin: “Quic-en-Groigne, so shall it be, such is my good pleasure”.

3. The Duchess Annes’ house and the House of Poets and Writers

The Duchess Annes’ house is a beautiful late medieval (15th century) residence with architecture typical of the Breton mansions of the wealthy notables of the Pre-Renaissance.The House of Poets and Writers – rue du Pélicot : A 17th century half-timbered house probably built by naval architects reusing materials from ships. It is the last vestige of the fire of 1661.

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4. La Cathédrale Saint-Vincent

Cathedral since 1146, its construction lasted nearly7 centuries (from the 12th-18th centuries). Badly damaged in 1944, the cathedral underwent a long restoration: superb stained glass windows by Ingrand and Le Moal and the furniture by Arcabas. Tombs of Jacques Cartier and Duguay-Trouin.

5. La Chapelle Saint-Sauveur

A former chapel of the Hôtel Dieu built to the plans of the engineer Garangeau in 1743. Built in granite cut, the monument was inspired by military constructions. It now houses the major exhibitions of the summer.

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6. The Shipowners’ Houses

Built in the 18th century by rich Malouin shipowners or merchants, they bear witness to the glorious past of the Corsair City. Between the Saint-Philippe and Saint-Louis bastions, the ramparts run along the remarkable alignment of the “Maisons de Corsaires” (privateers’ houses), most of whose facades were rebuilt identically after 1944.

7. La Plage de Bon Secours and its swimming pool

This sandy beach is very popular, especially thanks to its seawater pool equipped with a diving board and its sailing school.It offers a magnificent view of the Bay of Saint-Malo. Opposite, in the foreground, we discover the islet of Grand Bé and in the second plan the islet of Petit Bé.

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