Saint-Malo Forts

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Superbly restored by associations of enthusiasts, the forts of Saint-Malo bear witness to the tumultuous history of the corsair city. Discover the superb bastions that have watched over the city and its inhabitants for several centuries! 

The key role of the Vauban fortifications in Saint-Malo 

At the end of the 17th century, the League of Augsburg raged between France and many neighboring kingdoms. At the height of the war, Louis XIV feared that the enemy would attack the opulent corsair city of Saint-Malo. 

He ordered Vauban, commissioner general of fortifications, to reinforce the city's existing ramparts and integrate them into an overall coastal defense plan. Construction work began quickly. They are carried out under the supervision of the engineer and military architect Siméon de Garangeau. 

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The objective: to fortify the rocky islets off the city in order to control maritime access to Saint-Malo and protect the city from possible assaults by English and Dutch ships. The forts are integrated into a vast defense system ranging from Fort Arboulé (Pointe de la Varde) to the Vauban tower (former Cap Fréhel lighthouse). 

Fort National

Accessible on foot at low tide from the large beach of Saint-Malo, Fort National is located behind the castle of Duchess Anne. Classified in the inventory of historical monuments, it can be visited all year round. The fort houses a small military museum retracing the major events of which it was a witness. 

Fort du Petit Bé

Petit Bée is located on a rocky islet 700 meters off the Malouin coast. Second building built to fortify the city, it was completed in 1707, the year of Vauban's death. This small fort is accessible on foot or by ferry boat, depending on the tide and the weather. Its position in the heart of the bay offers an exceptional panorama of the Emerald Coast.

Fort de la Conchée

Located in the open sea, on a rock 4 km from the port of Saint-Malo, Fort de la Conchée was according to Vauban the most difficult to build. Its construction lasted nearly 40 years! A true flagship, this 65-meter-long, 32-meter-wide fort ship housed a garrison of 200 men. Damaged by American fire during the liberation of Saint-Malo in 1944, it has benefited from major restoration work since the 1990s. This unique place is only open to the public 2 days a year during heritage days. 

Fort Harbour and Fort du Guesclin

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Superbly restored, these small private forts have a fascinating history, linked to great French artists. Indeed, if the former owner of Fort Harbour is a certain Alain Delon, Léo Ferré resided and composed his most famous songs at Fort du Guesclin. These two monuments are private, but Fort du Guesclin opens to visitors every year in August on the occasion of the Saint-Malo festival “Classique sur le Roc”. An incredible musical experience in a breathtaking setting to do in Saint-Malo in summer!

Walk on the ramparts of Saint-Malo

The ramparts of Saint-Malo form a loop of more than 2 km around the city. Built in the 12th century, they were reinforced in the 18th century by order of Vauban. The walk on these imposing granite walls allows you to discover many emblematic places: 

• the Bidouane tower;
• the statue of the privateer Robert Surcouf;
• the bastion of Holland, still equipped with cannons;
• the statue of the explorer Jacques Cartier;
• the Môle des Noires dike; 
• the Dinan gate;
• the Vauban basin;
• etc.

Accessible to young and old alike, this hike in Saint-Malo is a walk as pleasant as it is informative!

Your hotel near the ramparts of Saint-Malo

Are you looking for a comfortable base to visit the corsair city? Enjoy all the B&B HOTELS equipment and services in our establishments in Saint-Malo!

• 5 minutes from the ramparts, our B&B HOTEL Saint-Malo Centre is perfect if you want to base yourself near the intra-muros city. 
• 15 minutes from Saint-Malo and Dinard, our B&B HOTEL Saint-Malo Sud is an excellent base for enjoying both seaside resorts.

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We welcome you in double or family rooms with private bathroom. They are equipped with double or single beds with premium mattresses and pillows to ensure you the comfort of a cozy night! In your room, you will also find a flat screen television connected to a bouquet of varied channels: ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing or working. A high-speed Wi-Fi connection is available free of charge and unlimited in each accommodation.

We offer you a tailor-made solution for your family vacation, a romantic weekend, a work seminar or a group stay in Saint-Malo. 

Close to the airports of Rennes and Dinard, the Saint-Malo train station and the main roads, our hotels enjoy a privileged location to easily explore the region. Do you travel by car? We provide you with free parking reserved for customers, convenient for parking your vehicle safely.

Book your stay now at the best price in our B&B HOTELS establishments in Saint-Malo!