Discovering St Malo by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Introduction
Get ready to embark on an amazing Road Trip to St. Malo in France! In this captivating travel guide, we’ll unveil the most stunning historical sites and provide you with all the practical advice you need to fully enjoy this unforgettable destination.
Learn how to get to St. Malo, where to park your camper van for free, and our favorite spots to truly experience the van life. We’ll also reveal the best places to eat and the top activities you shouldn’t miss.
Don’t miss out on this epic adventure and get ready to create incredible memories in St. Malo!
Subscribing to our Vantour's newsletter means receiving, once a month, no more, the cream of the crop of our tips and stories. From van travel guides to everyday life hacks, to exclusive tips for fully embracing the nomadic lifestyle.
We promise, no abuse, just quality content to enrich your adventures.
Motorhome road trip video in this destination
Subtitles available in your language! Remember to activate them in the video player
What is St Malo – France?
History of St Malo
Saint Malo is a city steeped in history and maritime legends. Founded in the 1st century BC by the Gauls, the city has experienced a tumultuous history that has shaped its identity. Over the centuries, it has been the site of many battles, invasions, and conquests.
During the Middle Ages, Saint Malo was a significant port for trade and fishing. The privateers from the city also engaged in piracy against enemy ships. The famous corsairs Surcouf and Duguay-Trouin hailed from this region.
The city was a stronghold for privateers and buccaneers, thus becoming a symbol of resistance against European naval powers.
By the 17th century, Saint Malo was a thriving city, known for its wealth and trade with the Indies. Unfortunately, World War II left an indelible mark on the city. Saint Malo was nearly completely destroyed during the Allied bombings in August 1944. However, thanks to an extensive reconstruction program, the city has regained its old-world charm.
Geographic Location
Nestled along the stunning northern coast of Brittany, St Malo is a picturesque coastal town that offers breathtaking views of the sea. Sitting atop a rocky peninsula, this corsair city is filled with charm and history.
How to Get to St Malo?
To hit St. Malo in your campervan from nearby cities in France, here are the main routes to take:
- From Paris, take the A13 towards Caen, then join the A84 to Rennes. After that, follow the N137 expressway towards St. Malo.
- If you’re leaving from Nantes, take the A11 to Rennes, then follow the N137 towards St. Malo.
- Coming from Rennes? Just hop on the N137 towards St. Malo.
It’s pretty straightforward, so no worries there! If you’re planning to camp out, remember to check for campsites ahead of time, as they can get busy, especially in peak seasons. Getting ready for that trip? Happy travels, folks!
To get to St. Malo from Paris, first, head to the Paris Montparnasse train station. Jump on a TGV train heading toward Rennes. Once you land in Rennes, you’ll need to switch trains and catch a TER headed towards St. Malo. The whole trip takes about 2 hours from Paris. Once you’re in St. Malo, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the ramparts, and the historic center of the town. Safe travels!
What’s great about this journey is how efficient the train system is, making it easy to explore these stunning places without the hassle of driving. If you’re planning a trip, definitely check the schedules ahead of time to make the most of your day! If you have a chance, indulge in some local cuisine while you’re there—it’s a real treat.
Traveling can sometimes be stressful, but with the right prep, you can glide through your trip.
To get to St. Malo by plane, you have a few different options. The nearest international airport is Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport, which is about 75 kilometers (approximately 46.6 miles) from St. Malo. Alternatively, you can land at Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo Airport, only 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles) away from the city. Both airports offer flights from national and international destinations.
If you’re planning to travel from a major city, here are some approximate distances from the closest national and international airports: Paris (about 400 kilometers, or 248.5 miles), Nantes (around 200 kilometers, or 124.3 miles), and Rennes (roughly 70 kilometers, or 43.5 miles).
So whether you’re flying in from afar or nearby, getting to St. Malo should be rather straightforward!
🌌 Are you going to this destination?✈️🚌
⛔ Watch out for internet charges abroad!
For an unlimited internet connection, we recommend HolaFly, our partner for e-SIMs, available in 160 countries. No more mobile data worries!
Take advantage of our special offer: 5% discount on Holafly with the code LaPlaneteDeCaro. 🎉 Click here View page
The quality of French roads is hardly up for debate. Whether we’re talking about the highways or the toll roads, they definitely allow for proper maintenance of expressways. The national roads, for the most part, are also in great shape, making it a pleasure to drive a camper van in France. The only downside is that there are a lot of roads and bridges, so it’s crucial to adjust your driving accordingly for these two factors.
