Earlier this week, we decided to take a trip to Saint Malo, in the heart of Brittany. This relatively small city has a particularity: a seaward fortress since the Middle Ages, St Malo still has a 1.8 km wall circling the city. Designed by Vauban, Louis XIV’s military engineer, the wall offers a great view of the city and the harbor.

The old “Château de St Malo” (castle of the city) is now the City Hall. The small and narrow streets are typical of France… yes, parking is difficult!

Saint Malo was the birthplace of Jacques Cartier, who discovered Canada, and the city is also famous for its… pirates. Growing up by the sea and close to major trade routes can do that do you I guess!

St Malo has the highest tides in France… it’s quite impressive! A 14 meters difference between low tide and high tide is common.

Because it was still low-season, the city was very quiet and relaxing. We walked on the wall around the city, then on the beach, before feasting on a seafood dinner… and before heading to Rennes, capital of Brittany, the following day.