Tourism Brittany

Saint-Malo Audio Guide: Explore the Secrets of the Corsair City

Take Saint-Malo with you and explore at your own pace. This immersive audio guide includes 17 stops and around 2 hours of content, uncovering corsair legends, hidden treasures and fascinating stories. Start with 3 free extracts before continuing the full tour.

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Listen to the first three excerpts from our immersive audio guide to Saint-Malo for free before accessing the full tour. Discover the ramparts, the privateers and the secrets of this privateering town through an immersive audio experience that you can listen to whenever you like, directly on your smartphone, without needing an app. The audio tour, including all stops, is available for €7.50. A single licence is sufficient for two people to visit.

 

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour

 


🎧 Continue the full tour

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour

 

 

 

Discover the stages of the immersive audio guide to Saint-Malo

 

 

1. Porte Saint-Vincent: step into the heart of Saint-Malo

 

The Porte Saint-Vincent is the true gateway to the history of Saint-Malo. Behind its thick stone walls lie the ramparts, Breton legends, privateers and the unique spirit of the people of Saint-Malo. You’ll discover why this pirate town has long remained a city apart, proud of its symbols, its independence and its character forged by the sea.

 

 

The exterior of the Porte Saint Vincent. It features the coats of arms of Saint-Malo and Brittany. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: KovalenkovPetr / via Depositphotos.

The exterior of the Porte Saint Vincent. It features the coats of arms of Saint-Malo and Brittany. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: KovalenkovPetr / via Depositphotos.

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The origin of the name Intra-Muros: why locals simply say ‘intra’ when referring to the historic centre.
  • The ramparts of Saint-Malo: a 1,750-metre-long wall built and extended over the centuries to protect the town.
  • The symbol of the Breton ermine: the medieval legend that explains why this animal became the emblem of Brittany.
  • The mottos of the people of Saint-Malo: ‘Semper fidelis’ and the famous ‘Neither French nor Breton, I am from Saint-Malo’.
  • The Château de Saint-Malo: this fortress, now the town hall, which the locals have long detested.
  • The flag that annoyed General de Gaulle: the surprising story of the Saint-Malo flag flying above the French flag.
  • The spirit of Saint-Malo: a city with a maritime focus, dedicated to trade and adventure, and fiercely attached to its identity.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour

 

 

 

2. The castle that the people of Saint-Malo stormed

 

The castle of Saint-Malo has protected the town for centuries… but the locals hated it for a long time. Behind its massive stone walls lie tales of revolts, bombardments, stubborn Dukes of Brittany and even an incredible independent republic that existed in Saint-Malo for four years. This stop immerses you in the unique character of the people of Saint-Malo: proud, free and capable of rebuilding their city stone by stone after the war.

 

The Saint-Malo flag flies proudly atop the keep of Saint-Malo Castle /  by Marie Sjödin from Pixabay

The Saint-Malo flag flies proudly atop the keep of Saint-Malo Castle /  by Marie Sjödin from Pixabay

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • Why the castle also kept an eye on the townspeople: the arrow slits and cannons pointing towards the town reveal the Dukes of Brittany’s distrust of the people of Saint-Malo.
  • The Malouine Republic: the astonishing story of this town that became independent for four years before returning to French rule.
  • The Quic-en-Grogne Tower: the famous tower commissioned by Anne of Brittany despite the protests of the local residents.
  • Anne of Brittany and the union with France: how the duchess’s marriage changed the history of Brittany.
  • The square’s historic restaurants: the successors to the old inns once frequented by sailors and privateers.
  • The tragedy of the Liberation of 1944: the bombing raids that destroyed 80% of Saint-Malo during the summer of 1944.
  • The role of Cézembre and the city of Alet: the last Nazi strongholds around Saint-Malo.
  • The incredible reconstruction of the city: how the people of Saint-Malo rebuilt their city almost brick by brick after the war.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

3. The house where Chateaubriand was born

 

This street, which survived the bombings, reveals the true character of the Saint-Malo of yesteryear. A town of narrow alleyways, shipowners’ houses facing the sea, and great figures who set out to conquer the world. It was here that François-René de Chateaubriand was born, on a stormy night that has become one of the most famous passages in French literature.

