The Best Hotels in Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo Hotels

Saint Malo is an historic walled port city set on France’s northern coast, in the Brittany region. This small and quaint city is a paradise for history-buffs, as it overflows with riveting heritage sites. See the war-battered forts, looming churches, and old-world castle keeps. But Saint Malo isn’t just about historic relics - foodies will go wild for the spread of regional-cuisine restaurants, while sun-seekers will find plenty of sandy beachfront to lounge upon.

Things to see

Start your Saint Malo morning by ticking-off some of the city’s top landmarks. Begin with the city’s most iconic sight - the Ramparts that encircle the city. Stroll through the narrow walkways of these mammoth stone walls, marvel at the old-world cannons dotted along, and enjoy stellar views across the shimmering ocean and spire-speared city skyline. After, pop into the centre, and visit the St Vincent Cathedral. This towering building - capped with a sharp-pointed steeple - dates back to the 12th century. Today, it’s perfect for architecture-enthusiasts, who will love admiring the mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Later, head to Fort National. This striking 17th century stronghold perches on a rocky outcrop that becomes surrounded by aquamarine waters during high tide - but in low tide, you can walk to it across the sands. If you’re travelling with kids, cap off the day with some family fun at the Grand Aquarium, and see surreal seahorses and starfish.

Hotels in Saint-Malo

The hotels in Saint Malo range from inexpensive comfort to upper-end luxury. If you crave an elegant setting to match the magic of Saint Malo, then stay in one of the city’s stellar 4-star hotels. These grand getaways boast sparkling indoor pools, refined restaurants, and sublime spa tubs. For some mid-range accommodation that won’t break the bank, stay in a 3-star Saint Malo hotel, and enjoy concierge service, spacious rooms, and jazzy bar-lounges. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, Saint Malo also provides a range of 2-star hotels that come with handy amenities like fee WiFi and complimentary breakfasts.

Where to stay

While Saint Malo is a city, the centre is very small - so wherever you stay in the central walled area, the top landmarks will be within walking distance. But the city centre isn’t just about heritage sites - there’s a range of fine-dining seafood restaurants, classy bars, and a wealth of flashy boutiques. Shoppers can also splurge at the traditional Saint Malo street markets. If you’re after more of a resort-vibe, stay east of the central walled area along the Chaussée du Sillon, where you’ll have instant access to the sweeping golden beachfront.

How to get to Saint-Malo

If you’re travelling from the UK, catch a flight from London to Dinard-Pleurtuit - Saint-Malo Airport, a small and stress-free terminal based just 15 kilometres south of the centre - take an inexpensive cab from there. If you’re travelling from other European or international destinations, you may want to fly to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport - which serves destinations across the globe. From there, make your way to Paris Montparnasse train station, and take a smooth 3 hour train to Saint Malo. Once there, the walled area is easily explored on foot, and there’s a good public bus system too.