Once a fortified island, home to pirates and privateers, Saint Malo is a city in Brittany on the north coast of France. Famous for its defensive walls and ramparts as well as stunning beaches, Saint Malo is these days a popular destination for travellers from both France and England, as well as visitors from around the world.


Whether staying for a while or just stopping by while touring the area in your rental car, a visit to Saint Malo is highly recommended for anyone holidaying in northwest France.

To view driving distances from St Malo to other cities in France and car rental depot information, click here

Travelling in St Malo with a Rental Car

To begin exploring Saint Malo, park your rental car near the city centre, and head off to see what makes this city special. Although the city is now connected by bridge to mainland France, the defensive walls and ramparts which once protected it have all been restored, creating a very picturesque setting indeed. Simply walking along the walls you will get many great views, and almost feel like you have been transported back in time.

Just a few hundred metres from the walls, you will also see the islands of Grand Bé and Petit Bé, which can be reached on foot at low tide. Petit Bé features a fortress which is definitely worth exploring also.

Back in the centre of the city, there are a number of great places for you to visit. You can see the 12th century Cathedral of St Vincent, various chateaus and mansions, and also the Great Aquarium, which is one of the biggest in France.

From Saint Malo, you also have a number of great places to visit that are all just a short drive away in your hire car. The city of Rennes is just to the south, and to the east you can see Mont Saint-Michel, the most famous of the island forts.