Weekend in Saint-Malo: the ideal program

The Corsair City is a place that deserves more than two days, but starting by spending a weekend in Saint-Malo is a good start that will surely make you want to see more! So how can you make the most of these 2 days in Saint-Malo?

We recommend you the must-do activities to discover our beautiful city and offer you an all-inclusive formula for an ideal program in Saint-Malo.

What to do in Saint-Malo for a weekend?

Going around the city walls

The old town of Saint-Malo is entirely surrounded by ramparts, classified as Historic Monuments since July 12, 1886.

To make the most of the 2 kilometres of ramparts, we recommend that you take the stairs near the Porte Saint-Thomas, above the Éventail beach. When you reach the walls, you will have an unobstructed view of the long Sillon beach on one side and the Grand Bé on the other.

Continuing the walk, you will pass in front of the Queen’s Fort or the Bidouane Tower. Just afterwards, the Bastion de la Hollande is the ideal place for a picnic with a view of the Emerald Coast. It is also a great place to watch the sunset.

Afterwards, you will overlook the Môle beach, highly appreciated by the Malouins because it is very sheltered. This beach is also bordered by a long pier of 500m, the Môle des Noires, which is used to protect the outer harbour.

Just before the end of the walk, take the time to take advantage of your walk to the Grand’Porte to admire on one side, the Vauban basin and the port of Saint-Malo and on the other side, the shipowners’ houses converted into apartments as well as the Hôtel d’Asfeld, the famous Corsair house which can be visited.

Finally, you will finish the tour of the ramparts by going down to the Porte Saint-Vincent, the main gate of Intra-Muros.

The history of the ramparts of Saint-Malo

For the record, the construction of the city walls of Saint-Malo began in the 12th century. Over the centuries, almost the entire enclosure has been modified or even replaced. 

Only the Grand’Porte dates from the 15th century and remains a magnificent testimony to the medieval era in Saint-Malo. While a large majority of the city was destroyed by American bombing in August 1944, the ramparts remained intact.

remparts à saint malo intra muros

Relax at the beach

Saint-Malo is a city located on the coast and is fortunate to have been classified several times among the most beautiful beaches in France. Around the old town, 3 beaches share the podium.

The beach of l’Eventail, extended by the large beach of Le Sillon, is located near the Porte Saint-Thomas. These beaches are famous for the breakwaters there. These long wooden sticks embedded in the sand along the walls break the waves during high tides and thus avoid the deterioration of the walls and the seawall.

Bon Secours beach is known for its seawater pool and the Grand Bé Island. Even at low tide, it is possible to swim and easily access the Grand Bé, where the tomb of Chateaubriand is located. The Grand Bé is also the place from where one has one of the most beautiful views of the Cité Corsaire, and the crossing is done by the beach in about ten minutes.

Finally, the last beach of Saint-Malo Intra-Muros is the favorite of the locals who particularly appreciate it because it is completely sheltered from the wind. On the other hand, the beach is not very big and the best places can quickly be taken by storm!

But if you spend a weekend in Saint-Malo, you might want to get away from the old town to discover the other hidden jewels of the Cité Corsaire. Saint-Malo has more than a dozen beaches, the largest being on the coast towards Mont Saint-Michel.

plage du sillon à saint-malo

Visit the old town

How can you spend a weekend in Saint-Malo without taking the time to visit the old town?

If you have chosen to stay with us, the main street is only about 50 metres away. If, on the other hand, your accommodation is outside the old town, you can take the bus to the Intra-Muros city, where you can park your car in one of the many car parks outside the walls.

To make the most of the walk, we advise you to enter the city through the main gate, the Porte Saint-Vincent. You can then start walking up the rue Saint-Vincent, which extends the Porte of the same name, then, as you go along the forks, becomes the rue Porcon de la Barbinais, the rue Broussais and ends in the rue de Dinan. 

Many shops are located in this main artery and are open every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday. If you continue the walk to the end of the street, you will wait for the Porte de Dinan which leads to the port of Saint-Malo.

If you have time, we strongly advise you to get away from the usual circuit and make a detour through the small streets of Saint-Malo. You may come across some nice surprises and wonders at the bend in the road!

For example, at the end of the rue de la Corne de Cerf (where our hotel is located), you will find the house of Duchess Anne of Brittany built in the 15th century. You might also come across streets with funny names, such as the Rue de la Pie qui Boit (the magpie who drinks street) or the Rue du Chat qui danse (the dancing cat street). 

Take the boat to Dinard

Just opposite Saint-Malo is the seaside resort of Dinard. Maybe this is not your first weekend in Saint-Malo and in that case you are probably looking for other things to do. 

Our first recommendation would be to take the boat to Dinard. During the whole summer season, a sea bus makes the connection between Saint-Malo and Dinard several dozen times a day.