Climate: When to Visit St Malo by Camper Van?
| Month | Average Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Weather | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 2°/5° | 53mm | ❄️ | Very Unfavorable |
| February | 2°/6° | 50mm | ❄️ | Very Unfavorable |
| March | 3°/8° | 53mm | 🌧️ | Very Unfavorable |
| April | 5°/11° | 39mm | 🌦️ | Very Unfavorable |
| May | 8°/14° | 53mm | 🌦️ | Slightly Unfavorable |
| June | 11°/16° | 62mm | 🌦️ | Slightly Unfavorable |
| July | 13°/18° | 79mm | 🌦️ | Slightly Unfavorable |
| August | 11°/17° | 78mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| September | 9°/16° | 58mm | 🌦️ | Slightly Unfavorable |
| October | 7°/12° | 60mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 5°/8° | 52mm | 🌧️ | Very Unfavorable |
| December | 2°/5° | 52mm | ❄️ | Very Unfavorable |
We invite you to visit St. Malo during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and the city is buzzing with numerous festivals and events. Take advantage of the sunshine to stroll through the medieval streets, savor fresh seafood at the seaside restaurants, and immerse yourself in the captivating history of this pirate town. Don’t miss the spectacular tides that make St. Malo a unique place worldwide. Come and experience the magic of this Breton city!
Key Spots for Vans and Motorhomes in St Malo
Here’s a helpful list of points of interest for your stay in a van around St Malo.
- 📍Les Ilots Campervan Park: Av. de la Guimorais, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (48.68053099999999, -1.962874)
- 📍Saint Malo Ille et Vilaine 35 Emeraude Campsite: 7 Chem. de la Souris, 35800 Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, France • Rating: 3.1 • Coordinates (48.62731429999999, -2.1310107)
- 📍Campsite of the Cité d’Alet: All. Gaston Buy, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 3.9 • Coordinates (48.635892, -2.0281326)
- 📍Domaine de la Ville Huchet Campsite: Rue de la Passagère, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 4 • Coordinates (48.61498, -1.98698)
- 📍Le P’tit Bois Campsite: La Lande Chalandouse, 35430 Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets, France • Rating: 4.5 • Coordinates (48.6101445, -1.9858673)
- 📍Self-Service Laundromat: 6 Rue de la Halle aux Blés, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 3.4 • Coordinates (48.6478877, -2.0247089)
- 📍The Laundry Salon: 23 Boulevard des Talards, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (48.6453447, -2.0083178)
- 📍The Beautiful Laundromat in Saint Malo: 13 Boulevard Léonce Demalvilain, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 4.5 • Coordinates (48.6327452, -1.9991778)
-📍“Camping La Ville Huchet”: 8 Rue de la Ville Huchet, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 8.5 • Coordinates (48.676641, -2.013151)
-📍“Camping La Touesse”: Allée des Acacias, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 8.4 • Coordinates (48.6847892, -1.9877323)
-📍“Camping les Roches Brunes”: 8 Rue des Nouettes, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 8.7 • Coordinates (48.6724656, -2.0015382)
-📍“Camping Le P’tit Bois”: 123 Avenue du Grand Jardin, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 9.1 • Coordinates (48.6611602, -2.0508491)
-📍“Camping Les Mielles”: 11 Rue de la Villeneuve, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Rating: 9.1 • Coordinates (48.6731163, -2.0009)
-📍Hell’s Parking: 18-56 Rue des Fours À Chaux, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Note: – • Coordinates (48.6277439, -2.0137259)
-📍Public Parking: 3 Pl. du Canada, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Note: 4 • Coordinates (48.681529, -1.9674325)
-📍Parking Lot: Rue des Letruns, 35400 Saint-Malo, France • Note: 3 • Coordinates (48.6844234, -1.9668434)
Among these spots, we decided on the Intermarché Super St Malo parking lot. During the peak of summer, finding a campsite with available spots was next to impossible. Our only option ended up being the back of this supermarket, where we parked among other RVs like sardines in a can, but hey, it was free!
Now, here’s a little tip: when you’re traveling during high season, it pays to be flexible. You might end up in some unexpected places, but a little adaptability can lead to some fun experiences. Plus, think of all the cash you save! It’s definitely worth considering free parking over a pricey campsite.
If you’re planning a trip, just keep in mind that some of these “parking adventures” can be amusing stories to tell later on. So, go ahead, embrace the unexpected, and make the most of your journey!
Where and What to Eat in St Malo?
Here’s a list of traditional and local restaurants in St Malo, along with some specialties to order, so you can dive into the local gastronomy.
Restaurants in St Malo
- 🍽️ La Fourchette à Droite • Rating: 4.9 • A traditional restaurant offering delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting.
- 🍽️ Restaurant L’Absinthe • Rating: 4.4 • A welcoming place featuring a selection of classic French dishes.
- 🍽️ Le Coude à Coude • Rating: 4.5 • A friendly restaurant with refined French cuisine and fresh seafood.
- 🍽️ Le Bistro de Jean • Rating: 4.7 • A charming bistro serving regional dishes and a selection of local wines.
- 🍽️ EFFET MER – Market and Seasonal Cuisine • Rating: 4.9 • A restaurant that showcases fresh seasonal produce and offers inventive cooking.
Specialties of St Malo
Once you’ve picked a restaurant, here’s a rundown of the classic traditional dishes offered in this area.
