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Grand Aquarium and around
A day in Saint-Malo · 9:30–17:00 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/saint-malo/itineraries/grand-aquarium-and-aroundA walking day around Grand Aquarium, Mémorial 39-45 and Cité d'Aleth, with a lunch break nearby and Plage des Sablons to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Grand Aquarium ↗1 hBook ahead
Large aquarium with shark tunnel
- Take a bus from the centre
- Allow 2 hours
↓ 25 min walk
11:002Mémorial 39-45 ↗1 h 30 min
WWII museum in a German bunker in Cité d'Aleth
- Check opening season
- Allow 1 hour
↓ 2 min walk
12:303Cité d'Aleth ↗1 hSunset
Archaeological headland with coastal path and fort
- Free to walk
- Great sea views
Lunch
13:30Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 4 min walk
Afternoon
14:454Tour Solidor ↗1 h 30 min
Medieval tower housing the Cape Horners museum
- Walk from Saint-Servan
- Views from the top
↓ 13 min walk
16:305
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Saint-Malo tips
Transportation
- Park and ride: parking near Intra-Muros fills up in summer, so use the park-and-ride lots with shuttle buses into the walled town.
- Take the bus de mer: a small passenger boat crosses the Rance estuary to Dinard, faster than driving around.
- Ride the TGV: direct fast trains link Saint-Malo with Rennes and Paris, a short walk or bus ride from the old town.
Local Hacks
- Watch the big tides: Saint-Malo has some of Europe's largest tides; spring tides bring huge waves against the walls.
- Day trip to Mont-Saint-Michel: the abbey is under an hour away; arrive early or late to avoid crowds.
- Visit Dinan: this medieval town on the Rance is a short trip and less crowded than Saint-Malo.
Saving
- Walk the ramparts: the circuit around Intra-Muros is free and gives the best views of the sea and city.
- Eat galettes: buckwheat crepes with savory fillings are an affordable and filling Breton meal.
- Visit beaches for free: Plage du Sillon and Bon-Secours tidal pool are free and great for swimming or walks.
Security
- Check tide times: the walk to Grand Be island is only possible at low tide, and rising water can cut you off quickly.
- Watch bags in summer: pickpockets target crowds inside the walls and on busy beaches.
- Mind the rampart edges: the walls are high and sometimes windy, so keep an eye on children.
Cultural
- Try Breton specialties: kouign-amann butter cake, cider and salted butter caramel are local favourites.
- Taste oysters in Cancale: this nearby town is famous for fresh oysters sold by the harbour.
- Greet shopkeepers: say bonjour when entering shops and au revoir when leaving; it is basic French politeness.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect changeable weather: Brittany has mild but unpredictable weather, so carry a rain jacket year-round.
- Enjoy mild summers: July and August are warm, but sea breezes keep evenings cool, so bring a sweater.
- Pack windproof layers: autumn and winter bring storms and strong winds, dramatic for watching waves.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/saint-malo/itineraries/grand-aquarium-and-around
Day 2 of 29:30–17:005 stops
Grand Aquarium and around
A walking day around Grand Aquarium, Mémorial 39-45 and Cité d'Aleth, with a lunch break nearby and Plage des Sablons to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hLarge aquarium with shark tunnel
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Take a bus from the centre
- Allow 2 hours
📷 Photos
25 min walk
211:00 · 1 h 30 minWWII museum in a German bunker in Cité d'Aleth
3 tips
- Check opening season
- Allow 1 hour
- Combine with the Aleth walk
📷 Photos
2 min walk
312:30 · 1 hArchaeological headland with coastal path and fort
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Free to walk
- Great sea views
- Good for sunset
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:30
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps4 min walk
Afternoon
414:45 · 1 h 30 minMedieval tower housing the Cape Horners museum
3 tips
- Walk from Saint-Servan
- Views from the top
- Allow 1 hour
📷 Photos
13 min walk
516:30 · 30 minWide sandy beach near the marina
3 tips
- Popular with families
- Good for swimming
- Bus from the centre
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Saint-Malo. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.