Things to do in Saint-Malo: 20 activities by bike

1.7 km of promenade with 360-degree views: the harbour, beaches, Fort National, islands and Dinard. 45 minutes on foot. Lock your bike at the racks by the Porte Saint-Vincent.

Romanesque-Gothic cathedral from the 12th century in the heart of the walled city. Remarkable stained glass, particularly the rose window. Jacques Cartier was blessed here before departing for Canada in 1534. 10-15 minutes is enough for a visit.

The cobbled streets of the walled city are filled with biscuit shops (the famous galettes de Saint-Malo), chocolatiers, salted caramel and maritime bookshops. Rue de Dinan and rue Jacques Cartier are the liveliest. Terraces on place Chateaubriand.

Rocky islet accessible on foot from Bon-Secours at low tide. Chateaubriand's tomb facing the open sea. 30 minutes round trip. Accessible for about 3 hours around low water. Check the tide times. Details in our one-day itinerary.

A Vauban fortress (1689) on an islet facing the ramparts. 35-minute guided tour with spectacular views of the walled city. Accessible on foot at low tide only. Opening dates vary: check the calendar.

3 km of fine sand, the iconic wooden stakes, and a cycle track then cycle lanes on the road behind the promenade (on the seawall itself, bikes go at walking pace). The signature beach of Saint-Malo. Lifeguards in summer. At low tide, the sand stretches out 200 metres. 5 minutes by bike from the centre.

A seawater pool at the foot of the ramparts, retained by a stone dam (1937). Swimmable at high tide. The diving board with the ramparts behind it is a classic photo. Full guide in our beach article.

At low tide, the rocks uncover and form natural pools where crabs, shrimps, winkles and anemones await explorers. A shrimp net (3 euros) and water shoes are all you need. The plage du Pont and plage du Nicet are the best spots. A favourite with children.

300 faces carved into the cliff by Abbe Foure between 1870 and 1895. A unique, strange and fascinating site, about 6 km by bike from the old town. The wild coastline around it is stunning for a walk.

Famous for its oysters, 18 km along the Vélomaritime. A dozen oysters at the port: 5-8 euros. The Pointe du Grouin is 5 km further for the panorama. Full guide: Saint-Malo to Cancale by bike.

A spectacular medieval town, 23-24 km from Dinard (sea bus from Saint-Malo). The greenway on the old railway line is car-free for 17 km, then minor roads and a path along the Rance lead to the port. Ramparts, the port du Jerzual, half-timbered houses. Return by TER train with a change at Dol-de-Bretagne. Guide: Dinard-Dinan greenway.

Belle Epoque seaside resort opposite Saint-Malo. Listed villas, beaches, the Clair de Lune promenade. 10 minutes by sea bus (bikes accepted with a supplement: check fares with Compagnie Corsaire and Bateaux Rouges). Guide: bike rental Dinard.

68 km via the Vélomaritime across the bay. France Vélo Tourisme counts about 4h30 of riding: plan a full day, ideally on an electric bike. Return by TER from Pontorson with a change at Dol-de-Bretagne (check the rules for bikes). Guide: 5 bike rides.

A 14th-century medieval tower overlooking the Rance estuary. The Cape Horn museum it housed closed for good in 2019, so you admire the tower from the outside, from the Anse Solidor. A short ride from the old town (a few hills, e-bike recommended).

A charming small harbour at the foot of the tour Solidor. The Cité d'Alet, 500 m away, is a fortified Gallo-Roman site with World War II bunkers and views of the Rance dam. A lesser-known and peaceful spot.

The barrage across the Rance estuary houses a tidal power station. Cycling across it to reach Dinard is not recommended: the road has no cycle lane yet, so take the sea bus. EDF has a visitor centre on tidal energy at the site: check its opening times before you go.

Over 600 marine species, touch pool, shark ring, jellyfish. 2 hours to visit. 10 minutes by bike from the centre (heading south, avenue du Général Patton). A classic rainy-day activity in Saint-Malo, especially for families.

Heated seawater pool overlooking the beach, spa, hammam, treatments. The perfect spot after a day of cycling or on a rainy day. Right on the Sillon, about 2 km from the old town.

A galette complete (ham, cheese, egg) paired with a bowl of dry cider is the quintessential Breton lunch. The best creperies are on the smaller streets, away from place Chateaubriand: rue de l'Orme, rue de Dinan. 8-15 euros per person.

During spring tides (coefficient above 100), the sea rises over 12 metres and waves crash against the Sillon and ramparts with spectacular force. The equinox tides (March and September) are the most powerful. Watch from the Sillon promenade or the ramparts: by bike, you can change viewpoint in minutes.