Saint-Malo’s 12 most beautiful beaches

For seaside vacations on the Emerald Coast, choose Saint-Malo’s most beautiful beaches.

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Saint-Malo attracts crowds every summer to its fine sandy beaches fringed by foam. Whether you come for the ramparts, the fortress or the sea air, every one of its narrow streets leads to a beach.

And there are plenty of stretches of sand to suit all tastes. But which beach should you choose if you enjoy lounging, water sports or beach activities? Generation Voyage has selected the most beautiful beaches in Saint-Malo. To your towels!

1. Bon Secours, the most beautiful beach

We’re starting this top story with one of Saint-Malo’s most beautiful beaches: Plage du Bon secours. You may recognize it from postcards you’ve received from friends and family, or from travel reports on television. In summer and winter alike, there’s every opportunity to enjoy this jewel of the corsair city. It unfurls its vast expanse of sand at the foot of the town’s ramparts.

Its seawater pool and 10 m diving board dominate the surrounding area. If you turn your head from your towel, two islands stand out on the horizon. Firstly, the islet of Grand Bé, where Chateaubriand is buried, and the islet of Petit Bé, with its 17th-century fort. Plage du Bon secours also boasts a nautical base with kayak rentals and a first-aid post in summer.

2. Plage du Sillon, the largest

Plage du Sillon is also one of Saint-Malo’s most beautiful beaches. In fact, its 3 km of sand encompass three emblematic beaches: Grande Plage, Plage de Hoguette and Plage de Rochebonne.

This spacious beach is a great place to take a stroll every season, as soon as the ocean drops. On the Paramé breakwater, you can admire some of the finest Malouin houses typical of the local architecture. This windy family beach regularly welcomes kite flyers, sand yachts and windsurfers.

200-year-old breakwaters protect the town from the impetuous onslaught of Breton storms. They lend an undeniable charm to this seascape.

3. Plage du Nicet, the most difficult

Le Nicet beach has to be earned, and Malouins know this very well. This confidential cove is worth a visit for its authentic, unspoilt setting, protected from the prevailing winds.

Once you’ve carefully descended the stairs, you’ll admire a panoramic view of the Pointe de la Varde. Popular with locals and tourists alike in summer, put your towel down early in the morning for a spot in the sun.

4. Plage de l’Éventail, the most fortress-like of beaches

Opposite Fort National, Plage de l’Éventail is the gateway to the fort. Its original shape attracts families and, above all, apprentice pirates eager for thrills between the rocks. However, be sure to check the tides to avoid getting stuck for several hours.

Snacks and refreshment stands line the promenade for those afternoon munchies. You won’t want to leave without devouring a sugar crepe or a vanilla ice cream. Supervised in summer, the Éventail beach is a favorite with holidaymakers eager to relax.

5. Fort Varde cove, the most confidential beach

Fort Varde creek offers an oasis of tranquility far from the hustle and bustle of the more popular beaches of Le Sillon and Bon secours. This confidential beach, little-known by holidaymakers, offers a wilder, more unspoilt setting.

However, every natural treasure has to be earned, so access is relatively difficult between the rocks. We recommend it for the more courageous with good shoes on their feet. The turquoise water between the rocks gives it a Caribbean air on the north coast of Brittany. Count on a few degrees less if you want to take a dip.

6. Cézembre Island, the most historic of the islands

We leave the ramparts of the corsair city for a beach accessible only by boat on the island of Cézembre. For the record, it was bombed by some 20,000 bombs during the Second World War. You can still see the impact craters in some corners. This historic past is still very much with us today, as walking around the island is restricted. As a result, many birds have built their nests here, away from prying eyes. Birdwatchers will admire gulls, seagulls, cormorants and, above all, black-and-white penguins of the Torda family.

Cézembre Island attracts so many visitors because it’s the only south-facing beach on the Emerald Coast. Pack a picnic lunch for the day, or reserve a table at the only restaurant: « Le repaire des Corsaires ».

We recommend that you come out of season to enjoy the incredible peace and quiet.

7. Plage du Môle, the most sheltered beach

Malouins love this wind-sheltered beach, which backs onto the Môle des Noires breakwater. We recommend a walk to the lighthouse for a postcard-perfect view of Saint-Malo.

On the beach at Le Môle, the ramparts protect you from the draughts typical of the city of privateers. In fine weather, the sun floods holidaymakers with light and warmth at the foot of the ramparts. The highlight? The magnificent view over the town of Dinard. In summer, a team of lifeguards watches over children playing in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

8. La Plage du Val, the protected cove

Put down your towel at the beautiful Plage du Val in the Rothéneuf district north of Saint-Malo. This rocky bay forms a cove where the water even rises above 20° in summer! Families take advantage of the opportunity to swim away from the hustle and bustle of the ramparts and the crowds of holidaymakers.

In the landscape, youngsters set up a volleyball net while children play beach rackets. Young and old alike go shrimp hunting among the anglers. A real vacation atmosphere! Depending on the light, the water takes on a magnificent emerald hue. We’ve told you, Saint-Malo’s beaches have nothing to envy the Caribbean.

Please note that in summer, parking is sometimes difficult to access the beach.

9. Plage de la Hoguette, the most seaworthy beach

Spa guests enjoy the beautiful La Hoguette beach opposite their thalassotherapy center « Les Thermes Marins ». Bordered by winds, it’s a delight for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

La Hoguette beach is also a veritable boulevard for sand yachting. Beginners challenge themselves on the slalom course. As for the youngsters, they can learn about the marine environment from passionate professionals.

Would you like a 180° view of Saint-Malo? Walk along the seawall and turn towards one of the best views of the fortified town and Pointe de la Varde.

10. Plage de la Varde, the most secret beach

Pointe de la Varde boasts magnificent stretches of sand to the north of Saint-Malo. Plage de la Varde is no exception, with its fine sand bordered by small dunes embellished with ganivelles (chestnut fences). Hikers love this area for its tranquility and the different landscapes it offers during their strolls.

If you want to get away from the crowds, we recommend a picnic stop here. Little-known to holidaymakers, it welcomes you for a quiet day by the sea. Nearby, you’ll find one of the city’s historic relics: a blockhouse. In fact, you’re standing at the entrance to the corsair town, where a fort once protected the city.

11. Plage du Minhic, the most family-friendly

Nestling between Paramé and Rothéneuf, Plage de Minhic is a favourite with families from the Malouines as soon as spring arrives. Its small cliffs offer a pleasant environment in a verdant setting. Like many of the beaches on the Emerald Coast, it’s also a meeting place for water sports enthusiasts.

12. Rochebonne Beach, the most dynamic

To finish with the most beautiful beaches in Saint-Malo, discover the beautiful white sandy beach of Rochebonne in the Paramé district. In summer, this beach comes alive with beach sports. Young and old alike take part in beach volleyball and beach soccer matches.

Malouins and summer visitors mingle indiscriminately in July and August. We recommend that you come during the high tides. The beach no longer exists, giving way to a blue sea embroidered by the foam of the waves. A true masterpiece!

For your next vacation, don your sailor suit and head for Saint-Malo’s most beautiful beaches!