 

Chateaubriand / Par Anne-Louis Girodet — The Yorck Project (2002) 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei (DVD-ROM), distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH. ISBN : 3936122202., Domaine public, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151807

Chateaubriand / Par Anne-Louis Girodet — The Yorck Project (2002) 10.000 Meisterwerke der Malerei (DVD-ROM), distributed by DIRECTMEDIA Publishing GmbH. ISBN : 3936122202., Domaine public, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151807

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The true face of old Saint-Malo: a town of narrow streets where sailors, craftsmen and shipowners once lived.
  • Chateaubriand’s birthplace: the place where one of France’s greatest writers was born.
  • Birth during the storm: the famous passage from Memoirs from Beyond the Grave in which Chateaubriand recounts his birth.
  • The Extraordinary Life of Chateaubriand: writer, politician and a leading figure of French Romanticism.
  • Famous figures from Saint-Malo: Jacques Cartier, Surcouf, Duguay-Trouin, Marion du Fresne and Maupertuis.
  • Le Grand Bé: the small island facing the sea where Chateaubriand is now buried.
  • More of Old Saint-Malo: head to Rue du Pélicot to explore the working-class houses of the 17th-century pirate town.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

4. The oldest street in Saint-Malo

 

Welcome to Rue du Pélicot, the oldest street still visible in the original Saint-Malo. Here, it’s easy to picture the pirate town of yesteryear: clogs clattering on the cobblestones, sailors shouting in the taverns, craftsmen at work, and this incredibly dense town enclosed within its ramparts.

 

Photo: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The Saint-Malo of the privateers: a bustling, lively town teeming with sailors.
  • The oldest street in the town: one of the few places where you can get a sense of what Saint-Malo was like before 1944.
  • Houses with glass façades: homes directly inspired by the windows of ships.
  • Why Saint-Malo looked like a giant drum: the ramparts and narrow streets echoed every sound.
  • The Great Fire of 1661: the blaze that destroyed 273 houses in a matter of hours.
  • The pirates’ houses full of gunpowder: how the explosions made the fire worse.
  • The Miracle of the Grand’Porte: the statue of Our Lady found intact amidst the flames.
  • The reconstruction of the town: the new regulations requiring stone houses, which can still be seen today.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

6. The ramparts, Vauban and the spring tides

There you are, you’ve finally made it to the ramparts of Saint-Malo. From here, the pirate town reveals some of its most beautiful views: Éventail Beach, the Sillon, the Fort National, and the sea, which can be magnificent… or fearsome at spring tides.

 

The Fort National is located right in front of you / Photo selected by Monsieur de France by Nicolas IZERN from Pixabay

The Fort National is located right in front of you / Photo selected by Monsieur de France by Nicolas IZERN from Pixabay

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The Saint-Thomas Gate: the quieter entrance to the ramparts, away from the crowds.
  • The first sea baths: this trend, which arrived from England in the 19th century, transformed Saint-Malo.
  • The astonishing bathing carriages: these small shelters, drawn by horses, allowed ladies to bathe without being seen.
  • The Sillon breakwaters: the enormous wooden piles designed to protect the coast from erosion.
  • Le Sillon and the spring tides: this long beach can vanish under the force of the sea.
  • The Fort National: the fortress built by Vauban to defend Saint-Malo against attacks from the sea.
  • Vauban, Louis XIV’s military genius: the man who dotted France with fortresses reputed to be impregnable.
  • The reefs around Saint-Malo: these rocks are capable of wrecking ships that are unfamiliar with the coast.
  • The tragedy at Fort National during the Liberation: the residents of Saint-Malo killed during the bombings of summer 1944.
  • How to visit Fort National: the secret of the flag that indicates whether access is possible at low tide.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

7. The British’s infernal machine designed to destroy Saint-Malo

 

From the Bastion à la Reine, Saint-Malo offers one of its most beautiful views… and one of its wildest stories. Here, you’ll discover how the English attempted to wipe the pirate city off the map using a ship converted into a gigantic floating bomb. A spectacular attack that could have destroyed Saint-Malo forever.

