Saint-Malo - not French, but Malouin!

The ancient walled city of Saint-Malo is located in Brittany, in the northwestern part of France.

Founded by Celtic tribesmen in 1 BC. Situated on the English Channel, the port has famously been the center of seafaring adventurers and became a breeding ground for privateers.  

By the late 4th century AD, Saint-Malo was fortified with its walls for protection from not only pirates and Vikings but also from the sea, which rises up to the city walls during high tide.

It was not officially founded until a Welsh monk named St Maclou (Malo) settled on the island in the 6th century, having fled to the French region of Brittany after the fall of the Roman Empire. He most likely became the first bishop in the region.

Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, but has been carefully restored and has managed to retain its medieval architecture and Old World charm. Walking along the picturesque cobbled streets of La Ville Intra-Muros (inside the walls) definitely makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.  

An interesting mix of quaint hotels, excellent restaurants, bars, and a myriad of little shops offers visitors plenty of interesting places to explore.  Be sure to visit the Musée de la Ville where you will learn all you need to know about the town’s history.

The sandy beaches of the Emerald Coast are very popular with visitors who come to enjoy swimming in environmentally clean waters, sand yachting, and wind-surfing.

A fun fact is that Saint-Malo has a tradition of asserting its autonomy in dealings with the French and local authorities. From 1590 to 1593, Saint-Malo declared itself to be an independent republic, taking the motto "not French, not Breton, but Malouin."

Interested in enjoying your next vacation in Saint-Malo? please contact me at [email protected] or 703-927-0588, and let's plan your adventure.
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