Day Itinerary
13 Activities
Day 2
45 mi2 mi
Discovering Brittany's Coastal Charm: Cancale and Saint-Malo
This second-day itinerary is all about the seaside! The locations you will explore are on the Brittany coast, in the cities of Saint-Malo and Cancale.
Known as the Corsair City, Saint-Malo has a history as a military city, with a path of defensive walls which separates the historical centre from the rest of the town and a beautiful fort located in the middle of the sea, accessible during low tide.
Moving northwest, there is Cancale, the most famous port in France for oyster farming and trading. Here, you can taste the delicacies of the Emerald Coast's seafood at a very reasonable price and straight from the producers!
The day's route ends in Mont Saint-Michel, which you will visit the following day!
Known as the Corsair City, Saint-Malo has a history as a military city, with a path of defensive walls which separates the historical centre from the rest of the town and a beautiful fort located in the middle of the sea, accessible during low tide.
Moving northwest, there is Cancale, the most famous port in France for oyster farming and trading. Here, you can taste the delicacies of the Emerald Coast's seafood at a very reasonable price and straight from the producers!
The day's route ends in Mont Saint-Michel, which you will visit the following day!
0.9 mi
10 min
10:005 min
Car Park
To start your exploration of Saint-Malo, park your car in the nearby car park, conveniently located close to the city centre and the Big Gate of Saint-Malo, and then proceed on foot through the city's streets.
0.5 mi
10 min
10:151 hr
Ramparts of Saint-Malo
Begin your exploration with a spectacular walk atop the Ramparts of Saint-Malo, offering stunning coastal views. Start from Porte Saint-Vincent in the marine area, where a staircase leads up to the walls. These walls, dating back to the 12th century and extensively renovated in the 18th century, form a two-kilometre path with various entry and exit points around the city.
0.6 mi
15 min
11:3045 min
Fort National
The next stop on the route is the Fort National. The structure was built in 1689 as a Royal Fort and defensive point, as well as the ramparts that surrounded the city.
The path to reach it is unbelievable…you will literally cross the sea on foot! In fact, the visiting hours depend on the low tides and when the French flag flies high, it means that the Fort is open. You can check the timetable online, as it varies daily, but it usually opens around 10-11 a.m.
Besides the hours regulated by the tides, the site has seasonal opening hours.
Access the Fort National via the main beach of Saint-Malo, Plage de l'Eventail, and within about 300 metres, you'll arrive at its entrance.
The path to reach it is unbelievable…you will literally cross the sea on foot! In fact, the visiting hours depend on the low tides and when the French flag flies high, it means that the Fort is open. You can check the timetable online, as it varies daily, but it usually opens around 10-11 a.m.
Besides the hours regulated by the tides, the site has seasonal opening hours.
Access the Fort National via the main beach of Saint-Malo, Plage de l'Eventail, and within about 300 metres, you'll arrive at its entrance.
0.5 mi
10 min
12:3015 min
Intra-Muros
The tiny streets within the defensive walls of Saint-Malo are known as the Intra-Muros and encompass the old historic centre.
This route within the city uncovers numerous delightful spots, including bars, restaurants, crêperies, and shops, offering an immersive 'panoramic view' from within, complementing the external view from the city walls.
This route within the city uncovers numerous delightful spots, including bars, restaurants, crêperies, and shops, offering an immersive 'panoramic view' from within, complementing the external view from the city walls.
0.1 mi
5 min
13:001 hr
Bergamote
Speaking of nice spots, Intra-Muros, you will also find your spot for the lunch break. Bergamote, a long-standing establishment in Saint-Malo, prides itself on preserving traditional local cuisine with a modern and attentive approach. The sophisticated and delicate atmosphere of Bergamote is complemented not just by the beautiful interiors but also by the dishes with their mix of simplicity and elegance.
0.1 mi
5 min
14:1515 min
Saint-Malo Cathedral
Saint-Malo Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Vincent of Zaragoza, is a historic monument of France. Built in 1146 following the relocation of the diocese from Aleth to Saint-Malo, the cathedral has seen numerous changes and renovations through the years, resulting in a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, until its dismissal in 1790.
2.9 mi
15 min
15:0045 min
Charging Station: Izivia
Pause at this charging station to boost your car's power. While waiting, you could explore the nearby shopping plaza or grab a coffee.
Type: CCS/SAE
3 stations, 3 plugs
Power: 50-150 kW
10 mi
25 min
16:155 min
Car Park
On the route to Cancale, considered the other gem of the Brittany coast alongside Saint-Malo, you'll find a picturesque area with beaches. Leave your car in this small car park to explore one of the beaches and bask in the warm French sun.
0.3 mi
10 min
16:301 hr
Saussaye Beach
Saussaye Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cancale, is a lovely sandy bay usually frequented by locals, surrounded by a landscape of cliffs and rocks. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the seaside and relax under the sun, away from the city's overcrowded beaches.
Visiting in the colder months of winter or autumn? Head directly to the town. The oyster market, your next stop, has limited opening hours during these seasons, so arriving on time ensures you don't miss out.
Visiting in the colder months of winter or autumn? Head directly to the town. The oyster market, your next stop, has limited opening hours during these seasons, so arriving on time ensures you don't miss out.
2.9 mi
15 min
17:455 min
Car Park
Leave your car in one of the city's car parks to explore Cancale, often referred to as the 'Oyster Capital of Brittany' due to its long-standing tradition of oyster farming.
0.3 mi
10 min
18:001 hr
Oyster Market (Cancale)
Walking along the seaside, almost at the end of the port, you will find the famous Marché aux Huîtres, the oyster market, where you can find fresh products directly from the farms. It is open every day of the year, with seasonal opening hours, and you can choose between take-out and on-site tasting, while also enjoying a beautiful view of Mont Saint-Michel Bay.
0.2 mi
5 min
19:101 hr 30 min
L'Atelier de l'Huître
Not far from the market, there is the Atelier de l'Huître restaurant that preserves Cancale's oyster tradition. This is your dinner spot for the evening, specialising in oysters and fresh seafood straight from the producer. This is the perfect location to try the best local cuisine!
Please note that the opening hours vary according to the seasons.
Please note that the opening hours vary according to the seasons.
28.2 mi
50 min
21:308 hrs 30 min
Chambres d'Hôtes Les Vieilles Digues
After dinner and a short drive, you will arrive at Mont Saint-Michel, where you will spend the night, ready for the next day's visit to the Abbey.
Your accommodation for the night is the bed and breakfast Les Vieilles Digues, a renovated family home in the Brittany style. Not only does it boast a stunning view of the bay, but it's also conveniently located about one kilometre from the parking area, where you can park your car and take a shuttle to the mount's base.
Your accommodation for the night is the bed and breakfast Les Vieilles Digues, a renovated family home in the Brittany style. Not only does it boast a stunning view of the bay, but it's also conveniently located about one kilometre from the parking area, where you can park your car and take a shuttle to the mount's base.