 

The Cannons of Saint-Malo / Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The Bastion à la Reine: this section of the ramparts was once nicknamed the ‘wet fort’ because the sea used to wash over it.
  • Le Grand Bé: the small island that becomes accessible at low tide, which you can see directly in front of you.
  • Fort de la Conchée: the impressive fortress designed by Vauban to protect Saint-Malo from English attacks.
  • The role of privateers: sailors authorised by the king to attack enemy ships under the famous ‘letters of marque’.
  • Why Saint-Malo was nicknamed “the hornet’s nest” by the English.
  • The Infernal Machine of 1693: the English’s incredible plan to turn an entire ship into a giant bomb.
  • The gale that saved the town: how the weather in Brittany prevented the destruction of Saint-Malo.
  • The massive explosion outside the city walls: a blast so powerful that it shattered the windows throughout the city.
  • The only “casualty” of the attack: the astonishing story of the cat that gave its name to Rue du Chat-qui-Danse.
  • London’s Wrath: the English defeat and the trial of Commander John Benbow following this failed attack.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

8. The Bidouane Tower and the sailors of Newfoundland

 

The Bidouane Tower has watched over the sea for over 700 years. With its three-metre-thick walls, this immense tower defended Saint-Malo against attacks from the sea. It has seen privateers set sail, cod fishermen return, and has weathered centuries of maritime adventures.

 

The Bidouane Tower as seen from Bonsecours Beach. Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Neirfys / via Depositphotos

The Bidouane Tower as seen from Bonsecours Beach. Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Neirfys / via Depositphotos

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The Bidouane Tower: one of the oldest monuments in Saint-Malo.
  • The Corsair Ramparts: a fortification modernised in the 17th century to protect the corsair town.
  • Three-metre-thick walls: a structure designed to withstand attacks from the sea.
  • The Saint-Malo powder magazine: the place where gunpowder and ammunition were stored.
  • The great privateer ships: those immense wooden vessels that set sail to plunder the seas in the name of the King of France.
  • The Newfoundlanders: the fishermen who set out for months at a time into the icy waters off Newfoundland to bring back cod.
  • The “miracle fish”: why salted cod was essential for feeding people living far from the sea.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

9. The most beautiful view in Saint-Malo

 

From the top of the Bidouane Tower, Saint-Malo offers what is probably its most beautiful view. Before you lie the English Channel, the coastal forts, Cézembre, Dinard and the islets of Grand Bé and Petit Bé. A magnificent panorama… but one steeped in tales of wars, tides and Breton legends.

 

From the Bidouane Tower, the view stretches across the whole of Saint-Malo Bay / Photo: Depositphotos

From the Bidouane Tower, the view stretches across the whole of Saint-Malo Bay / Photo: Depositphotos

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The most spectacular view in Saint-Malo: the view of the English Channel, the forts and the islets surrounding the town.
  • The island of Cézembre: this island was once connected to the mainland before sea levels rose.
  • The Legend of the Sunken Forest: the tale of the mysterious forest of Scissy, which vanished beneath the sea.
  • Cézembre during the Second World War: one of the most heavily bombed places in Europe during the Liberation.
  • The 20,000 bombs dropped on the island: a landscape still scarred today by craters and restricted areas.
  • Cap Fréhel: wind-swept cliffs rising more than 70 metres above the English Channel.
  • Le Grand Bé and Le Petit Bé: islets accessible only at low tide.
  • Chateaubriand’s grave: the great writer’s famous epitaph, facing the sea and the wind.
  • The danger of the tides: why you should always check the timetables before heading out to the islets.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

10. Surcouf, the privateer who terrorised England

Robert Surcouf is probably the most famous of all the people of Saint-Malo. A feared privateer, a provocateur, indomitable and immensely wealthy, he struck fear into the hearts of English ships for years. Standing facing the sea, his statue still serves today as a reminder of the strong character of Saint-Malo and its inhabitants.

