15 Easy Day Trips Around Saint-Malo (All Within 1 Hour)

Around Saint-Malo, the best attractions are less than an hour away: the Grand Aquarium in Saint-Malo, Cancale and its oysters, Dinard and its villas, Cap Fréhel and its cliffs, the medieval town of Dinan, not to mention Mont-Saint-Michel. In this guide, you will find 15 excursions categorized by interest (sea, villages, heritage). Each idea indicates what to see, how much time to allow and how to get there. Perfect for putting together a one-day itinerary or a weekend getaway without wasting any time.

1. The Grand Aquarium in Saint-Malo (4 km)

Lionfish / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: Image by churananngm from Pixabay

It's enormous. 2,500,000 liters of water, 4,000 square meters of exhibition space, and 46 different tanks to discover underwater life. Opened in 1996, one of the largest aquariums in France hasn't aged a bit. It presents several worlds, including cold and temperate seas (jellyfish, anemones, wolf fish, giant Japanese crabs), warm tropical seas (clownfish, surgeonfish, corals, moray eels, lionfish) and mangroves in paludariums (four-eyed fish, turtles, piranhas), plus a scenography of a pirate galleon wreck. There is also a large 120 m² touch pool shaped like Brittany where visitors can touch species from the Breton coast, a 600,000 L 360° panoramic ring where blacktip reef sharks and loggerhead turtles swim, the Nautibus (a "submarine" journey among 5,000 fish in 1,500,000 liters of water), and an Abyssal Descender simulator that takes visitors on a virtual dive to a depth of 3,000–5,000 meters.

depositphotos

• Why stop there? To enjoy immersive experiences such as the "Nautibus" or the touch pool. It's the perfect place to learn about marine biodiversity before observing it in its natural environment.

• Jerome's tip: Be careful on rainy days, as it gets crowded.

• For children? The best!

• Address: [Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 35400 Saint-Malo]

• Hours: Every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during school holidays and the tourist season.

• Prices: Maximum $19.90 for adults, maximum $15.90 for children. Cheaper tickets are available. 

• Travel time: 8 minutes by car / 15 minutes by bus (Lines 1, 2).

2. Rothéneuf: Sculptures and secret paradise (5 km)

Unbeknownst to many, Saint Malo is quite extensive, especially since the merger of surrounding municipalities just after the last war. Rothéneuf is 7 km from the ramparts, on the coast. It is a charming neighborhood that is worth spending half a day exploring. It is also home to the astonishing rock sculptures of Abbé Fouré. More than 300 faces, monsters, and legendary creatures literally spring from the granite, facing the onslaught of the waves. It is the work of a lifetime, that of Abbé Fouré, who devoted 25 years (from 1894 to 1910) to it. It is literally a museum of outsider art carved into the cliff.

The sculpted rocks of Rothéneuf / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: user:Fanoflesage — Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3148254

• Not to be missed: The Sculpted Rocks. Abbé Fouré spent 25 years carving more than 300 figures into the granite facing the sea. It is an open-air museum of outsider art that is unique in the world.

• Jérôme's secret: The Rothéneuf harbor is a protected natural lagoon, perfect for swimming in calm waters. It is also home to the Manoir de Limoëlou, the only residence of Jacques Cartier, discoverer of Canada.

• Address: [Chemin des Rochers Sculptés, 35400 Saint-Malo]

3. AquaMalo: Relaxation and water sports (6 km)

Located in Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets, on the outskirts of Saint-Malo, this new-generation aquatic center is the ideal place to relax or have fun.

The AquaMalo center will appeal to the whole family / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France:  by Katharina N. from Pixabay

• Why stop there? With its Olympic-size pools, fun slides, and wellness area (sauna, steam room), AquaMalo is the perfect way to round off a day of walking along the ramparts.

• Jérôme's tip: If you're traveling with your family, this is the perfect alternative on days when the tide is high or the weather is unpredictable. The facilities are modern and the water is at the ideal temperature all year round.

