Travelers: 4 people
Round-trip train tickets: (317€) 💵
We embarked on our morning adventure with a departure from Gare Montparnasse at 7:07 AM, arriving in Saint-Malo at 9:54 AM. Our return journey began at 6:08 PM from Saint-Malo station, pulling back into Paris by 8:30 PM. The scenic train ride 🚄 to Saint-Malo lasted just 2 hours and 47 minutes, making it the perfect getaway.
Upon arrival, we hopped onto bus Gare de Quai H, boarding route 2️⃣ which dropped us off near Intra Muros. Along the way, we passed by a charming Ferris wheel 🎡 that added a touch of whimsy to the cityscape. From there, it was an easy 8-minute stroll to our cozy hotel.
**Hotel:** Hôtel de l’Univers, located at Place de la Châteaubriand, 35400 Saint-Malo. For four of us, the room cost a reasonable 194€ (including tax), though breakfast was extra at 15€ per person. The service here was impeccable—every staff member greeted us with a smile, setting the tone for our delightful stay in this cheerful town where happiness seemed to be contagious.
Our check-in wasn’t until 3 PM, so we took advantage of the hotel’s luggage storage service ⧳ before diving headfirst into exploring the vibrant streets of Saint-Malo.
🔹 **Saint-Malo Ramparts**: A must-see! It only takes about 45 minutes to walk around these historic fortifications, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the quaint coastal town below.
When hunger struck, Saint-Malo did not disappoint with its culinary delights:
❇️ At a local creperie, we indulged in caramel-filled pancakes 🥞—a Breton specialty that melted in our mouths with every bite.
❇️ For something heartier, we dined at Café de Saint-Malo, savoring exquisite seafood platters brimming with fresh shrimp 🦐 and mussels 🦞 straight from the Atlantic.
❇️ And no trip would be complete without trying Kouign Amann 🍪, the region’s famous buttery-sweet pastry. One bite is all you need; rich, flaky layers burst with sweetness, leaving your taste buds thoroughly satisfied.
For those who prefer a more leisurely exploration, there’s even a small sightseeing train 🚂 weaving through the town. However, given Saint-Malo’s compact size, we opted to explore on foot instead.
🔹 Within the walled city of Saint-Malo, you’ll find a treasure trove of boutiques, restaurants, and brasseries waiting to be discovered.
🔹 Don’t miss the majestic Saint-Vincent Cathedral ⛪️, a stunning piece of Gothic architecture that commands attention as soon as you lay eyes on it.
🔹 Weather-wise, the day blessed us with a balmy 23°C under endless sunshine 🌞. While the seawater was refreshingly cold, it didn’t stop families and thrill-seekers alike from splashing around in joy 🥳🌊.
🔹 Nearby lies Bon Secours Beach, home to a natural seawater swimming pool 🌊—a unique spot for a refreshing dip amidst the rugged coastline.
Boat tours are available if you’re short on time but eager to see more; tickets cost approximately 20€ per person. Unfortunately, we had to pass due to scheduling constraints—but it’s definitely worth considering for your visit!
P.S. If you’re a dog lover 🐶, prepare to fall in love all over again. Dogs seem to be everywhere in Saint-Malo, their joyful presence adding yet another layer of charm to this already enchanting destination 😍😍😘😘