 

The statue of Robert Surcouf, a privateer from Saint-Malo / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: by JackieLou DL from Pixabay

The statue of Robert Surcouf, a privateer from Saint-Malo / Photo selected by Monsieur de France: by JackieLou DL from Pixabay

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The character of the people of Saint-Malo: hard-working, daring, stubborn… and often very outspoken.
  • The statue of Surcouf: why it now points towards England, despite diplomatic protests in the 19th century.
  • The seagulls of Saint-Malo: birds capable of snatching your meal right out of the air.
  • Surcouf’s turbulent childhood: his escape into the snow after biting a teacher.
  • The young privateer’s early voyages: Spain, Africa and the world’s oceans from his teenage years onwards.
  • The privateers of the French Revolution: sailors authorised to attack enemy ships.
  • Surcouf’s legendary captures: 44 ships captured in just a few years.
  • Surcouf’s famous remark to the English: “Everyone fights for what they do not have”.
  • The immense wealth of privateers: millions earned from maritime plunder.
  • The difference between privateers and pirates: privateers acted officially on behalf of the French state.
  • The role of the shipowners of Saint-Malo: the entrepreneurs who financed the privateer expeditions.
  • Other famous French privateers: Jean Bart and Duguay-Trouin.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

 

11. Jacques Cartier and the Canadian Dream

 

From the bastion of Holland, Saint-Malo looks out to sea… and towards the New World. Here, amongst the old cannons, the coastal forts and Bon-Secours beach, you can discover the incredible story of Jacques Cartier, the man from Saint-Malo who opened the way to Canada for the French.

 

The Bastion of Holland as seen from the Bidouane Tower. Photo (c) monsieurdefrance.com

The Bastion of Holland as seen from the Bidouane Tower. Photo (c) monsieurdefrance.com

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

  • The Holland Bastion: this section of the ramparts was built during the Dutch War in the 17th century.
  • Le Petit Bé: the fort is accessible at low tide when the French flag flies at the top.
  • Bon-Secours Beach: one of Saint-Malo’s first leisure beaches, featuring its famous seawater swimming pool.
  • Surprising customs of the Middle Ages: when people would climb the ramparts to… relieve themselves.
  • The large cannons of 1694: guns presented by Louis XIV’s representative as a token of gratitude to the privateers of Saint-Malo.
  • Jacques Cartier: the explorer born in Saint-Malo who discovered Canada for King Francis I.
  • The “French Christopher Columbus”: why Cartier, too, believed he had found the route to China.
  • The St Lawrence River: the exploration of Canada and the birth of New France.
  • The first French people to taste popcorn: the surprising anecdote recounted by Cartier’s sailors.
  • Canada’s fake diamonds: Jacques Cartier’s great disappointment on his return to France.
  • The link between Saint-Malo and Quebec: why the city still maintains such strong ties with French-speaking Canadians today.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

12. The inland sea and beautiful Dinard

 

From the Saint-Philippe bastion, Saint-Malo takes on a whole new look. Here you can discover the “inner sea”, the historic ports of the privateers, the starting point of the Route du Rhum… and, just opposite, Dinard, the elegant seaside resort that became the favourite retreat of the English aristocracy.

 

The Môle des Noires as seen from the Bastion Saint Philippe. Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Image by Thierry BEUVE from Pixabay

The Môle des Noires as seen from the Bastion Saint Philippe. Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Image by Thierry BEUVE from Pixabay

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The Saint-Philippe Bastion: this section of the ramparts was reclaimed from the sea in the 18th century.
  • The Fleur-de-lis Watchtower: the small tower decorated with the coats of arms of the kings of France.
  • The Inner Harbour of Saint-Malo: the sheltered basin where privateers and cod fishermen used to dock.
  • The Môle des Noires: this long breakwater has protected the harbour entrance since the 19th century.
  • The Newfoundlanders: sailors returning from several months of fishing in the icy waters off Newfoundland.
  • La Route du Rhum: the famous transatlantic race that sets sail from Saint-Malo every four years.
  • Saint-Servan: the former independent town that was incorporated into Saint-Malo after the Second World War.
  • The Rance ferrymen: those boatmen, who were sometimes quite charming, who ferried travellers across the river.
  • Dinard, the “Monaco of Brittany”: the chic seaside resort that has been a favourite with the British since the 19th century.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

13. Duguay-Trouin, the charming privateer

 

Standing before you is one of Saint-Malo’s greatest heroes: René Duguay-Trouin. A brilliant privateer, adventurer, charmer and formidable strategist, he led a life worthy of a novel. Escapes, naval battles, immense fortunes and military exploits: this stop takes you back to the golden age of the Saint-Malo privateers.

