At the mouth of the Rance basin, beside the English Channel, Saint-Malo is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Brittany. Buffeted by strong sea breezes, this is an ideal place for sailing.
The history of Saint-Malo is deeply rooted in the sea and its harbour. Your visit to Saint-Malo should start with the emblematic ramparts and fortifications which made Saint-Malo an impenetrable fortress.
The whole family will enjoy the wide sandy beaches around Saint-Malo. Be careful of the strong tides, however. Children will love visiting the Great Aquarium in Saint-Malo, and will be awestruck by the beauty of the marine life forms.
On your visit to Saint-Malo, you will learn about the town’s cultural heritage. The History Museum of Saint-Malo, labelled a “museum of France”, invites to you to discover its permanent collections. Next, pay a visit to the tomb of French romantic writer Châteaubriand.
Like every town in Brittany, Saint-Malo is proud of its Breton identity which you can learn more about at the traditional Gallèseries festival. Saint-Malo also embraces world music, particularly during the World Folklore Festival and the Route du Rock festival which takes place in summer and in winter.
The Quai des Bulles festival presents the best of European comic books.
The Wine and Gastronomy Fair in Saint-Malo will lead you to discover the secrets of how salted butter and yoghurt is made in Saint-Malo. Whether you love to sail or just like to paddle in the shallows, Saint-Malo is above all a place for all those who love the sea.
No vaccinations are required to enter France. You are however advised to make sure all your boosters are up to date: Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP).
A flu vaccination is recommended between November and April. A yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers coming from countries that have experienced epidemics.
The pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for people over 65 and other people at risk.
If you are bringing your medicines into the country, bring your prescription with you.
It is advisable for nationals of the European Union to obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) online. For travellers who are not from the EU, check the overseas coverage you have with your insurance.
Tipping is optional in France. It is customary to tip when the service has been satisfactory.
You can change your currency in bureaux de change. You can also change money in banks and airports. It is advisable to change large sums of money to avoid paying high commission.
You can travel around France by car. To hire a car, you need a valid driver’s licence from your own country or a valid international driving licence. The minimum driving age is 18 years old. Driving is on the right.
The very well developed rail network offers the most convenient way to travel. Flights provide quick connections between the major cities. Buses, with several different companies, allow you yo travel in France very cheaply.
Taxis are also very popular in France. Some cities also have self-service bicycles or electric cars.
Many French cities have a bus, underground or tram network. You can get passes for unlimited travel over several days.