The queen of single-handed transatlantic races
For 48 years, this legendary race has linked Saint-Malo in Brittany to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, on the island of Grande-Terre. In 2022, 138 boats lined up at the start of the race and will set off at the same time to attack the Atlantic, for a solo crossing of 3542 miles (6562 kilometres)! Since its launch in 1978, the course has not changed, the race brings together the biggest and most powerful boats in the world and their skippers, both amateur and professional. The current record is held by Charles Caudrelier, winner of the 2022 edition, after 6 days, 19 hours, 47 minutes and 25 seconds at sea...
Departure to Saint-Malo, the Corsair City
A land of great sailors who have always looked to the open sea, located on the Emerald Coast, Saint-Malo has been the historic starting point for the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe for over 40 years. Held every four years, the Route du Rhum transforms Saint-Malo into a veritable sailing capital, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the quays and along the coast.
For this 13th edition, from 20 October onwards, the Village will welcome hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic fans, eager to admire the sailing boats as they set sail and watch the skippers: in 2022, 1.5 million visitors were counted in the Saint-Malo area during the 13 days that the village was open. As in 2022, the 70,000 m² village will be located on the quays of Saint-Malo for several days of entertainment, with around 300 stands. Don't miss this great popular festival.
From the city and the surrounding coastline, you can watch the race start on 1 November 2026 at 1:02 pm and see the boats cut through the sea towards Cap Fréhel. During the 12th edition of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe in 2022, a huge crowd gathered on the day of the start to watch this exceptional spectacle: there were nearly 200,000 people on the coast and between 15,000 and 18,000 at sea, aboard accompanying boats.
Which campsite to stay at to watch the start of the Route du Rhum in 2026?
Choosing a campsite as a base to attend the Route du Rhum festivities is a good idea. Of the 74 campsites in Ille en Villaine, a large number are ready to welcome you for the duration of the events on the quays of Saint-Malo, in a comfortable location such as a chalet or a fully equipped mobile home.
In Saint-Malo itself, we recommend the Domaine de la ville Huchet campsite ****, a magnificent campsite located at the gateway to the corsair city.
Other campsites near Saint-Malo are located between 15 and 20 minutes from the quays of Saint-Malo and also allow you to combine business with pleasure. For example, the two **** campsites in Saint-Lunaire, Camping La Touesse**** and Camping Clicochic Longchamp****, open all year round, offer a good compromise between proximity to the Emerald Coast and easy access to the quays.
A little further away but still accessible by car, Sandaya Camping Le P'tit Bois***** in Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets is located about 8 km from Saint-Malo, making it an interesting option if you prefer a 5-star campsite close to the pirate city without being right in the centre. Finally, the Emeraude ***** campsite in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer completes this selection for those looking for a refined setting just a few minutes' drive from the entertainment of Saint-Malo.