Saint-Malo Ramparts
Saint-Malo, France
A walled port city on the Breton coast whose granite ramparts can be walked all the way round, with views of the bay and tidal islets. Check the tide: at low water you can walk out to Grand Bé, where Chateaubriand is buried.
Jean de Châtillon had the first fortifications of Saint-Malo built in 1155. Today's walls date largely from the 18th century and go back to Garangeau, a pupil of Vauban. The walk along the ramparts takes about an hour; steps and ramps at the gates allow you to join at many points. On the way you pass bastions with cannon and monuments to the privateers, and you see beaches, the harbour and, across the estuary, Dinard.
At low tide you can walk to the rocky island of Grand Bé, where the writer Chateaubriand has been buried since 1848. On Petit Bé stands a 17th-century fort that can be visited. Watch the tides carefully: once the tide rises, water surrounds the islands and the current becomes very strong. Check the tide times before setting out.
- Nearest town
- Saint-Malo, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 48.6493, -2.0257
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camping de la Cité d'AletCampsite1 km from Saint-Malo RampartsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping de la Cité d'AletCampsite1 km from Saint-Malo RampartsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping LongchampCampsite7 km from Saint-Malo RampartsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping des ChevretsCampsite7 km from Saint-Malo RampartsTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping des ChevretsCampsite8 km from Saint-Malo RampartsTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping 2* Saint Briac Sur MerCampsite9 km from Saint-Malo RampartsTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Saint-Malo Ramparts?
Saint-Malo Ramparts is in Saint-Malo, France, at GPS 48.6493, -2.0257. It is about 13 km from Cancale.
Can you camp near Saint-Malo Ramparts?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping de la Cité d'Alet, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 96 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Saint-Malo Ramparts?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cap Fréhel (22 km), Mont-Saint-Michel (38 km), Utah Beach Museum (105 km) and Pink Granite Coast (109 km).
When is the best time to visit Saint-Malo Ramparts?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)