 

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During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • René Duguay-Trouin: the privateer from Saint-Malo who became a true legend under Louis XIV.
  • His incredible escape from England: how he managed to flee Plymouth thanks to a love affair.
  • The young man destined to become a priest: before setting sail and completely changing his life.
  • The future privateer’s seasickness: the surprising weakness he had to overcome before becoming a sailor.
  • The spectacular attack on Rio de Janeiro: Duguay-Trouin’s greatest military feat in 1711.
  • The fortunes of privateers: the vast treasures brought back to Saint-Malo from maritime captures.
  • Louis XIV was fascinated by privateers: the king loved listening to tales of Duguay-Trouin’s adventures.
  • The hero’s rediscovered grave: the privateer’s remains were returned to Saint-Malo Cathedral in 1973.
  • The Malouinières: the grand country estates built by wealthy shipowners.
  • The Hôtel d’Asfeld: the only large shipowner’s mansion to have survived the bombings of 1944.
  • “The Gentlemen of Saint-Malo”: the powerful shipowners who made the fortune of the pirate town.
  • The global trade of the people of Saint-Malo: ships that sailed as far as China, Peru and Java.
  • The slave trade: Saint-Malo’s role in the slave trade during the colonial era.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

14. The guard dogs… and the monkey of Saint-Malo

 

The Grand’Porte is one of Saint-Malo’s historic gateways. Privateers, sailors, fishermen and travellers have all passed through this gate over the centuries. But hidden behind its stone walls are two incredible stories: that of the fearsome watchdogs… and that of a monkey who kidnaps a baby from the city’s rooftops.

 

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

  • La Grand’Porte: the historic gateway to Saint-Malo since the 16th century.
  • The “Noguette”: the bell that announced the curfew in the town every evening.
  • The fearsome guard dogs: mastiffs trained to defend Saint-Malo for over 600 years.
  • The latest victim of the mastiffs: the tragic story of a man caught out after curfew in 1770.
  • The dog kennels: they still exist today beneath the Bastion of Holland.
  • The curfew during the Covid pandemic: the old bell of Saint-Malo was even put to use again during the pandemic.
  • Moune the monkey: the monkey who became famous after carrying a baby across the city’s rooftops.
  • The rescue of the baby: the incredible plan devised by the neighbours to get the child back safe and sound.
  • Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours: the miraculous statue saved from the flames during the great fire of Saint-Malo.
  • The fishmongers of Saint-Malo: the women who prevented the revolutionaries from destroying the statue.
  • The patron saint of sailors: why the people of Saint-Malo still pay their respects to Our Lady before setting sail.

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

15. The best butter in the world!

 

Welcome to Bordier, a true culinary institution in Saint-Malo. Here, butter is almost a religion. From the famous Breton salted butter and salted butter caramel to the amazing flavours created by Bordier, this stop immerses you in one of Brittany’s greatest pleasures: eating… and eating very well.

 

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • La maison Bordier: the legendary home of butter in Saint-Malo.
  • The famous “clack-clack” of the beaters: the sound of butter still being churned by hand.
  • Why is butter salted in Brittany?: the historical role of salt in food preservation and Breton cuisine.
  • Salted butter caramel: one of the region’s most iconic treats.
  • Bordier butter: traditionally crafted to give a smoother texture and a rich, full-bodied flavour.
  • The surprising flavours of butter: seaweed, yuzu, Espelette pepper, black truffle or even Ghanaian chocolate.
  • Breton buckwheat: this hardy cereal has become the staple ingredient in the famous Breton galettes.
  • The origin of the word “buckwheat”: a cereal that arrived in Brittany as a result of the medieval Crusades.
  • Breton buckwheat specialities: galettes, biscuits, savoury tuiles and even artisanal pasta.
  • Breton cuisine: a hearty cuisine deeply rooted in Brittany’s maritime and rural history.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

16. Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the heart and soul of Saint-Malo

 

If one had to sum up Saint-Malo in a single monument, it would be this one. Saint-Vincent Cathedral has been part of the history of this pirate city since the Middle Ages. It has witnessed bishops, privateers, explorers, wars, fires and reconstructions. Destroyed during the Liberation and then rebuilt stone by stone, it perfectly symbolises the indomitable spirit of the people of Saint-Malo.

 

The interior of Saint-Malo Cathedral and its unique atmosphere. Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: jjfarquitectosJJ via Depositphotos.

The interior of Saint-Malo Cathedral and its unique atmosphere. Image selected by monsieurdefrance.com: jjfarquitectosJJ via Depositphotos.

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • Why the cathedral symbolises the soul of Saint-Malo: a monument that grew up alongside the town itself.
  • Jean de Châtillon: the bishop who moved the religious seat from Alet to Saint-Malo in the 12th century.
  • Saint Jean de la Grille: the saint from Saint-Malo whose tomb attracted so many pilgrims that it had to be protected behind a grille.
  • The cathedral’s evolution: a building that has grown over the centuries alongside the city.
  • The great figures who have passed through here: Surcouf, Duguay-Trouin, Jacques Cartier and generations of people from Saint-Malo.
  • Destruction during the Liberation: the bell tower was bombed, followed by a fire that ravaged the building in 1944.
  • Post-war reconstruction: nearly 30 years of work to bring the cathedral back to life.
  • The “Noguette” bell: the famous curfew bell, recast after being cracked during the war.
  • The surviving stained-glass windows from 1858: the only ones to have survived the bombardments.
  • The blue light of the cathedral: the unique atmosphere created by the modern stained-glass windows.
  • The Jacques Cartier Mosaic: the spot where the explorer is said to have come to pray before setting off for Canada.
  • The link between Saint-Malo and Quebec: Canadians still regard this place as part of their heritage.
  • The Phoenix Cathedral: a monument rebuilt after a fire, just like the whole town of Saint-Malo.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

17. Kouign-amann, crêpes and Breton delicacies

You can’t leave Saint-Malo without mentioning Breton cuisine. From salted butter and kouign-amann to craquelins and large Breton crêpes, this final culinary stop takes you on a journey through Brittany’s most famous flavours… with some handy tips on how to order like a true Breton.

 

Butter, sugar, flour... Just three ingredients, and yet making Kouign Amann isn’t easy. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Depositphotos.

Butter, sugar, flour... Just three ingredients, and yet making Kouign Amann isn’t easy. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Depositphotos.

 

During this stopover, you will discover:

 

  • The famous kouign-amann: the renowned Breton “butter cake” that originated in Douarnenez.
  • The history of the kouign-amann: how a baker who ran out of flour created one of Brittany’s most indulgent desserts.
  • The Saint-Malo cracker: this dry biscuit was invented by sailors for long sea crossings.
  • The surprising method of making craquelin: a dough poached in boiling water before being baked in the oven.
  • Authentic Breton crêpes: thin, delicious and a must-try in Saint-Malo.
  • The difference between crêpes and galettes: essential information to avoid offending a Breton.
  • Buckwheat galettes: typical savoury dishes from Upper Brittany.
  • Wheat pancakes: sweet versions served with chocolate, caramel or fruit compote.
  • Seafood: lobsters, crabs, spider crabs and scallops.
  • Scallop fishing: a highly regulated activity designed to protect the species.
  • St-Malo’s seafood platters: one of the city’s great culinary experiences.
  • The Breton way of life: here, good food is an integral part of the experience.

 

 

🎧 Continue the full tour : 7,50 €

 

 

 

 

Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com:  Photo Boards on Unsplash

Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com:  Photo Boards on Unsplash

 

 

 

FAQ on the Saint-Malo audio guide

 

What is the best guide for visiting Saint-Malo?

