Robert Surcouf Statue Intra Muros Saint Malo (3)Pirates or privateers
Privates were authorised to attack in times of war, any ship flying the flag of enemy states and particularly its goods, thanks to the letter of marque sent by the king. Whereas pirates only worked on their own behalf!
©smbmsm Détail Balcon Intra Muros Saint Malo
Patrimoine Patrimoine
Emc Renard Roy 300dpi 2371In many Breton families, privateers and shipowners were passed down from father to son. The trade flourished as France was in almost constant conflict with a good number of maritime nations, starting with England.
He distinguished himself on behalf of Louis XIV against the Dutch, English and Spanish. In 1711, he took possession of Rio de Janeiro and is buried in Saint-Vincent Cathedral. René Duguay-Trouin is one of the best-known French privateers, born in Saint-Malo in 1673. Captain of a privateer ship at the age of 18, he commanded a 40-cannon at the age of 21. He captured more than 300 merchant ships and 16 warships. Louis XIV consecrated him lieutenant-general of the naval armies.
You’ll no doubt come across the statue of the privateer as you stroll along the ramparts of Saint-Malo, near the Quai Saint-Louis.
And if you wander around 10pm in the Corsair City, you’ll hear “Noguette”, brought back from Rio de Janeiro by René Duguay-Trouin, installed in Saint-Vincent Cathedral. At one time, it rang to announce the closing of the gates of the Intra-Muros, the curfew and the watchdogs were let loose in the city, nowadays, it only rings to remind us of its good memory.
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©smbmsm Statue Robert Surcouf Intra Muros Saint Malo (1)The king of privateers harassed the British merchant and military navies, not only in the seas of Europe, but also those of India. He gained fame and fortune by manipulating boardings…
Born a century after his cousin Duguay-Trouin, Robert Surcouf practised racing warfare against English trade. His most famous exploit was the capture of the Kent, a powerful ship belonging to the English East India Company. The capture of this 1,200-ton vessel earned him the title of King of Privateers. Surcouf then became one of the richest and most powerful shipowners in Saint-Malo. He is buried in Rocabey cemetery.
The bronze statue of Robert Surcouf is located in the Cavalier garden, facing Petit-Bé and Grand-Bé. Surcouf, dressed in his privateer’s garb, indicates the way forward by turning his head to face his troops.
Take a step back in time and come aboard a legendary privateer cutter. A replica of the last ship fitted out in 1812 by Robert Surcouf, this 30-metre sailing vessel will let you experience the privateer adventure as it was in the 19th century, and let you discover the beauty of the Bay of Saint-Malo.
A replica of a 1745 Malouin privateer frigate commanded by Robert Le Turc. At 47 metres long, this 310-ton 3-masted ship with a crew of 240 was armed with 20 cannons. Now a floating museum, you can pretend you’re a privateer for a visit!
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Etoile Marine Valdo Dhoyer
Sortie En Mer Sur Le Renard Smbmsm 11418Here you can find all our tourist offers for following in the footsteps of the privateers of Saint-Malo!
@alamoureux Anse Solidor Saint Servan SlideshowDiscover our 8 preserved treasures!
