Treasure n°1 Saint-Malo, the jewel of the Corsair

Enclosed by its ramparts, Saint-Malo conceals a thousand treasures. You’ll discover them as you stroll at your own pace through its irresistibly charming alleyways. The first step is to pass through the gates.

Here you enter the most corsair-like of Saint-Malo’s districts. Encircled by their ramparts, the many inhabitants, shipowners, sailors and craftsmen, all turned towards the sea. A maritime city, then, with a strong independent spirit. A republic for 4 years (1590 – 1594), Saint-Malo remained true to its motto: “Neither French nor Breton, Malouin am!”. From the Bastion Saint-Louis to the Fort à la Reine, the stroll is peppered with lovely surprises. If you arrive via the Porte Saint-Vincent, you’ll be greeted by the Château: the first gems on your way. Its 4 corner towers and keep now house the Town Hall. A little further up the streets, you’ll come face to face with another gem: the Cathédrale Saint-Vincent. Its Angevin-style vaults, cloister and Gothic choir built in the 13th century are admirable. Here lie the tombs of Jacques Cartier and Duguay-Trouin.

Any treasure attracts covetousness, and this corsair jewel has sparked memorable battles against its enemies, who often came from England. The bay was fortified from the 17th century thanks to Garangeau who built, based on Vauban’s plans, the 4 forts built on islets: la Conchée, Fort National, Fort du Petit Bé and Fort Harbour. Further offshore, the island of Cézembre also formed a bastion. To admire this panorama, walk to the islet of Grand Bé at low tide, where the writer François-René de Chateaubriand is buried. The view is breathtaking.