If you’re looking for a guide to explore Saint-Malo at your own pace, this immersive audio guide takes you on a journey lasting nearly two hours through the city walls, its history of privateers, the spring tides and the secrets of this former privateering town. You can listen whenever you like, directly on your smartphone, with no app to download.

 

Can you visit Saint-Malo with an audio guide?

Yes, and it’s actually one of the best ways to explore the town. The Saint-Malo audio guide lets you wander freely whilst listening to stories, anecdotes and historical explanations as you make your way through the streets and along the ramparts.

 

How long is the Saint-Malo audio guide?

The full tour lasts around two hours and includes 18 immersive audio stops throughout the historic centre of Saint-Malo.

You can also shorten the tour by skipping the OPTIONAL stops, in which case the tour will take 1½ hours. 

 

Can we listen to the audio guide for free?

Yes. The first three stages are available free of charge so you can try out the experience before unlocking the full tour.

 

Do I need to download an app?

No. The audio guide works directly on your smartphone via a simple web page. No app download is required.

 

Can two people take the tour using just one audio guide?

Yes. Many visitors listen to the audio tour as a couple or with their family, sharing the same smartphone during the walk.

 

What can you see during the tour?

You’ll discover the ramparts, privateers such as Surcouf and Duguay-Trouin, Jacques Cartier, the spring tides, Saint-Vincent Cathedral, the coastal forts, Breton specialities and the secrets of old Saint-Malo.

 

Is the audio guide suitable for a first visit to Saint-Malo?

Yes. It is specifically designed to give you a quick insight into the history, spirit and must-see sights of this pirate town.

 

Can we take the tour whenever we like?

Yes. You can start the stages whenever you like and explore Saint-Malo at your own pace.

 

Where does the audio tour of Saint-Malo start?

The tour begins in front of the tourist information office or at the Porte Saint-Vincent, the historic gateway to the ramparts of inner Saint-Malo.

 

The terms and conditions are available here. 

 

Learn more about Saint-Malo

 

  • An article and an audio guide by Jérôme Prod’homme for Monsieur de France, written with passion and a love of sharing stories about France, tourism and gastronomy.
Jérôme Prod'homme

Jérôme Prod'homme

 Jérôme Prod'homme is Monsieur de France.
He is a French author, historian by passion, and recognized specialist in French culture, heritage, and tourism. For many years, he has written for French media, cultural magazines, radio, and editorial projects focused on the history of France, historical figures, cultural traditions, religious heritage, and regional gastronomy

As the creator of Monsieur de France, he shares expert insights and documented knowledge about France: from medieval kings and cathedrals to royal palaces, UNESCO sites, charming villages, and authentic local cuisine. His articles are based on historical research, verified sources, and a real love of transmitting knowledge. 

Jérôme lives in France, travels extensively through its regions, and personally explores the places he recommends — ensuring first-hand experience. Through his writing, he aims to make French history accessible, highlight real stories and local heritage, and guide visitors to the most meaningful and authentic French destinations

Monsieur de France is more than a travel guide: it is a cultural bridge for readers around the world who want to truly understand France — its history, its identity, its symbols, and its living heritage. 

Jérôme Prod'homme

Jérôme Prod'homme

 Jérôme Prod'homme is Monsieur de France.
He is a French author, historian by passion, and recognized specialist in French culture, heritage, and tourism. For many years, he has written for French media, cultural magazines, radio, and editorial projects focused on the history of France, historical figures, cultural traditions, religious heritage, and regional gastronomy

As the creator of Monsieur de France, he shares expert insights and documented knowledge about France: from medieval kings and cathedrals to royal palaces, UNESCO sites, charming villages, and authentic local cuisine. His articles are based on historical research, verified sources, and a real love of transmitting knowledge. 

Jérôme lives in France, travels extensively through its regions, and personally explores the places he recommends — ensuring first-hand experience. Through his writing, he aims to make French history accessible, highlight real stories and local heritage, and guide visitors to the most meaningful and authentic French destinations

Monsieur de France is more than a travel guide: it is a cultural bridge for readers around the world who want to truly understand France — its history, its identity, its symbols, and its living heritage.