• Opening hours: open every day with late night openings (10 p.m. on Tuesdays) specific opening hours here

• Prices: they depend on age (children, adults) and the spaces you want to use. Here is the link.

• Address: [Avenue du Commerce, 35430 Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets]

• Travel time: 10 minutes by car / 20 minutes by bus (Line 6).

4. Dinard: The elegant Belle Époque resort (3 km as the crow flies)

Villas on the tip of Malouine. Photo selected by monsieurdeFrance: depositphotos.

It's not complicated, the town is just opposite. Three kilometers maximum as the crow flies. And yet, it's another journey. Dinard offers a striking contrast to the granite rigor of Saint-Malo. Here, there is still the sea, the rocks, the customs paths, but above all there is the most beautiful British town in France. The town has 400 listed or protected villas that were built between 1850 and 1939. Born out of the love at first sight of the Ryders, a wealthy British couple, the place, which was once just a small port of call from one bank of the Rance to the other, became THE seaside resort of the Belle Époque. Royalty (George V, for example), celebrities (Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia, Picasso, Agatha Christie) indulged in the first sea baths there. Today, the resort is a very elegant town, still as wealthy as ever (although more discreet nowadays), offering a beautiful journey between seaside architecture and the sea.

Take the sea bus, which will take you across the Rance estuary. There are frequent departures throughout the day.

View of Saint Malo from Saint Enogat beach, heading back towards Dinard via the Pointe de la Malouine promenade. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.com

• Jérôme's tip: Take a stroll along the Promenade du Clair de Lune. At nightfall in summer, it lights up and plays music, offering the most beautiful view of the illuminated ramparts of Saint-Malo. If you want somewhere a little more original with a beautiful view, have a drink at the thalassotherapy bar.

• For children? Yes! They will love walking along the sea and the rocks on the customs officers' path. The beaches are beautiful and free.

• Access: 15 minutes by car via the dam or 10 minutes via the "Sea Bus" (recommended).

• Address: [2 Boulevard Féart, 35800 Dinard]

• Travel time: 10 minutes by Sea Bus (Dinan pier) / 20 minutes by car via the dam.

The Pointe de la Malouine offers a beautiful selection of villas. You can walk along the bottom and admire the villas while strolling along the sea. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.

5. La Richardais and the Rance Dam (6 km)

It is the strategic link between Saint-Malo and Dinard. It is both a bridge between the two banks of the Rance estuary (previously, you had to take a boat or travel 20 km further downstream) and a tidal power plant, in other words a dam that generates electricity using the ebb and flow of the tides, which are very strong here. It also offers a beautiful view of Saint Servan and the Solidor Tower.

• Why stop there? For the photos, first of all, and for its tidal power plant, which is unique in the world. At La Richardais, enjoy the coastal paths that offer breathtaking views of the Rance estuary.

• Jerome's tip: you can fish on the dam.

• Access: be careful with cars when you have parked.

• GPS: [La Rance Dam, 35780 La Richardais]

• Travel time: 10 minutes by car. 20 minutes by bike.

6. Saint-Suliac: One of the most beautiful villages in France (12 km)

Saint-Suliac is a granite gem nestled on the waterfront. Here you will discover a true Breton village with its narrow streets, harbor and fishermen, and the river that flows through it. You can also find some excellent restaurants here.

Saint Suliac and its port / Photo chosen by Monsieur de Francee: By Trizek — Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14927128

• Our favorite: Climb up to the Grainfolet Oratory. The view takes in the entire estuary and the ancient Viking settlements.

• Address: [Quai de la Rance, 35430 Saint-Suliac]

• Travel time: 15 minutes by car.

7. Cancale: The kingdom of oysters (15 km)

Cancale is world-famous for its port of La Houle and its oysters, which can be enjoyed fresh, right on the pier facing Mont-Saint-Michel. This jewel of the Emerald Coast is divided between its historic town center on the cliff and its bustling maritime activity below, which follows the rhythm of the tides. For a total immersion, take the customs officers' path that winds above the oyster farms and offers wild panoramic views of the turquoise waters. This is the ultimate gastronomic and seaside destination, where an authentic Breton way of life has been cultivated for generations. For the record, this is the birthplace of Marguerite Le Paistour, the only female executioner in French history... because she pretended to be a man. 

