ONE of the most popular destinations in Brittany for holidaymakers was also once a thriving hub for pirates.
If you want to explore it now, you’ll find beautiful beaches, and a natural tidal pool that’s one of the best in the world.
Saint-Malo is a popular destinations in northern France with a walled city sitting on a natural harbour and some of the best beaches in the region.
One of them, called Bon Secours Beach, also has a natural tidal lido that’s one of the world’s best.
In 2022, the lido was named by Conde Nast as being one of the “14 prettiest ocean pools in the world”.
The publication said: “It’s a dream destination for water-sport enthusiasts with a sailing school nearby and diving boards to jump from.
“Those sunbathing can enjoy the spectacular views of boats calmly sailing over the bay of Saint-Malo and Dinard.”
Many years ago Saint-Malo was a popular spot for pirates – and not for the reason you might think.
During the 12th century, Saint-Malo was declared a ‘sanctuary city’ where people were safe from all criminal prosecutions.
As a result, pirates flocked to the town until the 17th century – it’s said that as many as 50 pirate ships used the walled city as their base.
Inside the city walls now are lots of restaurants and shops, one of the most popular is Rue de l’Orme.
It’s known for having the popular dairy shop, La Maison du Beurre Bordier.
It’s famous for producing some of the best butter in the world – it is renowned for its traditional, hand-churned, and molded butter which is often used by top Michelin-starred chefs.
Around the corner from Bon Secours Beach is the popular stretch sand called Grande Plage du Sillon, one visitor said it’s “a real pleasure to explore it in any season.”
Grande Plage du Sillon is the longest beach in Saint-Malo and from there, visitors can explore nearby islands.
Both Le Grand Bé and Le Petit Bé can be reached on foot at low tide.
One of the most popular hotels is The Grand Hotel des Thermes on the beach front.
The 5-star hotel has 177 rooms – some with spectacular views across the seafront.
It has three restaurants; Le Cap Horn which faces Saint-Malo bay, La Verrière for healthier meal options and La Passerelle which is a sea view bar and tea room.
On a hot day, head out to La Terrasse to enjoy mussels, oysters, langoustines, Lobster rolls, and seafood wrap.
For outdoor pools closer to home, here are all the lidos in the UK mapped – with water slides, cocktail bars and some are even FREE to enter.
And for more French escapes, check out this seaside town nicknamed ‘Paris-on-Sea’ with seafront casinos and huge palace hotel.