Pearls of Brittany, St Malo France
March 7, 2025 - by Muriel Dassen
As we journey through Brittany in this tour, we will encounter the pearls of Cancale, renowned for France's finest oysters, the breathtaking Mont St Michel and its majestic bay, the charming coastal beauty of Dinard, and the historic allure of Dinant. Today, we're exploring the enchanting town of St Malo, the central point and another pearl of our Pearls of Brittany motorcycle tour.
Of course you can download the GPX / ITN files and full e-books of the 3 rides we have in this tour via our roadtrip planner but you can already find the info in this blogpost.
St Malo has not always been as peaceful as it looks today as it was the residence of pirates who robbed ships from countries in a state of war with France at the king's behest. They also used their seafaring skills in another and useful way: in 1534 Jacques Cartier, a native of the city, discovered Canada, which brought great prosperity to St.-Malo, which saw a flourishing spice trade as a result. More so, St.-Malo grew to become the most important port in France.
In 1661 a huge fire brought this to an end destroying the entire city. To prevent such a major fire, the entire city was rebuilt in granite. During World War II, the city was completely destroyed and then rebuilt as Vauban had done after the great fire. As much material as possible was recovered from the debris and a plan was made using photographs and drawings. The result is an almost improbably exact copy of what the buildings must have looked like. One of the reasons why this little town can be counted among the most visited towns in Brittany.
Our first tip in St Malo is a walk on the imposing city wall of 1.7 km a bit over 1 mile along with impressive towers that can be seen on every street corner of the city. It will offer you a great view of the city from above and of the Emerald Coast. Absolutely magical!
You can go up and down wherever you want, from the various staircases located at each gate. One of the guides recommended starting the walk by taking the Porte Saint-Thomas, located behind Place Chateaubriand, as from this entrance, you will have a direct and exceptional view of the large beach of the Sillon on your right, the National Fort on the other side and, on your left, the isle of Grand Bé.
If you walk counter clockwise you will get to the Bidouane Tower, a former powder magazine in the shape of a horseshoe. It’s highly recommended to climb this tower as this spot offers you a panorama over the entire bay of Saint-Malo with the best view of the islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé.
Saint-Malo has its own fort, Fort National. The Fort National dates back to the 17th century and was built to protect the city of Saint-Malo from attacks from England. The fort is located on an island that can only be visited at low tide, so yes you can visit the Fort National if you want, but you will need to check the tides and opening hours via this link.
Just opposite of the Porte Saint-Thomas at the other side of the place Chateaubriand you will see the main gateway of Saint Malo’s castle - 15th and 16th centuries - the Château de la duchesse Anne.
Since 1927, the Grand Donjon has housed the town's History Museum, which retraces the town's past through some of Saint-Malo's most famous figures, including Jacques Cartier – who discovered Canada - and Francoi René de Chateaubriand, the French romantic poet, writer and politician. The Tour Générale also houses a museum which tells the story of Newfoundland fishing and shipbuilding in the region. The Château is also home to Saint-Malo Town Hall.
Step back in time as you wander through the cobbled streets of St Malo's historic city centre. Admire the elegant architecture, browse charming boutiques, and savor the flavors of local cuisine in quaint cafes. Saint-Malo's historic city centre is the tourist heart of the city.
Be sure to stroll to the very pleasant Place Chateaubriand where we started our walk on the city walls as you can take a break there and enjoy a snack and a drink.
Our exploration of Saint Malo wouldn't be complete without a visit to Cathedrale Saint Vincent, a towering masterpiece of Gothic architecture dominating the city as it is located in the heart of Saint Malo. It’s even described as a real architectural gem. The building of the church started in the 12th century and it is a beautiful a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Inside, you can also admire the beautiful stained-glass windows.
Walking along Saint-Malo's old ramparts towards Bastion Saint-Philippe, you will definitely notice the Môle des Noires. This breakwater was erected to protect the city's outer harbour and break the waves.
You can walk to the end of this embankment to see the lighthouse up close. It is neither the biggest nor the most impressive lighthouse, but it is still a nice place to take great photos. And the view from here on Saint-Malo’s city centre is breathtaking.
Last but not least, you can dive into a world of wonder at the Grand Aquarium. It is located just outside the city limits, but is said to be the department's top attraction. It was completely renovated in 2001, although it was only five years old at the time. You can discover vibrant marine life from the depths of the ocean and it is said to be a mesmerizing experience for all ages. I have read that you can take a trip on the submarine 'Nautibus', walk through a sunken ship and visit the impressive 120 m² basin. I really don’t like to be under water, so I will skip this. Although I think it is only in French, you will be able to find more info on this website.