The port of Cancale / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: DaLiu via depositphotos

• The gastronomic experience: Purchase a dozen oysters at the market on the harbor and enjoy them on the pier, facing Mont-Saint-Michel.

• Address: [Quai de la Houle, 35260 Cancale]

• Travel time: 20 minutes by car.

A few oysters, a squeeze of lemon for those who like it... What more could you ask for? Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.Com: Natalia Lisovskaya / Shutterstock.Com

If you like oysters, you can't miss my tips and recipes.

8. La Pointe du Groin: The balcony of the English Channel (18 km)

A veritable balcony overlooking the English Channel, the Pointe du Groin offers breathtaking views stretching from Cap Fréhel to the distant silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel. This protected natural site, the starting point for the famous Route du Rhum race, is the ideal place to observe the churning sea currents and the colonies of birds nesting on the Île des Landes. It is an essential stopover to experience the full power of the Breton coast and enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the emerald waters.

• Address: [Pointe du Groin, 35260 Cancale]

• Travel time: 25 minutes by car.

9. The Bourbansais Estate (28 kms)

The Bourbansais Zoo has tigers / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: by G.C. from Pixabay.

The Domaine de la Bourbansais is a unique destination that combines the elegance of a 17th-century château with the adventure of a dedicated wildlife park. Listed as a Historic Monument, this family-owned estate is also famous for its French gardens and falconry and hunting shows, which bring equestrian and canine traditions back to life. It is the ideal destination for families wishing to combine discovering global biodiversity (more than 60 animal species) with exploring Brittany's architectural heritage.

• Jerome's tip: Don't miss out on a visit to the castle. The falconry show is spectacular. A perfect blend of culture and nature.

• For children? They'll love it!

• GPS: [La Bourbansais, 35630 Pleugueneuc]

• Opening hours  High season (April to September): 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (ticket office closes at 5:30 p.m.) Low season (October to March): 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (ticket office closes at 4:30 p.m.).

• Shows: They mainly take place from April to September, usually between 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

• Prices: from €18.50 to €29 depending on options (age, with or without a tour of the castle, etc.) Everything is here. 

• Additional information: lunch is available at the estate's restaurant.

• Travel time: 25 minutes by car via the 4-lane highway (N137).

The Château de la Bourbansais / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: By Communication La Bourbansais — Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=165074158

10. Dol-de-Bretagne and Mont-Dol (30 km)

Dol de Bretagne Cathedral / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: By Pymouss — Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=175155829

Dol-de-Bretagne is an ancient religious city that seems frozen in time, with its majestic Gothic cathedral of Saint-Samson and its half-timbered houses. It was the seat of one of the great Breton bishoprics, just like Saint Malo. Don't miss the Grande Rue des Stuarts, where medieval architecture reveals itself at every turn. It is a culturally rich destination, perfect for heritage enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the Brittany of dukes and bishops. Dol Cathedral caught the eye of Ken Follett and greatly inspired him in the writing of his masterpiece, The Pillars of the Earth. Further on is the astonishing Mont-Dol, the little twin of Mont Saint Michel on dry land. At a height of 65 meters, you can see the whole bay of Mont Saint Michel and... the footprint of Saint Michel, who leaned on it before setting off to fight the devil he had to defeat.

• The secret of the heritage: Don't miss Mont-Dol. This isolated rock offers a 360° panorama of the marshes and the bay.

• Address: [Place de la Cathédrale, 35120 Dol-de-Bretagne]

• Travel time: 30 minutes by car / 15 minutes by direct train.

