From Dinan, it’s a half an hour drive to St-Malo.
I didn’t remember seeing these signboards depicting local attractions last time I was driving in France. But then again I was in a different region.
One of the benefits of traveling off-season is that parking is free (until March 31st that is) right outside the Intra-Muros.
The other is that you get to see a lot of French kids on school trips
or see one getting “grounded” the medieval way.
Off-season also means less tourists.
From up the wall, there are great views of the harbor
and of the city below
as well as interesting rooftops.
In August 1944, the historic walled city of St-Malo was almost destroyed by American bombing, which, according to some, could have been avoided. As a result, most of the buildings were reconstructed between 1948 and 1960.
It was a gorgeous day, even though the wind was blowing at 22 miles per hour.
“BUILT TO PROTECT THE CITY FROM DUTCH ATTACK” – The Holland Bastion was armed with 24 cannon. In 1696, it successfully defended the city from an attack by the Dutch fleet.
The rocky mound (in the picture above) 400m from the city is Grand Bé. It is the burial site of St-Malo’s famous son, French politician. historian and writer, François-René de Chateaubriand, who is considered to be the founder of Romanticism in French Literature.
The smaller island next to it is Petit Bé.
Both islands are accessible by foot during low tide.
Robert Surcouf is a successful privateer born in St-Malo. If you don’t know what a privateer is, think Master and Commander.
The house with the red doors is Maison du Québec. It was given to the government of Québec by the city of St-Malo as a symbol of friendship and a reminder that it was from this port city that Jacques Cartier undertook his crossing in 1534 and discovered New France.
Later, as we walked towards Fort National , a rainbow appeared in the sky
The name of this fort documents French history – During the French Revolution, it was named Republic Fort, then Imperial Fort under Napoléon I, Royal Fort during Bourbon Restoration, back to Imperial Fort under Napoléon III, and finally le Fort National.
The wave seemed calm during the time of our visit. It was hard to imagine that just a week ago a giant wave hit the coastline of the walled city. (Click here to view an impressive video by Easy Ride).
St-Malo, what a magical place!
Travel-Gourmand.com 
Magic place, indeed! Thank you for the pleasant tour (without tourists) 🙂
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Thank you Amy. I heard that it was the most touristy place in Brittany. So glad we were there off season.
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I visited Brittany in early 2000, it was not so touristy as it is now. 🙂
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Off season looks pretty nice! Lovely photos.
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Yes indeed. Thank you Anne for stopping by.
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Excellent!
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Thank you Nico 🙂
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How beautiful it is. Fort National looks charming. I am attracted to walled cities and this one juts into the sea, so even better 🙂
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I remember visiting St. Malo eight or so years ago with my family; my dad was always reminiscing about the town as it was one of the first trips he made abroad (quite some time ago). Even though we visited in the height of summer, often by the evening the crowds had dissipated and the town felt calmer. I loved walking round the walls, and have fond memories of a little bakery we went to every day for breakfast during our stay!
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I laughed reading about the numerous names changes of Fort National, politics as usual. 😉
The WWII siege of St. Malo was featured in the bestseller ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ A Novel by Anthony Doerr. Have you read it? Excellent book if you haven’t. Your photos enhanced my imagination of it.
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Thank you Eliza. Yes, I’ve read the book and got to know this place through that book 🙂 I am re-reading it now, after the visit.
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What a gorgeous place! And fabulous shots too.
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Thank you Ladyfi!
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Awsome !
The only place i have visited is Marsailles and it was beautiful. ..would love to see more of france…
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Marseille is! One of favorite cities in France. Happy travels dustyrucksack!
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You got really lucky with the weather! The Brittany region is notorious for having dismal weather for a good part of the year and it’s even impressive that off-season looks so good! I went to Saint-Malo last March and it was overcast skies, unfortunately. Walking along the fortified walls was good fun, and the historic center was very charming! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
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Thank you Rebecca! We’ve got some bad weather too. Actually the day after St-Malo. Oh well, we know what’s coming when we planned our trips off-season. Just wish for the best 🙂 and embrace what we get.
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Agree, it is a magical place!
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