OK, this is not in Saint Malo, but if you are here, you definitely want to consider to visit the famous Mont St Michel. It is officially situated in Normandy, right at the border with Brittany, so we think we can still call it a pearl of Brittany. Mont Saint Michel is the lunchstop in our ride 2 of our Pearls of Brittany tour and we have separate tips on what to do in Mont St Michel later in this blogpost. If you’d like to spend some more time there, you might even want to consider to add an extra day to your tour here to enjoy Mont St Michel to the fullest.
Recommended hotels:
Booking.com Good 7.8
With private parking garage, reservation needed and fee applicable
Coffee/Teamaker on rooms
In historic centre Saint Malo
Booking.com Fabulous 8.7
With private parking garage – reservation needed and fee applicable
With bar
Coffee/Teamaker on rooms
5 minute walk into historic centre Saint Malo
Booking.com Very good 8.2
With private parking (garage) – reservation needed and fee applicable
With bar
5 to 10 minute walk into historic centre Saint Malo
Booking.com Excellent 8.9
With private parking garage – reservation needed and fee applicable
With spa and indoor swimming pool
5 to10 minute walk into historic centre Saint Malo
Booking.com Superb 9.1
With – not covered – free private parking on site
25 to 30 minute walk into historic centre Saint Malo
Booking.com Fabulous 8.6
With – not covered – free private parking on site
3.5 km / over 2 miles outside historic centre Saint Malo
Booking.com Superb 9.0
With – not covered – free private parking on site
5.5 km / almost 4 miles outside historic centre Saint Malo
Golden Tulip Saint Malo – Le Grand Bé
Booking.com Fabulous 8.7
With private parking garage – reservation needed and fee applicable
In historic centre Saint Malo
Booking.com Good 7.8
With private parking (garage) – reservation needed and fee applicable
15 to 20 minute walk into historic centre Saint Malo
Mont Saint Michel
This beautiful medieval abbey La Merveille (better known as 'Mont Saint-Michel') is located on a small rocky island near the coast of Normandy France, and at the foot of the centuries-old abbey, you will find a small village also in medieval style. The unique abbey, village and surrounding bay have been part of UNESCO's World Heritage Site since 1979. Mont Saint-Michel ranks number three among the most visited sights in France and it is the lunch stop in our ride 2 of the Pearls of Brittany tour with the also lovely town of Saint Malo as its central point. Because this is such an iconic, beautiful and interesting place we will share out 5 tips on what to do in Mont St Michel.
Getting to Mont St Michel should be a breeze! You can park the bikes here at P9 which is especially for motorbikes, walk towards the Tourist information where you can get on the navette, the shuttle bus which will take you to and from the island in a short ride. You will have to pay a few euros for parking your bike, but the navette is free.
Of course you can walk as well, but that is a 30 minute walk one way!
View on Mont Saint Michel
Maybe this iconic view from a bit of a distance is even one of the best ways to enjoy Mont St Michel. Nowhere in Europe is the difference between high and low tide as great as at the Normandy Bay. During high tide, Mont Saint-Michel became completely inaccessible. To keep the tidal island accessible even during high tide, the raised road has been built. The big difference in high and low tides also causes this view to be different with the changing of the tides.
Visit the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel
The Abbey is the heart of Mont Saint Michel and a marvel of medieval architecture. Built in the 10th century, it has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. As you climb to the top, you'll also be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding bay. Be sure to explore the cloisters and the grand church, where you can feel the history and spirituality of this unique site.
While admiring the exterior of the abbey is free, entering the abbey itself requires purchasing a ticket. Additionally, there are guided tours available if you wish to delve deeper into the abbey's history and significance.
And did you know that the Abbey's spire is topped with a golden statue of Saint Michael, the archangel who inspired the construction of this iconic monument?
Explore the Ramparts and Medieval Streets
Mont Saint Michel's winding streets and ancient ramparts are perfect for a stroll. As you walk, you'll discover charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. The narrow alleyways give you a sense of what life was like during the Middle Ages. Keep an eye out for hidden courtyards and historic buildings. Please know that it can get very busy here, it being in the top 3 of tourist attractions in France!
Learn at the Musée Historique
The Musée Historique offers a glimpse into Mont Saint Michel's rich history. You'll find exhibits on the island's evolution, including its role as a religious site, a prison, and a tourist destination. Don't miss the collection of medieval weapons and artifacts that tell the story of the island's turbulent past. You will learn that Mont Saint Michel was used as a prison during the French Revolution, with notable inmates including writers and politicians.
Enjoy an omelette
As we have added Mont St Michel as a lunchstop in ride 2 of our Pearls of Brittany tour you might want to treat yourself to some local cuisine. Mont Saint Michel is famous for its omelettes, made popular by La Mère Poulard, but you can also try other regional specialties like seafood and crepes. It's the perfect way to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
La Mère Poulard's omelettes are whipped to create a fluffy texture and cooked over an open fire, a tradition dating back to the late 19th century.