11. Dinan: Journey to the Middle Ages (30 kms)

Jerzual Street in Dinan. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: pandionhiatus3 via depositphotos

Dinan is undoubtedly Brittany's most spectacular medieval town. It overlooks the Rance Valley in all its majesty. It's like a movie set, where every cobbled street and half-timbered house tells eight centuries of history and immerses you in every era. Take a break at the port, walk up the famous Rue du Jerzual (it's steep!) and visit the churches before climbing the 45 meters to the top of the clock tower. The food is also excellent! To find out everything about Dinan, read my dedicated article. 

Dinan seen from across the river / photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: depositphotos.

• Address: [6 Rue de l'Horloge, 22100 Dinan]

• For children? Yes! For time travel and climbing up Rue du Jerzual.

• Travel time: 35 min by car / 45 min by train (via Dol).

The castle of Dinan / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: DaLiu via depositphotos.

12. Combourg: The birthplace of Romanticism (38 km)

Combourg Castle seen from the park / Photo Monsieurdefrance.Com

The Château de Combourg is much more than a medieval fortress : it is the "cradle of Romanticism." It was here that the famous writer François-René de Chateaubriand spent his adolescence, a period that deeply influenced his work, particularly his "Mémoires d'outre-tombe" (Memoirs from Beyond the Grave). Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the castle imposes its massive silhouette with its four crenellated towers overlooking Lac Tranquille. A tour of the interior immerses you in the mysterious atmosphere that inhabited the writer. Legend has it that the Cat Tower is haunted... The park is immense, covering 25 hectares, and was designed by landscape architects Denis and Eugène Bühler. This English-style park invites melancholy and contemplation. Note that the town of Combourg is well worth a visit.

• Address: [23 Rue des Princes, 35270 Combourg]

• Opening hours From April 1 to September 30: open every day (except Saturday mornings).

  • Park: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

  • Guided tours of the castle: regular departures in the morning and afternoon.

• Off-season hours (February, March, October, November): open every day except Saturday.

  • Park: 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

  • Guided tours: departures in the afternoon only.

• prices: from €3 to €12.50 depending on age and circumstances (student, etc.)

• Travel time: 35 minutes by car / 25 minutes by direct train.

13. Cap Fréhel: Spectacular cliffs (51 km)

Cap Fréhel seen from Saint Malo / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme. The photo has not been altered, which is one of the strengths of the Emerald Coast: all lights and colors are possible naturally.

About an hour from Saint-Malo, Cap Fréhel is one of France's most spectacular natural sites. Classified as a "Grand Site de France," this pink sandstone promontory rises more than 70 meters above the sea, offering a breathtaking view of the emerald waters and, on a clear day, the Channel Islands. The site is marked by its famous lighthouse, one of the most powerful in France. Standing 32 meters tall, it is open to visitors and, after climbing 145 steps, offers a truly unique 360° view of the Emerald Coast. Always be careful (it is very windy and dangerous) and stay on the marked paths to preserve the site's flora and fauna.

Cape Fréhel / Photo selected by Monsieur de France by Piero Di Maria from Pixabay

• Address: [Cap Fréhel, 22240 Plévenon]

• Price: Access to the site is free, but parking is mandatory and subject to a fee.

• Jerome's tip: Cape Point is a major bird sanctuary. Bring your binoculars to observe the African penguins and Atlantic puffins that nest in the crevices of the cliff.

• Travel time: 1 hour by car.

Cape Fréhel It is a major birdwatching site by Frederic Willocq from Pixabay

14. Fort La Latte: The castle on the sea (52 km)

Fort La Latte in the middle of the waves / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: by Gwenaële Moignic from Pixabay

Fort La Latte (or Château de la Roche Goyon) is undoubtedly the most spectacular castle in Brittany. Standing on a rocky outcrop, it has seemed to defy the waves of the English Channel since the 14th century. The family that owns it is entirely devoted to its maintenance and promotion. Here you can discover everything that was done to withstand a siege, taking you on a journey back to the heart of the Middle Ages. Many films have been shot here (Chouans, Vikings, etc.) in a setting that looks like it was imagined for the series Game of Thrones. Be sure to climb to the top of the keep. The view of Cap Fréhel and the Emerald Sea is absolutely breathtaking.

