Saint-Malo is a historic walled city located in the Brittany region of France. The city is situated on the English Channel and is known for its rich maritime history and stunning architecture.

The origins of Saint-Malo date back to the 1st century BC when the region was inhabited by the Gauls. The city itself was founded in the 6th century by a Welsh monk named Saint Aaron, who established a monastery on the site. Over the centuries, the town grew and became an important trading center, thanks to its strategic location on the coast.

During the Middle Ages, Saint-Malo was a major center for maritime trade and piracy. Its location made it an ideal port for privateers and corsairs who preyed on ships passing through the English Channel. These pirates were officially licensed by the French government to attack and seize enemy vessels during times of war, but they often continued to operate during peacetime, causing havoc and terrorizing sailors.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Malo became even more prosperous thanks to its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and the colonization of the Americas. Many wealthy merchants and shipowners made their fortunes in Saint-Malo during this time, and the city was known for its opulent mansions and elegant public buildings.

Today, Saint-Malo is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to explore its rich history and enjoy its beautiful beaches, museums, and restaurants. The city is also known for its impressive ramparts and fortifications, which were built in the 17th and 18th centuries to protect it from attack by enemy forces.

20 fun and best things to do in Saint-Malo.

1. Explore the historic walled city: Saint-Malo is famous for its fortified old town, which dates back to the 12th century. Take a stroll along the ramparts and explore the narrow streets and charming squares.
2. Visit the Château de Saint-Malo: This fortress-turned-museum offers stunning views of the city and the sea. It houses exhibitions about the city’s history and maritime heritage.
3. Walk on the Plage de l’Éventail: This picturesque beach is located just outside the walls of the city and is a great spot to relax and soak up the sun.
4. Take a boat tour: There are several boat tours available in Saint-Malo that will take you around the bay and to nearby islands.
5. Visit the Fort National: This 17th-century fort sits on a small island just off the coast of Saint-Malo and is open to the public.
6. Learn about piracy at the Musée d’Histoire de la Ville et du Pays Malouin: This museum explores the history of piracy in Saint-Malo and the surrounding area.
7. Take a stroll along the Promenade du Clair de Lune: This scenic coastal path runs along the outside of the city walls and offers stunning views of the sea.
8. Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Vincent: This beautiful cathedral is located in the heart of the old town and is worth a visit for its stunning architecture.
9. Sample the local seafood: Saint-Malo is known for its delicious seafood, particularly oysters, mussels, and shrimp.
10. Visit the Grand Aquarium: This aquarium houses over 600 species of marine life, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish.
11. Take a walk in the Parc de la Briantais: This large park just outside of the city is a great place for a picnic, a walk, or a bike ride.
12. Visit the Fort de la Conchée: This 18th-century fort is located on a small island just off the coast of Saint-Malo and is open to the public.
13. Walk along the Cité d’Alet: This historic district is located just outside the walls of the old town and features charming houses and narrow streets.
14. Visit the Musée Jacques Cartier: This museum is dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Jacques Cartier, the French explorer who discovered Canada.
15. Attend a festival: Saint-Malo hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Route du Rhum sailing race and the Quai des Bulles comic book festival.
16. Go shopping in the old town: Saint-Malo’s old town is home to many charming shops and boutiques selling everything from local crafts to high-end fashion.
17. Relax in a spa: Saint-Malo is home to several spas that offer a range of treatments, including thalassotherapy, a type of seawater therapy.
18. Visit the Musée d’histoire maritime: This museum explores the maritime history of Saint-Malo and features exhibits about shipbuilding, navigation, and exploration.
19. Take a tour of the Grand Bé: This small island just off the coast of Saint-Malo is accessible at low tide and offers great views of the city and the sea.
20. Watch the sunset from the walls: Saint-Malo’s walls offer stunning views of the sunset over the sea.

Here are 10 places similar to Saint-Malo, with brief descriptions and their locations:

1. Dinan, France – Located in Brittany, Dinan is a picturesque medieval town with a well-preserved old town, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture.
2. Dubrovnik, Croatia – Dubrovnik is a fortified city on the Adriatic Sea with a well-preserved old town, ancient walls, and stunning architecture.
3. Rovinj, Croatia – Located on the Istrian Peninsula, Rovinj is a charming coastal town with a historic old town, colorful houses, and stunning views of the sea.
4. Tallinn, Estonia – Tallinn is a medieval city on the Baltic Sea with a well-preserved old town, cobbled streets, and historic architecture.
5. Gdansk, Poland – Gdansk is a port city on the Baltic Sea with a well-preserved old town, colorful houses, and stunning architecture.
6. Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor is a fortified city on the Adriatic Sea with a well-preserved old town, ancient walls, and stunning architecture.
7. St. Petersburg, Russia – St. Petersburg is a city built on the water with a stunning historic center, grand palaces, and beautiful canals.
8. Bergen, Norway – Bergen is a picturesque coastal town with a well-preserved old town, historic architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding fjords.
9. Bruges, Belgium – Bruges is a medieval town with a well-preserved old town, canals, and stunning architecture.
10. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany – Located in Bavaria, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a picturesque medieval town with a well-preserved old town, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture.