Family holidays in Saint-Malo: campsites and unmissable activities

Saint-Malo, en Bretagne © iStock

With its sandy beaches, historic city to explore and water sports for all ages, the town and campsites of Saint-Malo offer the perfect setting to enjoy the Brittany coastline and spend unforgettable moments by the sea.

Staying at a campsite in Saint-Malo and nearby

For your holiday in Saint-Malo, choose a campsite with a water slide© DOMAINE DE LA VILLE HUCHET (Saint-Malo - 35)

Staying at a campsite in Saint-Malo allows you to fully enjoy the pirate city, its ramparts, beaches and bay. There are two campsites in Saint-Malo, including the Domaine de la Ville Huchet**** campsite, which is particularly popular for its location on the banks of the Rance, its water park and its ideal location for quick access to the historic centre and beaches of Saint-Malo.

Luxury accommodation at a campsite near Saint-Malo© LE P'TIT BOIS (Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets - 35)

Just a few kilometres away, several campsites near Saint-Malo complete the offer. In Saint-Jouan-des-Guérets, the Le P'tit Bois***** campsite is an excellent alternative for family holidays, with numerous facilities and quick access to Saint-Malo.

The campsite's swimming pool can be enjoyed in fine weather© ÉMERAUDE (Saint-Briac-sur-Mer - 35)

On the Emerald Coast, the Emeraude***** campsite in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer is appealing due to its proximity to the sea and the area's iconic beaches. Finally, in Saint-Lunaire, the Longchamp**** and La Touesse**** campsites allow you to stay a stone's throw from the coast, while remaining a short distance from Saint-Malo and the major neighbouring seaside resorts such as Dinard.

What to see and do in Saint-Malo during your camping holiday?

Explore the pirate city and its ramparts

Walk along the ramparts to admire the different facets of Saint-Malo© iStock

No visit to Saint-Malo would be complete without exploring the walled city. A walk along the ramparts offers spectacular views of the sea, beaches and offshore islands.

Saint-Vincent Cathedral in Saint-Malo, in the heart of the historic city© iStock

Inside, you'll discover a maze of cobbled streets, privateers' houses, Saint-Vincent Cathedral and numerous lively shops and terraces.

Enjoy the beaches of Saint-Malo

Bon-Secours beach and its seawater swimming pool, in front of the ramparts of the city of Saint-Malo© iStock

Saint-Malo is renowned for its large sandy beaches, which are directly accessible from the city centre. The Sillon beach, nearly 3 kilometres long, is ideal for swimming, walking and watching the sunset. Bon-Secours, Éventail and Anse des Bas-Sablons beaches offer different atmospheres, with supervised swimming, seawater pools and more sheltered areas.

Discover the islets and maritime heritage

Fort National on the tidal island of Petit Bé in Saint-Malo© iStock

At low tide, you can walk to Grand Bé, the burial place of Chateaubriand, or Petit Bé, fortified by Vauban. These unusual walks give you a better understanding of the close link between Saint-Malo and the sea.

History buffs will also appreciate the forts visible from the coast and the museums dedicated to navigation and great maritime expeditions.

Water sports and sea excursions

Windsurfing in Saint Malo, Brittany© iStock

In Saint-Malo, water sports enthusiasts can try their hand at windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, sea kayaking or sand yachting, or go on boat trips in the bay. Excursions also allow you to discover the Chausey Islands or the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, renowned for having some of the highest tides in Europe.

Aquarium and cultural outings

For families and marine life enthusiasts, the Saint-Malo Aquarium is a must-see. With over 6,000 species and themed areas dedicated to the world's oceans, it offers a fun and educational experience.

Nature walks and coastal paths

Hiking enthusiasts can take the GR34 coastal path, which runs along the coast and offers magnificent views of the Emerald Coast. These routes connect Saint-Malo to Dinard or follow the coast to Cancale, passing cliffs, coves and wild beaches.

Gastronomy and local specialities

Sample Breton specialities during your visit to Saint-Malo© iStock

A stay in Saint-Malo is also an opportunity to discover Breton cuisine: Cancale oysters and seafood, galettes and crêpes, salted butter and caramel. The city's markets, restaurants and crêperies offer a taste of local produce, while the port is a reminder of the importance of fishing and maritime tradition.