Get your taste buds ready because we’re showing you the culinary specialties of St Malo, a true delight for seafood lovers. Enjoy the famous Cancale oysters, fresh and subtly briny, or indulge in the flavors of cotriade, a generous fish soup. Don’t forget to try buckwheat galettes, served with delicious savory or sweet toppings. Finally, finish your meal off right with a slice of far breton, a delightful traditional prune cake. Bon appétit!
Among these restaurants, we chose La Fourchette à Droite. We got to sample their delicious local cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The dishes were made with quality ingredients and had incredible freshness. We had a fantastic time savoring these tasty treats that truly delighted our taste buds. La Fourchette à Droite is definitely a must-visit for all food lovers in St Malo.
If you’re ever in the area, make sure to check it out! You’ll come away impressed by the flavors and the vibe.
Budget Trip for a Road Trip in St Malo
The currency used in Saint-Malo, Brittany, is the Euro (EUR). The cost of living in Saint-Malo is approximately 14% lower than the French average, and the local purchasing power is slightly higher. While traveling, plan on a budget of at least 100 € (about $108 or £85) per day per person.
- Meal at a mid-range restaurant: 25 € (£21.50 / $27.50)
- Fast food menu: 9,2 € (£7.90 / $10.10)
- Local beer (50 cl draft): 5,2 € (£4.50 / $5.80)
- Single public transport ticket: 1.5 € (£1.29 / $1.67)
- Unleaded petrol (1 litre): 1.8 € (£1.54 / $2.02)
- Car rental (per day): 17 € (£14.60 / $19.04)
- Budget hotel (room for two people): 74 € (62 £, 79 $)
- Mid-range hotel (room for two people): 96 € (81 £, 100 $)
- Luxury hotel (room for two people): 149 € (124 £, 155 $)
- Paire de jeans (Levis 501 ou équivalent): 79 € (£68.00, $88.00)
- Robe d’été dans une grande enseigne (Zara, H&M..): 42 € (£36.00, $46.00)
- Paire de chaussures de sport: 73 € (£63.00, $81.00)
If you’re traveling on a budget, let’s break down the essentials. A meal at a mid-range restaurant will set you back about £21.50 or $27.50, but if you opt for a fast food menu, it’s just £7.90 or $10.10. Alternatively, if you’re looking to unwind, a local beer will cost around £4.50 or $5.80.
Getting around is reasonably priced too: a single public transport ticket is only £1.29 or $1.67. If you prefer to rent a car, expect to pay around £14.60 or $19.04 per day.
For your stay, budget hotels can be found for about £62, while mid-range options are around £81. If you’re keen on some shopping, a pair of jeans might cost you £68 and a summer dress from popular shops like Zara, roughly £36. With these prices in mind, you can enjoy your travels without breaking the bank.
What Activities to Do in St. Malo?
Here’s the list of activities we recommend for you to enjoy in St. Malo, based on your tastes and preferences:
“`html
- Enjoy a romantic stroll along the city walls
- Savor fresh seafood at a restaurant with a seaside view
- Watch the sunset from Sillon Beach
- Stroll hand in hand through the charming old town
- Take a romantic getaway to Grand Bé Island
“`
“`html
- Check out the famous National Fort and its museum
- Explore the Saint-Malo Castle and its beautiful gardens
- Learn about the city’s history at the Saint-Malo History Museum
- Catch a show at the Chateaubriand Theatre
- Join a guided tour of the city’s historic landmarks
“`
– Go sailing or jet skiing in the Bay of Saint-Malo
– Try surfing or paddleboarding at the city’s beaches
– Take a hike along the coastal path GR 34
– Head out on a kayaking adventure to explore the islands off the coast of Saint-Malo
– Get started with sea fishing alongside a local guide
“`html
– Attend the Saint-Malo Film Festival, held annually in November
– Join the Privateer Festival, which celebrates the city’s maritime history
– Experience the Saint-Malo Christmas Market during the holiday season
– Enjoy the concerts and performances at the La Route du Rock festival in the summer
– Take part in the great tide of Saint-Malo, a spectacular event that happens twice a year
“`
Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to St Malo?
When you visit Saint Malo, you’ll find yourself immersed in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, teetering between history and maritime legends. The ramparts offer stunning views of the sea and nearby islands. Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, soaked in the history of this corsair city.
And don’t forget to indulge in a delectable Breton galette at one of the numerous seafood restaurants in the city. Saint Malo welcomes you with its legends and history, ready to offer an unforgettable experience.
Be sure to savor the delicious culinary specialties, like Cancale oysters and Breton galettes. Whether you’re after a romantic getaway, a cultural trip, or a sporty adventure, Saint Malo has something for everyone. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience in this charming and historic Breton city. So get ready to embark on a unique adventure in the heart of Saint Malo!
You may also like
Discovering Rennes by Motorhome: Complete Guide
Discovering Colmar by Motorhome: Complete Guide
