Remparts et château de Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo

The first enclosure of Saint-Malo was raised in the twelfth century on the orders of Bishop Jean de Châtillon; it was repeatedly rebuilt and enlarged until the eighteenth century, when Siméon Garangeau, a disciple of Vauban, extended it once more. To the north, the Dukes of Brittany built the castle: John V's Great Keep in the early fifteenth century, then the Quic-en-Groigne tower — "let who will grumble" — which tradition attributes to Anne of Brittany. From 1590 to 1594 the town seized its castle, whose governor was killed, and governed itself until it submitted to Henri IV; to this "republic" is attached the saying "Neither French nor Breton, Malouin am I", which no contemporary source records. It is the town of the explorer Jacques Cartier and of the privateers Duguay-Trouin and Surcouf. The present enclosure has eight gates, three posterns and three bastions over about two kilometres. Ramparts and castle are listed historic monuments; the cathedral of Saint-Vincent, within the walled town, has its own entry.

Getting there : Free walk round the ramparts, about 2 km (one hour), reached by the steps at the gates; town history museum in the castle.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound