Saint-Malo Guided Walking Tour from Cruise Port Private

Discover Saint Malo with a certified guide 

Participate in a commented 2 hour guided tour of Saint Malo with your own personal English speaking certified guide. This Saint Malo Shore Excursion is for small groups only. The group size is limited to a maximum of 10 persons.

Discover the charming port town of Saint Malo with its old town, 12th century remparts, cobbled streets and granite buildings. The major attractions include Saint Malo Castle, the National Fort, as well as the Aquarium that houses more than 500 species.

Saint Malo is a port town located in Brittany, France, on the coast of the English Channel and is coined the Pearl of the Emerald Coast. The town curves out to sea on a natural harbour, on the Rance Estuary, and the Old Town is completely surrounded by massive remparts. The name of the town originates from the name of a Welsh monk Maclovius or Maclou in French. 

The Golden Age of Saint Malo

The most significant period of history for the town is the 16th & 17th centuries. Because of its strategic position as the last main Channel port for the merchant ships heading south, the port rapidly became home to Privateers (Corsaires or Pirates) that would pillage and plunder English and Dutch ships. This made the town quite rich and it allowed ship owners to build large mansions called malouinières that are part of the architectural highlights of the town.

One of the best known French Privateers was René Dugyay-Trouin born in Saint Malo in 1673. Captain at 18, he took command of a 40-gunner at the tender age of 21. He captured more than 300 merchant ships and 16 warships. Louis XV made him lieutenant-general of the naval armies.

The other most well known figure of Privateering is Robert Surcouf. who waged war against English commerce. His most dastardly feat was the capture of the Kent, a powerful 1200 ton ship of the East India Company.

This act of piracy earned him the title of King of the Corsairs, making him one of the richest and most powerful men in Saint-Malo. Both men have their statues in Saint Malo.

Jacques Cartier, a famous explorer

Yet the most well known person born in Saint Malo is without a doubt Jacques Cartier. Born in Saint Malo in 1491 he was the first European to describe and map the Gulf of Saint Laurent River which he named the Country of Canadas. Cartier's professional abilities can be easily ascertained.

Considering that Cartier made three voyages of exploration in dangerous and hitherto unknown waters without losing a ship, and that he entered and departed some 50 undiscovered harbours without serious mishap, he may be considered one of the most conscientious explorers of the period.

Private Guided walking tour of Saint Malo

Today, your English speaking guide will come and pick you up at your Cruise Port in Saint Malo. Meet your tour guide who will go over the itinerary and program of this private tour with you. Then, leave the port and begin to make your way to Saint Malo's historic city center. The most emblematic 'Privateer' Town of France is ready for a visit.

Surrounded by ramparts made of granite, enter the walled city through the gate of Saint Vincent. Built in the beginning of the 12th century, they remained intact during the bombings of the second world war. Then, from one neighborhood to another, admire the imposing houses of the rich shipowners of beyond.

As your tour continues, pass the medieval castle that today houses the History Museum of the town. Next to the castle, the Quic-en-Groigne tower was built under the reign of Anne de Bretagne. Other interesting sites include the old historic city center of St Malo as well as the national Fort that protected the town and was built under the orders of Military engineer Vauban in 1689. This half day trip will end with some free time for personal discovery in the town.