Travel Guide
Move Over French Riviera! This Destination Has Stunning Coastline & Medieval Charm
Apr
Summer 2025 is fast approaching, and if you’re planning to cross the pond at all, the French Riviera is likely to be at the top of your wishlist.
In all fairness, we get it.
Lemon sorbet in Menton, living it up in the Monte Carlo district of Monaco, or even exploring the pastel-colored streets of Saint-Tropez: there’s many a reason why the sun-drenched south, or as the French call it, Côte d’Azur, would live rent-free in your head.
That being said, it’s definitely not the place to go if you’re on a strict budget, or if you hate the crowds: after Paris, Mediterranean France is probably the busiest, and most expensive spot to be in Europe in the peak travel season, but there’s a silver lining here.
Now, should you be looking for some of that medieval charm, a picturesque coastline, and cheaper prices, you should give the much-overlooked Saint-Malo a whirl:
A Fairytale Medieval Port City On The North Coast Of France
A historic port of Brittany, lining golden sands and the azure North Atlantic, Saint-Malo is a historically-significant city boasting a rich history from medieval times to the more poignant, war-ravaged 20th-century.
Even if you’re not a Francophile yourself, who’s out on a quest to tick off every hidden gem of France, you’re bound to have come across pictures of that soaring spire, dating back to the 12th century, rising above a walled maze of aged granite buildings.
Compared to larger French cities like Paris or Marseille, Saint-Malo is teeny-tiny, home to around 46,000 inhabitants, though starting in late spring, that can easily swell up to over 300,000, as families flock there for their summer holidays.
Contrary to Saint-Tropez, or an upscale Cannes, however, you won’t find the same plethora of beach clubs playing thumping music, or beaches dotted with blue-and-white umbrellas: it is far more laid-back, and in fact, Saint-Malo closely resembles coastal towns in Britain.
A Picturesque Sandy Beach Lining The Atlantic
Saint-Malo has its very own expansive sandy strip, Plage du Sillon, characterized by its row of wooden breakwaters and changing tides.
Depending on the time of the day, and when the tide is low, you can even walk up to the Fort National, located on an islet facing the city.
Similarly to England, the beach is flanked by heritage casino hotels, and half-timbered buildings, as opposed to Italy-style, pastel-hue edifices with green shutters, and we’d recommend you bring a casual jumper for the evenings if you intend on dining alfresco.
It can be quite chilly on the waterfront, regardless of season.
Speaking of weather, it is pleasant enough in summer, with temperatures ranging from 64.4°F to 77°F, and on certain days, you might risk getting sunburned if you don’t apply enough sunscreen, but it’s not like it’s scorching hot all summer long.
The water is much colder than the Med, averaging 64.2 degrees, not to mention the ocean here can be a tad unpredictable at times, but if you’re keen on swimming, and you’d rather do so in a more controlled environment, you can always book a spa hotel with a pool, from only $113.
Just keep in mind Saint-Malo is your typical Northern European resort, after all, so if you’re looking to beat the oppressive Mediterranean heat, this is the place to go.
Old World Allure & Mouth-Watering Crepes
Some will seek Saint-Malo for the beach; others are here primarily for the culture.
If you’re a fan of the latter, you shouldn’t miss out on Intra-Muros, or ‘Walled City’, the historic heart of the city, where the streets are paved with cobblestones, and nearly every single building is of a distinct granite color.
Despite Saint-Malo’s medieval origins, these have been largely reconstructed after being devastated during World War II, when much of the city was bombed to make way for the Allied Forces, yet lucky for us, History buffs, it closely resembles what once was.
A must-do if you’re in Saint-Malo in summer is walking the ramparts, that offer panoramic views of both the city, its beach, and the islands just offshore, some of which house military forts.
The indoor market at Halle au Blé, open on Tuesdays and Fridays only, is also a great spot for experiencing the local way of life, and people-watching as French mammies browse the local produce and chat enthusiastically with fishermen.
Maybe you’ll even come home with some Breton butter, or freshly-caught fish, yourself.
Saint-Malo’s most beautiful landmark, however, is Saint-Vincent Cathedral, one of a handful of original granite buildings that suffered minimal damage in the 1940s, and a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles—we’d go as far as saying the rose windows here even rival Paris’ Notre-Dame.
The Old Town’s narrow lanes are also lined with charming crêperies, where you can gorge on delicious ham-and-cheese galettes from only $10, and confiseries selling chocolate-filled croissants and local lollipops, or sucettes, that are still made traditionally in copper cauldrons.
That’s the Old World for you, folks. Everything tastes ancient, even candy.
Oh, and whilst we’re at it, if you’re searching for the best galettes in town, make sure you check out Bergamote, right on cathedral square, and if you’re curious about those lollipops, the ones sold at La Maison Guella has received the distinction of Best Candy of France.
Explore The Northern French Riviera
Brittany is not a one-stop destination:
It is actually known for its string of coastal towns, each unique in character, so if you’re visiting Saint-Malo for longer than a weekend, you should definitely make sure you head out of town to explore the vicinity.
Mont Saint-Michel, over the regional border with Normandy, is an obvious choice: a towering citadel occupying the best part of a tidal island, it is the stuff of dreams, and a short 44-minute drive from Saint-Malo.
Dinan is yet another walled jewel of Brittany, a half-hour drive inland from the coast, and unlike its sister-city, it escaped unscathed from the World War II bombings: every timbered house, and every rampart you see is exactly as it was in the Middle Ages.
Sitting across the bay from Saint-Malo, Dinard is yet another historical Breton town peppered with chic hotels and casinos, and widely-popular for its Plage de l’Écluse, a beach bordered by restaurants with terraces and quirky shops.
If you’ve got your passport on you, you can always take a day trip to the Channel Islands, a collective of British-administered islands that share are linked historically to Saint-Malo (and Brittany):
The closest one to the shoreline, Jersey hosts two imposing castles, Elizabeth Castle and Mont Orgueil, overlooking France, and it’s famous for its war-era tunnels and scenic bays.
How To Visit Saint-Malo From The United States
The closest major airports to Saint-Malo are Nantes Atlantique (NTE), a 2-hour drive away, and Jersey Airport (JER) in the British Crown Dependency of Jersey, 1h25 away with the ferry, yet none of those host nonstop flights from the United States.
If you’re flying from Canada, Nantes is still an option, as Air Transat operates a year-round route from Montreal.
For most Americans, however, Paris remains the most convenient hub.
If you’re flying to Paris in the summer, the easiest way to get to Saint-Malo is taking a train from Montparnasse Station.
There are multiple departures per day, and tickets start from as cheap as $49 when booked in advance.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
