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Grand Bé and around
A day in Saint-Malo · 9:30–16:45 · 5 stops
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mapvivid.com/saint-malo/itineraries/grand-be-and-aroundA walking day around Grand Bé, Fort National and Plage de Bon-Secours, with a lunch break nearby and Château de Saint-Malo to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Grand Bé ↗1 h
Tidal islet with Chateaubriand's tomb, reachable at low tide
- Check tide times carefully
- Wear sturdy shoes
↓ 8 min walk
10:45217th-century Vauban fort on a rock, reachable at low tide
- Guided visits only at some times
- Check tides
↓ 2 min walk
11:453Plage de Bon-Secours ↗1 hSunset
Sheltered beach with a saltwater swimming pool
- Pool is free
- Check tide times
↓ 13 min walk
13:004Remparts de Saint-Malo ↗1 hSunset
Granite ramparts encircling the walled city, with sea views
- Free to walk
- Go at sunset
Lunch
14:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 2 min walk
Afternoon
15:155
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-be-and-around
Day 1 of 29:30–16:455 stops
Grand Bé and around
A walking day around Grand Bé, Fort National and Plage de Bon-Secours, with a lunch break nearby and Château de Saint-Malo to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hTidal islet with Chateaubriand's tomb, reachable at low tide
3 tips
- Check tide times carefully
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Spectacular views
📷 Photos
8 min walk
210:45 · 1 h17th-century Vauban fort on a rock, reachable at low tide
3 tips
- Guided visits only at some times
- Check tides
- Tickets limited
📷 Photos
2 min walk
311:45 · 1 hSheltered beach with a saltwater swimming pool
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Pool is free
- Check tide times
- Pretty at sunset
📷 Photos
13 min walk
413:00 · 1 hGranite ramparts encircling the walled city, with sea views
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Free to walk
- Go at sunset
- Watch the tide
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 14:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps2 min walk
Afternoon
515:15 · 1 h 30 minFortress housing the history museum
3 tips
- Climb the keep
- Allow 90 minutes
- Good views over the beach
📷 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.