Discover the Best of Saint-Malo
Summary: Discover the charm of Saint-Malo with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.
Welcome to Saint-Malo! If you're planning to move to Saint-Malo, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Saint-Malo has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Saint-Malo.
Saint-Malo, a historic port city in Brittany, France, is a treasure trove of attractions for both tourists and locals. The city's most iconic site is the walled old town, known as Intra-Muros. Here, visitors can walk along the ramparts for panoramic views of the city and sea, explore narrow cobblestone streets, and visit the Saint-Malo Cathedral, a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The Fort National, a 17th-century fortress located on a tidal island, is another must-see. At low tide, visitors can walk to the fort for a tour and stunning views of the city.
The Maison du Québec, a cultural center dedicated to the history of the French-speaking Canadians who settled in Saint-Malo, is another interesting site. For those interested in maritime history, the Musée d'Histoire de la Ville et du Pays Malouin offers exhibits on the city's seafaring past, including its role in the slave trade. The Grand Aquarium, one of the largest in France, is a hit with families, featuring a variety of marine life and interactive exhibits. Finally, the beautiful sandy beaches, such as Plage du Sillon, are perfect for relaxing, swimming, and sailing.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Saint-Malo is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. For fine dining, Le Chalut is a popular choice. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves exquisite seafood dishes in an elegant setting. Another top-rated restaurant is La Table d'Henri, known for its fresh seafood and excellent wine list. For a more casual dining experience, Crêperie Le Tournesol offers delicious traditional Breton crepes in a cozy atmosphere.
When it comes to nightlife, Le Bar des Amis is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. This lively bar offers a wide selection of beers and cocktails, as well as live music on weekends. For a more relaxed evening, Le Comptoir du Thé is a charming tea room that also serves a variety of wines and cocktails. Finally, the Casino Barrière Saint-Malo offers a mix of entertainment, including slot machines, table games, and a bar with live music.
Recreational activities in Saint-Malo are largely centered around the sea. The city's beautiful beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games. Sailing is also a popular activity, with several companies offering boat rentals and sailing lessons. The Société Nautique de la Baie de Saint-Malo is a well-known sailing club that organizes regattas and other events.
For those who prefer land-based activities, there are several beautiful hiking and biking trails in and around the city. The GR34, also known as the Customs Path, is a scenic coastal trail that offers stunning views of the sea and countryside. For a more urban experience, the city's ramparts provide a unique walking path with panoramic views of the city and harbor. Finally, golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Saint-Malo Golf Resort, a beautiful 27-hole course located just outside the city.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Saint-Malo: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Expats in Saint-Malo, often join local clubs and organizations to meet new people and immerse themselves in the local culture. These can include sports clubs, such as sailing or tennis clubs, which are popular due to the city's coastal location. There are also language exchange groups where expats can practice their French while helping locals improve their English. Cultural organizations, such as art or cooking classes, are also popular among expats. These provide opportunities to learn about French culture and cuisine while meeting like-minded individuals. In addition to joining clubs and organizations, expats often meet people through their work or by attending local events and festivals. Saint-Malo hosts a number of annual events, such as the Route du Rock music festival and the Quai des Bulles comic book festival, which attract both locals and expats. Volunteering is another great way for expats to meet people in Saint-Malo. There are numerous charities and non-profit organizations in the city that welcome the help of foreign volunteers. This not only provides a chance to give back to the community, but also to meet locals and other expats.Finally, many expats find that simply frequenting local cafes, markets, and shops can lead to casual conversations and new friendships. The people of Saint-Malo are generally friendly and welcoming, and are often curious to learn about other cultures," said one expat living in Saint-Malo.
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We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
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"Life for expats and digital nomads in Saint-Malo is filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking coastal views. The city offers a relaxed pace of life, making it an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities. The local community is welcoming and friendly, and while French is the main language spoken, English is also widely understood due to the city's popularity with tourists.Saint-Malo is known for its high-quality cuisine, particularly seafood, which expats and digital nomads can enjoy in the many restaurants and cafes scattered throughout the city. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, music festivals, and theatrical performances to enjoy.For digital nomads, the city offers reliable internet connectivity and a number of comfortable spaces to work from, including cafes and coworking spaces. The cost of living is relatively high compared to other parts of France, but many find the quality of life to be worth the extra expense.Despite its small size, Saint-Malo has a lot to offer in terms of outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by beautiful beaches and the nearby countryside is perfect for hiking and cycling. The city's marina also offers opportunities for sailing and other water sports.While Saint-Malo is somewhat isolated compared to other French cities, it has good transport links, making it easy for expats and digital nomads to explore the rest of France and Europe. The city's rich history, beautiful surroundings, and relaxed lifestyle make it a popular choice for those looking to live and work abroad," commented an expat living in Saint-Malo.
French Riviera House Hunting - FRHConnect
We are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
French Riviera House Hunting - FRHWe are the best possible negotiator to help our expatriate clients to safely, efficiently and effectively find the right property in the right place in the French Riviera. Whether buying or renting, French Riviera House Hunting's objective is to find the best place for you, making sure that there are no hidden problems in the acquisition or renting process!
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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