And La Mère Poulard is not just famous for its iconic omelettes but also for its delicious cookies, or better "biscuits." They are buttery, crumbly, and rich in flavour, again with a light, airy texture.
The recipe comes from the grimoire of Annette Poulard, who, from 1888 onwards, served her delicacies to the children of pilgrims who came on pilgrimage to the famous rock. But this is not just a delight snack for children.
Nowadays La Mère Poulard biscuits come in a variety of flavors and with their signature red tin packaging are a perfect souvenir to bring a taste of Brittany back home … if they las that long.
Well, overall, despite it of course being very touristy, we think Mont St Michel offers a truly unforgettable experience, blending history, architecture, and natural beauty in a unique and enchanting setting and we just could not see us not including this pearl in our Pearls of Brittany motorcycle tour, although it is officially situated in Normandy.
Ride 1
In this ride 1 we will be going to explore the part South West of Saint Malo, visiting at least 2 of the Pearls of Brittany as we have a stop for lunch in Dinan and we will end the video on this ride in Dinard. The ride is around 245 km / a bit over 150 miles hoping that every twist and turn leads us to a new discovery in this captivating region of France: Brittany.
Our journey begins as we traverse the D168, heading westbound., passing the Barrage de la Rance. Built in 1966, this dam was the first in the world to generate electricity from tidal power and is still the second largest tidal power plant in the world today. So a marvel of sustainable energy technology harnessing the power of the tides.
Our first pit stop brings us to what is described as a town with a great deal of character. Entering the valley where it is situated, or at least after our coffee stop in its picturesque centre, it should be becomes obvious why the town deserves its name Jugon-les-Lacs: the town centre is surrounded by lakes and ponds!
As we think it is time for lunch and to stretch our legs for a bit, we added this parking in the medieval town of Dinan, another Pearl of Brittany. From here it is easy to get to the Rue de l’Horloge towards the Tour de L’Horloge.
Wandering through these cobblestone streets with half-timbered houses it feels like time stood still here. And it’s really worth it to walk passed to the Basilique Saint-Sauveur to the Jardin Anglais and the Promenade de la Duchesse Anne.
Because from here you have a nice view of La Rance, the river which flows into The Channel between Dinard and Saint-Malo, and the viaduct over it.
And we are sure you will find a nice spot for lunch in Dinan.
And then we finally hit the coastline and we should be cruising some of the bays with towering cliffs that Brittany is famous for. Before our journey nears its conclusion, we are making a brief stop at Fort la Latte, located on the Cap Fréhel peninsula , perched atop rugged cliffs overlooking the azure waters of the English Channel.
Fort La Latte dates back to the 14th century when it was constructed by the Goyon, hence why it is also known as Château de la Roche Goyon. Its strategic location made it an important defensive stronghold against invasions from the sea. Over the centuries, it underwent several modifications and renovations, reflecting the evolving military architecture of the time.
One of the most captivating aspects of Fort La Latte is its breathtaking natural setting.The castle commands panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and the turquoise waters. So a blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty, making it one of the pearls of Brittany.
From here we will be following the so called Cote D’Emeraude, the emerald coast.
And so, our ride through this part of Brittany comes to an end, but the memories we've made along the way will last a lifetime. Of course the gpx file, that you can download via your own free account on our website if you want to go on this ride yourself, will bring you back to Saint Malo, which is still 12 km / 7.5 mile, but we will end our video here at our last stop of this ride 1 in Dinard.
Dinard is called the pearl of the Côte d'Émeraude on the north coast of Brittany with the nickname “Cannes of the North” as it is one of France's most stylish seaside resorts, just opposite of Saint Malo at the other side of the La Rance estuary.
Ride 2
This is ride 2 of the Brittany's Bays motorcycle tour and today, we're in for a treat as we explore the gems nestled within the heart of Brittany, all with a very nice ride of 201 km / 130 miles which should give us some time to explore the highlight of Brittany and this ride.
Our first stop takes us to the historic town of Saint Aubin du Cormier, where Bar Le Caroir should be open for coffee. Saint Aubin du Cormier is a town steeped in history and if you want you can wander its streets and admire its centuries-old buildings. It looks nice and quiet now, but did you know that this town was once the site of a significant battle during the War of the Breton Succession? The Battle of Saint Aubin du Cormier on July 28, 1488 was fought here between the forces of King Charles VIII of France, and those of Francis II, Duke of Brittany, and his allies. The defeat of Francis II in that battle has been portrayed as the moment when Brittany lost its independence.
