Saint-Malo museums: practical guide

Discover the thrilling history of the city and its inhabitants in the museums of Saint-Malo! Their permanent and ephemeral exhibitions will fascinate young and old alike.

The Museum of the History of the City and the Malouin Country

Image

Located in the castle of Duchess Anne, the Museum of the History of the City and the Malouin Country is located very close to the ramparts and the fort of Saint-Malo. Its collections trace 5 centuries of French maritime history and pay tribute to the intellectuals native to the city such as the writer François-René de Chateaubriand or the physicist and astronomer Pierre Louis Moreau de Maupertuis. It is labeled “museum of France”. Celebrating the past of Saint-Malo corsair city, it occupies the Grand Donjon tower and the General tower. 

This superb museum was created after the Second World War, in the wake of the city's reconstruction projects. It includes a vast panel of varied works and objects: 

• collections relating to cod fishing in Newfoundland;
• daily life at the time of the Newfoundlanders (furniture, objects, traditional headdresses);
• works of art from the beginning of the 20th century;
• religious pieces.

The fourth floor of the keep tells the story of the daily life of the Malouins at the time of Duchess Anne, who died in 1514. There is also a space dedicated to the voyages of the discoverer Jacques Cartier. The upper parts of the keep offer a magnificent view of the intra-muros city, the port of Saint Malo and the Fort National.

The Cap-Horniers long course museum

The Cap-Horniers long course museum occupies the Solidor tower, an emblematic monument of the city overlooking the mouth of the Rance. Inside this 14th century keep, various objects tracing the history of commercial navigation by the Cape Horn route are exhibited: 

• nautical instruments;
• everyday objects;
• sea charts;
• model sailboats;
• examples of goods transported, etc.

From the top of the 104 steps of the staircase to climb to the top of the 3 towers, you can enjoy a remarkable panorama of Saint-Malo.

The Terre-Neuvas museum

It is no coincidence that cod is the emblem of the city of Saint-Malo: between the 15th and 20th centuries, thousands of Malouins went to fish for cod on the great banks of Newfoundland on the Canadian coast. The Terre-Neuvas museum pays homage to this Malouin tradition which occupied a major place in the city's economy. Located next to the Saint-Malo market, the museum was designed and fitted out by the last Terre-Neuvas. 

Image

The guided tour is provided by former deep-sea fishermen, anxious to pass on their knowledge and share their experience and memories. Alongside them, you will discover models of sailing boats and trawlers, reconstructions and period objects (radio cabin, sailor's bunk, etc.). 

Many paintings and watercolors by local artists also evoke life on board and show the evolution of fishing vessels, from the schooner to the imposing stern trawler via the classic trawler. A visit suitable for all generations: a must if you are looking for a cultural activity to do in Saint-Malo with the family!

The Jacques Cartier museum of Saint-Malo

Considered “the Christopher Columbus of Canada”, Jacques Cartier is one of the greatest explorers of the 16th century. The museum dedicated to him is located in his summer home, completely restored and fitted out to retrace the life of his illustrious owner. 

This small 15th century farm was transformed into a superb manor by the explorer at the end of his third trip to Canada. Purchased in 1978 by a collector for the Société des Amis de Jacques Cartier, it was rehabilitated to give birth to this unique museum in the world. Period furniture, navigation instruments, sea charts and unusual objects are superbly highlighted there! One of the most beautiful hikes in Saint-Malo passes right next to the Limoëlou manor.

The 39/45 memorial of the city of Aleth

The 39/45 memorial of Saint-Malo was created in 1994, on the occasion of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation. It is located in the fort of the city of Alet, in the heart of a former German anti-aircraft defense bunker. 

The entrance allows you to visit the 3 levels of the building, organized according to several themes: 

• the invasion of the city;
• the use of the port;
• the construction of blockhouses;
• the fortifications of the island of Cézembre;
• the liberation of Saint-Malo;
• the Gallo-Roman city of Alet.

Archive films, photos, mannequins, weapons of war, historical documents take us back to the atmosphere of this troubled period.

Good to know: most of the city's museums offer group rates. Treat yourself to a cultural break during your group stay in Saint-Malo!

Where to sleep in Saint-Malo?

Image

We offer you several well located and comfortable accommodation solutions, close to the main attractions and the beaches of Saint-Malo. 

• B&B HOTEL Saint-Malo Centre, near the historic center;
• B&B HOTELS Saint-Malo Sud, equidistant from Saint-Malo and Dinard (15 minutes by car).

Opt for our double or family rooms (accommodating up to 4 people), with private bathroom and enjoy all B&B HOTELS services: 

• free parking; 
• high-speed wifi with unlimited connection;
• all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast;
• 24-hour automatic reception…

Feeling peckish? You can dine in town in one of the best local restaurants, join the most beautiful Malouin tables in a few minutes: buckwheat pancakes, wheat pancakes, oysters and mussels from Cancale, fresh fish caught in the region await you in the restaurants of Saint-Malo.

Book your hotel in Saint-Malo now and enjoy exceptional rates!