It’s a shame that so many visitors only see Saint-Malo as a quick stop on a tour to Mont Saint-Michel.

One of Brittany’s walled coastal cities that has its own chapter in WW2 history, Saint-Malo offers pretty beaches that have seen everything from corsairs to soldiers to sunbathers across its shores.

And now, it’s your turn to leave footprints in the sand. Here’s a quick introduction to Saint-Malo, France.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Pistolesi. Image Location: Saint-Malo, Brittany, France

Your guide to Saint-Malo, France

Exploring a coastal city in Brittany where you'll find tennis, TV shows, and tasty Breton dishes.

Where is Saint-Malo, France?

Saint-Malo is on the English Channel in France’s northwestern Brittany region. Rennes is the closest major city, sitting around 50 minutes south by train (and that 50 minutes is the same time it’d take by car; a perfect way to make an easy eco-friendly swap without delaying your journey).

What is the main train station in Saint Malo?

The train station in Saint-Malo is Gare de Saint-Malo. You can get to Saint-Malo in less than three hours by train from Paris, with direct routes available from Paris Montparnasse as well as single-change routes stopping briefly in Rennes.

When is the WTA 125K Saint-Malo France?

Since 2008, Saint-Malo has hosted the Women’s Tennis Association WTA 125K series event, L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo. It’s played on the outdoor clay courts of Tennis Club J.A. Saint-Malo. Held annually in May, WTA 125K Saint-Malo France features both singles and doubles matches.

Why was Saint-Malo important in WW2?

Saint-Malo was a German stronghold in WW2 that the Allies sought to recapture to use as a port for supplies. The Allies spent nearly a month battling the Germans for the coastal city in 1944, leaving over 80% of it in ruins. Saint-Malo was used as a filming location for Netflix’s All the Light We Cannot See, which is based on the historical fiction novel written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Anthony Doerr.

Image Credit: Getty Images, Manfred Gottschalk. Image Location: Bastion de la Hollande, Saint-Malo, Brittany, France

What are the best restaurants in Saint-Malo Brittany?

From Kouign-Amann and crêpes to oysters and scallops, Brittany’s cuisine is on full display in Saint-Malo. Here are three restaurants in Saint-Malo we’d recommend.

Le Café de Saint-Malo

A bistro in Saint-Malo, Le Café de Saint-Malo has a roast Breton lobster that’ll make you forget about any red crustacean you’ve had stateside.

Brasserie du Lion D'Or

For views of the Saint-Malo walls and mouthfuls of amazing, fantastic French food, Brasserie du Lion D’Or has a century-long history of serving up traditional fare like duck foie gras and steak tartare.

Le Corps de Garde

Eat a crêpe and stare at the sea: it doesn’t get any better than that at Le Corps de Garde, a crêperie slinging pancakes for your mid-day meal and sweet tooth.

Brittany-style Crêpe. Image Credit: Getty Images, Bruce Yuanyue Bi

Where to stay in Saint-Malo, France?

Sleep by the sea at these excellent hotels in Saint-Malo.

EMERIA Dinard Hôtel Thalasso & Spa

Hotel Thalasso Saint-Malo is a dream. Its hotel spa near Saint-Malo’s coast is one of the best in the city: nearly 50 treatment rooms offer bliss via saltwater treatments, massages, facials, seaweed wraps, and more.

Hôtel Maison des Armateurs

Live a pirate's life at the casino by day, then return to Hotel Maison des Armateurs to sleep like a ship captain at night. This boutique hotel in Saint-Malo has suites for admirals, captains, majors, and sailors. Plus a bar where skippers and stowaways alike can raise a glass of grog.

Mercure Saint Malo Balmoral

We rarely say "no: to a hotel beside a city’s main train station and Mercure Saint-Malo Balmoral is no exception. Brittany beers are on tap in the bar, best served with an order of mackerel rillettes.

Brittany calling

Download the Trainline app and take a perfect day trip from Paris to Saint-Malo. Want to explore more of France’s coast? Here are a few ideas to fill out your French itinerary:

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, aluxum. Image Location: Saint-Malo, Brittany, France

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