10 Reasons to Visit Saint-Malo, the Port City of Brittany, France

Brittany, France’s northwestern region, is known as the Land of Cities and History, so it’s no surprise that the area has more than its fair share of cultural and historic gems to check out on your next visit. Even if you’re not lucky enough to be making your first trip there, you probably haven’t seen all of the best sights the area has to offer—but that’s where we come in! Here are 10 reasons to visit Saint-Malo, the port city of Brittany, France.

1) Monuments
Saint-Malo is an ancient city dating back to 1035. Legend has it that the French first came ashore there after their Viking expedition ended. While Saint-Malo's port is its main attraction today, many people like to go for a stroll along its pedestrian streets, which are lined with quaint shops and atmospheric cafés. The old town has a lovely church on top of a hill overlooking the port and boat tours leave from right by it.

2) Markets
Europeans have been visiting Saint-Malo for centuries and today this ancient port city is becoming a new European hub as it welcomes in tourists. Here are 10 reasons why you should too:
1) Shipwreck history The magical coastline has a particular fascination with shipwrecks, so much so that there is an international organisation made up of volunteers who painstakingly record them. With over 2 million wrecks documented since 1500, how could you not be curious?

3) Churches
Inhabited since prehistory, Saint-Malo has been so since 507 AD when it was baptised with its current name. The city’s core is today lined with medieval houses (buildings which were destroyed in World War II are being reconstructed) and many streets and alleyways that can only be explored on foot.

4) Museums
Located in northwestern France on the English Channel's Bay of Saint-Malo and just 12 miles from Rennes, it's home to a small but sophisticated museum housed in a grand palace. Founded in 1984 by François Mitterrand as president, it is one of France's most beautiful museums. The museum features an impressive collection: works by Dutch masters and Impressionists like Monet, Degas and Pissarro; some 400 sculptures; and 800 drawings.

5) Activities

1. Learn about the history of Saint-Malo on a walking tour through La Cité: Entrance to this impressive city gate is free and it is filled with features from all different time periods from medieval times until 1792.
2. Embark on a boat tour with an English speaking guide: Take an hour and a half long ride around some of the nicest parts of Saint-Malo before stopping at Le Quai Du Commerce for stunning views overlooking the ocean and city walls.

6) Gastronomy
Saint-Molo offers many opportunities for visitors to try different types of cuisine. Many traditional dishes from French culture can be found in the local cafes and restaurants. For example, Breton Potée is a stew consisting of cabbage, carrots, potatoes and often various other vegetables along with beef or veal. It's usually prepared by simmering vegetables in broth seasoned with salt and pepper until it becomes a thick soup before adding meat that has been browned beforehand.

7) Shopping
Saint-Malo offers ample shopping for all budgets. This port city is filled with chic boutiques and small shops carrying French fashions from avant garde to contemporary designers. One can also find diverse antique stores, souvenir shops and bakeries featuring products that are often made locally.

8) Nightlife
Saint-Malo is a port city in Western Brittany in northwestern France. It’s known for its beaches and surfing opportunities. The bustling French medieval town is full of quaint restaurants, old buildings and winding streets perfect for a leisurely stroll. And because it’s near the ocean you can easily escape for some serene coastal time with a bike ride or trek out on the rugged cliff edges that are dotted with wind turbines.

9) Quirky Sights and Sounds

1. Wander through medieval streets, full of sloping cobbled passages that lead to great public squares.

2. Climb to the top of Mont Saint-Michel's breathtaking abbey and enjoy panoramic views over the bay of Mont St. Michel from atop this picturesque sandstone sentinel perched between lowlands and sea cliffs.

3. Explore the ancient fortifications constructed by King Louis XIV on his way back from a victorious battle in Brest in 1694.

4. Explore Notre Dame de la Grande, the cathedral on Rue de l'Eglise which was built in 1876 with a gothic style reminiscent of Notre Dame de Paris; and

10) Staycation
Sitting at your desk day in and day out can really suck. If you've been thinking about taking a vacation but haven't had time yet then maybe it's time for you to plan a staycation. Sure, it may be hard at first – fighting that inner urge to run away – but if you can get over the fact that you're still in your own city and find ways around it then your life might just be better than ever.