For only 8€ round trip per person, you will enjoy a little ride on the water to reach the other side. Don’t worry, if you get seasick, the crossing takes only 10 minutes!

Discovering Dinard means a change of atmosphere, especially when you take the Promenade du Clair de Lune, which allows you to observe the most beautiful villas of the Belle Époque. The atmosphere is much more peaceful than in Saint-Malo, some would even say, too much… but it remains a must on the Emerald Coast and the Saturday morning market is worth the detour.

Don’t hesitate to read our complete article on Dinard to discover the activities to do to visit the city.

dinard

Discover the Saint-Servan neighbourhood

Intra-Muros is probably the best known neighbourhood of Saint-Malo. But did you know that the city contains several others?

Our favorite? Saint-Servan! Already, because it is accessible on foot from the old town. But above all, it hides many treasures. 

If you like history, you’ll love discovering the City of Alet. It has one of the most beautiful views of the Emerald Coast, but there are also many testimonies of the Second World War with its bunkers in particular. The walk under the pines is magnificent, and from the port, continue towards the Solidor Tower, classified as a Historic Monument and a true emblem of the district, to reach the small port lined with very nice places where you can eat and drink. The Solidor Tower, built in the 14th century, is 18 meters high and is composed of 3 turrets. Some time ago, there was still a museum on the history of the sailors Cape Hornier who marked the city. But the latter has closed while awaiting the opening of the Maritime History Museum of Saint-Malo which will open in 2022.

Saint-Servan also has a pretty beach bordered by a promenade dike. It borders the Bas-Sablons marina, which is home to hundreds of sailboats and motorboats. This beach is ideal for children as the slope is very gentle and not very busy, even in the middle of summer.

Our formula for a weekend in Saint-Malo

So, we convinced you to come and spend a weekend in Saint-Malo this year? We have the accommodation you need! Our establishment is located in the heart of the old town, a stone’s throw from the shops and restaurants and, above all, the most beautiful beaches!

Book the room that suits you best

We offer 4 categories of rooms, adapted to your needs and your budget.

chambre superieure hotel des abers saint malo

The Superior Rooms are the most spacious and the brightest because they benefit from 2 windows (double glazing) overlooking the Corne du Cerf street, which is not very busy and rather quiet.  According to your preferences, we can assign you a room with two twin beds or a double bed (queen or king) and a bathtub.


chambre confort hotel des abers saint malo

The Comfort Rooms are located on the 4th and top floor. They have a special charm thanks to their attic space. We don’t recommend them for taller guests, but if you like being high up, you’ll love their style for sure!


chambre standard hotel des abers saint malo

Overlooking the small inner courtyard, the Standard Rooms are very cosy. Ideal for tighter budgets, we recommend them to those who don’t need too much space and for whom a clean, quiet room and a good bed are enough, as the view of the courtyard is a bit dark.


chambre cabine hotel des abers saint malo

Our Cabin Rooms are the newest addition to the family! They are very cute and have only been open for rent for a few months. Located at the back of the building, they are sheltered from all the outside noise of the city. Alone, the cry of the seagulls could disturb your sleep! They offer a view of the courtyard and have only small windows, that’s why they may not be suitable for those who need space and light.  Besides, they can be rented as communicating rooms.

Please note that, except for the Cabins which are located on the half floor, between the ground and first floors, all rooms are accessible by lift.

Enjoy our hearty, homemade breakfast buffet

Over the years, our breakfast buffet has become our signature! We take special care in preparing homemade cakes and a wide selection of muffins and cookies every day.

We put forward specialities from our region with Far aux pruneaux or Gâteau Breton, as well as Saint-Malo crackers.  Every morning we also bake crêpes by the minute so that you can enjoy them while they are still hot.

For lovers of classic breakfasts, we also offer several varieties of breads, brioches and pastries. We also highlight local producers with home-made jams or “Malo” yoghurts produced nearby. 

Finally, an assortment of cold meats and a cheese platter are offered for those who appreciate salty food in the morning. Do not hesitate to consult our page dedicated to breakfast to find out more!

salle des petits dejeuner
Breakfast room

Visit our beautiful Corsair City

If you choose the Hotel des Abers for your weekend in Saint-Malo, we will be happy to advise you on the best addresses to eat near the hotel and for all budgets.

From the fish restaurant to the pizzeria, through the pancake shops, we have taken to heart to test several restaurants in the city to advise you on the must-sees. 

We are particularly under the charm of our beautiful Corsaire City and we love to introduce it to travellers who take the time to put down their suitcases to learn more. We always have a tip or a good plan to share. And we’ll give you the best advice so that your stay will allow you to make the most of the city and its surroundings.