Saint-Malo and the Emerald Coast in 4 days
Saint-Malo is best seen from its ramparts, a 1,754-metre wall walk above the beaches. Across the water, Dinard protects more than 400 villas, and around them lie the oysters of Cancale, the pink cliffs of Cap Fréhel and Fort la Latte on its headland.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
The walled city and rampartsfree · about 1 hA full circuit of the walled city on a 1,754-metre wall walk, past nine gates, above Bon-Secours beach and its seawater pool.
- Afternoon
Grand Béfree · about 1 hAt low tide, a causeway leads to this fortified islet where Chateaubriand, born in Saint-Malo, lies beneath a plain granite cross facing the open sea.
- Late afternoon
Pointe du Moulinet and Plage de l'Éclusefree · 2 to 3 hDinard's main sandy beach, with striped huts, a seawater pool and the casino, and at its western end the widest view on the coast.
Day 2
- Morning
Promenade du Clair de Lune, Dinardfree · about 1 hA 1930s seafront path along the Rance estuary under palm trees, below villas built by the British and Americans who launched the resort.
- Afternoon
Grand Aquarium Saint-Maloabout 2 hTen themed zones from cold deep seas to the tropics, a simulated dive in the Nautibus capsule, and touch pools where children can stroke rays.
Day 3
- Morning
Cancale and Pointe du Grouinfree · half a dayFrom the port of La Houle, look across the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and its oyster beds, then eat oysters by the dozen on the steps.
- Late afternoon
Fort la Latteabout 1 hA castle on a headland above the sea, built from the 1340s and entered over two drawbridges, with a keep looking out to Cap Fréhel.
Day 4
- Morning
Cap Fréhelfree · about 1 h 30Pink sandstone cliffs over 70 metres high above heather moorland, with a 1950 lighthouse you can climb beside an older tower from 1702.
Where to sleep in Saint-Malo and the Emerald Coast
- Hôtel Cartier · €90 a night
- Hôtel de la Porte Saint-Pierre · €95 a night
- Ibis Budget Saint-Malo Centre · €70 a night
- Hôtel Printania · €140 a night
- Hôtel de la Vallée · €140 a night
- Hôtel San Pedro · €120 a night
- Grand Hôtel Barrière · €350 a night
- Hôtel Royal Émeraude · €220 a night
- Le Grand Hôtel des Thermes · €280 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.