Saint-Malo, the privateers’ city on the Emerald Coast in Ille-et-Vilaine, charms first with its ramparts. Rebuilt after the destruction of 1944, the walled city is explored on foot by walking the ramparts, with views over the Sillon beach, the forts and islets such as the Grand Bé, where Chateaubriand is buried and which can be reached at low tide.
The city tells a long maritime story of shipowners, Newfoundland fishermen and corsairs such as Surcouf. People come for the dramatic tides, oysters and seafood, buckwheat galettes and crêpes, and for the ferries to Jersey, Guernsey and England.
Saint-Malo is an ideal base for exploring northern Brittany: Dinan, Cap Fréhel, Cancale and Mont-Saint-Michel are all within easy reach. A stay of two to three days leaves time to enjoy the beaches, the food and the heritage of this port city.