Fort la Latte / Pixabay

• For children? If they are in their knight or princess phase, they will be literally immersed in history, just like you! 

• Prices: Approximately €7.50 per adult and €5.50 for children (5-12 years old).

• Opening hours: July 1 to August 31: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (non-stop). April, May, June, and September: 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. All Saints' Day holidays: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Winter (outside of holidays): Open on weekends and public holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Christmas and winter holidays: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. every day.

• Address: [Fort La Latte, 22240 Plévenon]

• Travel time: 1 hour by car (10 minutes from Cap Fréhel)

Fort La Latte / Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme

15. Mont-Saint-Michel (55 km)

Mont Saint Michel seen from the sky: Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.fr: shutterstock

Mont-Saint-Michel is an essential stop on any trip to the region. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Normandy, is nicknamed the "Wonder of the West." It consists of a village, which is well worth visiting, and, at the top, an abbey dedicated to Saint Michael. One of the most beautiful sites in France, not to be missed under any circumstances.

Always be wary of the sand at Mont Saint Michel Bay, it has swallowed up many unwary visitors. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance Nyokki/shutterstock

• Expert tip: For an authentic experience, I suggest arriving at the end of the day or very early in the morning. The streets return to their medieval silence, the lights on the bay turn golden, and you can admire the sunset from the ramparts without the crowds. This is when the soul of Mont Saint-Michel truly reveals itself.

• Prices: the village is freely accessible and open all the time... since it is a village. For the abbey: Approximately €13.00 (free for EU residents under 26).

• Opening hours: The abbey is open every day of the year except January 1, May 1, and December 25. From May 1 to August 31: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last admission at 6:00 p.m.). nbsp;September 1 to April 30: 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:00 p.m.).

• GPS: [Mont-Saint-Michel parking lot, 50170] Parking is paid. You can then reach the Mont on foot (about 30 minutes) or by shuttle bus.

• Travel time: 55 minutes by car via the N176.

The Abbey seen from below. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrancefr: Nick Brundle Photography/Shutterstock.com

Summary table of distances

View of Cézembre Island from the ramparts of Saint Malo at sunset. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme.

7) FAQ: Your questions about Saint-Malo and its surroundings

What to do around Saint-Malo when it rains?

This is the number one question asked by internet users. In case of rain, head to the Grand Aquarium de Saint-Malo (fully covered) or enjoy a relaxing break at AquaMalo. For history buffs, a visit to the Malouinières (shipowners' mansions) or the Manoir de Jacques Cartier in Rothéneuf is a great way to stay dry while discovering the local heritage.

What are the most beautiful walks near Saint-Malo?

The coastal path (GR34) is a must-see. My two favorite sections are the loop around Pointe du Groin in Cancale and the spectacular walk between Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte. Inland, the ramparts of Dinan offer a unique medieval walk.

Where can you eat the best oysters near Saint-Malo?

Without hesitation, head to Cancale on the Port de la Houle. You can enjoy them right at the oyster market on the pier, with a breathtaking view of Mont-Saint-Michel. It's the most authentic gastronomic experience in the region.

Is it possible to travel to Dinard from Saint-Malo without a car?

Yes, and it's even the best option for avoiding traffic jams on the dam. The Sea Bus (Compagnie Corsaire) makes the 10-minute trip from Cale de Dinan (Intra-Muros). It's an affordable micro-cruise with an exceptional view of the pirate city.

When is the best time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel from Saint-Malo?

The journey takes about 55 minutes. To avoid the crowds and the "mass tourism" ranking, I recommend arriving after 5:00 p.m.. The evening lights on the abbey are magical, parking is cheaper, and most of the tourist groups have already left.

Which charming villages are worth visiting around Saint-Malo?

Two names stand out: Saint-Suliac, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" for its old fishing port atmosphere, and Dinan, for its perfectly preserved medieval architecture.