After a very nice ride this is the first view we are getting on our next destination, none other than the awe-inspiring Mont St Michel! Mont St Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, truly beckons us, an many many others, with its fairy-tale allure and rich history dating back to the 8th century.
Parking P9 is in your GPX file if you want to park your bike and get the bus into Mont Saint Michel to have your lunch there and do a bit of sightseeing. See the separate info on Mont St Michel above.
If you want to leave it at the view or maybe even add a day to your tour to be able to spend some more time on Mont St Michel, you can also park your bike at one of the restaurant facilities you will find here just before the road to Mont St Michel is closed off.
As we still have some miles to do in this ride and we think the views from a bit of a distance might even be the best part of Mont St Michel, we are leaving this pearl. But it is said that with the perfect conditions you should be able to get one last view on Mont St Michel at our last stop of this ride, the "Oyster Capital" of Brittany, another pearl we want to check out!
Because this is Cancale, a charming coastal town situated along the rugged coastline of Brittany, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby Mont St Michel. The town's maritime heritage is evident here at the harbour, with colourful fishing boats and seafood restaurants that line the waterfront.
The main attractions in Cancale is its thriving oyster industry. The town is famous for its fresh, plump oysters, harvested from the nearby oyster beds. We should be able to sample these delicacies at the Marché aux huitres next to the lighthouse, or if you want to sit down at the waterfront eateries.
We think Cancale was a perfect last stop in this ride, but we are ready for the last 25 km / 15 miles following the coastline until we get to Saint Malo.
Before we get to the coastline, we are crossing the centre of Cancale and passing this statue Les Laveuses d’Huitres, the Oyster Washers. This bronze sculpture pays tribute to the women who historically worked in the oyster industry, washing and sorting the harvested oysters. It stands as a symbol of the hard work, resilience, and community spirit of the women who contributed to the success of the local oyster industry over the years.
And with that very nice last part of the ride our journey comes full circle as we return to Saint Malo. We think this ride does do the name Pearls of Brittany justice and we had an amazing time with exploring this ride so it is ready for you to use as well.
Ride 3
In this ride we're taking you on our last ride, ride 3, of this tour for some mere adventures here in Brittany for almost 250 km / 155 miles of course starting and ending in our central point Saint Malo. This ride is all about our favourite pearl of Brittany: some beautiful landscapes to have a nice motorcycle ride in, with a hint of mystery. Remember that you can download the ready to ride GPX file to go and enjoy this ride yourself via a free account on our website if you like what you see.
Our first stop for coffee is in the village of Muel, just a traditional Breton village with 2 bars so we’re hoping one is open for coffee.
We are entering the Forêt de Paimpont, also called Foret de Brocéliande. It is a last vestige of the dense primeval forests. It is associated with King Arthur and people still come there to seek the magical spring where wizard Merlin first met Viviane. the Lady of the Lake. Let’s see if we can see Viviane as we cruise through the winding roads, surrounded by ancient trees and serene landscapes.
Our journey leads us to Montneuf, the furthest point south on this ride. Here, we have two lunch options: a traditional stop here in town as Restaurant Les Mégalithes should be open for lunch.
Or a picnic here at Les Menhirs de Monteneuf if the weather permits.
Les Menhirs de Monteneuf is an ancient site consisting of a collection of standing stones, known as menhirs, dating back to the Neolithic period, around 4,000 to 6,000 years ago. While the exact purpose of these menhirs is not entirely clear, archaeologists and historians have several theories about their significance. Such as that they were used for religious or ceremonial purposes, for astronomical observations or as markers for seasonal changes, that they are boundary markers or symbols of territorial claims or commemorative monuments.
Overall, the mysteries surrounding these ancient stones contribute to their allure, making them a fascinating spot on its own. And as this archaeological site is surrounded by lush greenery we think it offers a unique setting for a picnic.
After our lunch break, we head back, crossing through the Forêt de Paimpont once again. Our last stop before returning to Saint Malo is in Tinténiac, another charming Breton village.
If you want we added one last stop before returning to Saint Malo here in Tinténiac at the Bar du Marché that seems to be open daily.
We are back in Saint Malo and we’re ending this ride at the Grand Aquarium. This is one of our recommendations for top things to do in Saint Malo. So don't forget to check out our tips on What to do in Saint Malo!
And then that's a wrap on our third ride and our Pearls of Brittany tour!
Go on your own QUAZY RIDE
You can download the GPX / ITN files of the rides and the full e-books via our roadtrip planner and then we hope you will enjoy the rides you will be doing in this Quazy Rides Brittany's Bays tour and your stay in Quimper.
If you are posting on social media, don't forget to tag Quazy Rides or use the #QuazyRides, because we LOVE to see you having fun with our rides.
