Saint-Malo has over a dozen beaches spread across the old town, Paramé and Rothéneuf. The good news: almost all of them are reachable by bike in under 15 minutes from the centre. Le Sillon, the most famous, stretches for 3 kilometres along a dedicated cycle path. Bon-Secours, nestled at the foot of the ramparts, has a unique natural seawater swimming pool. And the lesser-known Du Val and Du Pont beaches are true havens of peace for families.
We have cycled to every beach to give you the information that tourist guides leave out: where to lock your bike, which access routes work with a child trailer, and what tide to aim for to make the most of the sand. Here is our selection, from north to south.
In this article
- 1. Le Sillon beach — the classic
- 2. Bon-Secours beach — the natural swimming pool
- 3. L'Éventail beach — at the foot of the ramparts
- 4. Rochebonne beach — Le Sillon's quieter twin
- 5. Du Pont beach — the best-kept secret
- 6. Du Val beach — the family favourite
- 7. Le Minihic beach — views of Dinard
- 8. Anse du Guesclin and Nicet beach — wild escape
- Quick comparison: which beach to choose?
- Tides and beaches: what you need to know
- Practical tips for cycling to the beach
- Frequently asked questions
Le Sillon beach — the classic
Le Sillon is the largest beach in Saint-Malo and one of the longest in Brittany. It stretches for 3 kilometres between the ramparts of the old town and the Rochebonne headland, facing the open sea. It is also the easiest beach to reach by bike thanks to the cycle path that runs along the entire seawall.
The promenade is wide, well-maintained and perfectly flat. You ride with the sea on one side and Belle Époque villas on the other. In summer, the atmosphere is lively but never overwhelming: the beach is so long that you can always find a quiet spot by heading towards Rochebonne. At low tide, the sand extends over 200 metres and you can walk out to the iconic wooden breakwaters that have become the signature image of Saint-Malo.
Bike access and parking
Around twenty bike racks line the seawall, mainly near the Thermes Marins and in front of the Casino Barrière. The cycle path arrives directly on the seawall from the centre of Paramé. With a child trailer or cargo bike, there is no problem at all: it is flat and wide from end to end.
Our tip
Come in the late afternoon, between 5pm and 7pm in summer. The light is beautiful, the crowds thin out, and the breakwaters cast long shadows across the sand. It is the favourite time for photographers — and ours for a bike ride along the seawall. Bring a picnic and settle in facing the sunset.
Bon-Secours beach — the natural swimming pool
Bon-Secours is the most photogenic beach in Saint-Malo. Tucked between the ramparts of the corsair city with the Tour Solidor in the background, it has one unique feature: a natural seawater swimming pool, held back by a stone wall built in 1937. As the tide rises, the pool fills with seawater filtered through sand at a pleasant temperature. As the tide drops, the beach extends all the way to the Grand Bé, the island where Chateaubriand is buried.
To reach Bon-Secours by bike, you follow the outside of the ramparts and descend through the Porte des Bés. The access is slightly less direct than to Le Sillon, but the reward is worth it. This is the most picture-postcard spot in Saint-Malo, with the ramparts as a backdrop and the natural pool's diving board in the foreground.
Bike access and parking
Bike racks are located at the top of the descent, near the ramparts (by the Porte des Bés). The path down to the beach is pedestrian-only, so you need to lock your bike at the top. Not ideal for child trailers — choose Le Sillon instead if you have bulky equipment.
Our tip
The natural pool is at its best around mid-rising tide, when the water is deep enough for swimming but still clear. At low tide, take the opportunity to walk across to the Grand Bé (30-minute round trip), but keep an eye on the tide times: you have around 3 hours either side of low tide to make the crossing safely.
L'Éventail beach — at the foot of the Tour Bidouane
Squeezed between the ramparts and Fort National, L'Éventail beach is a little gem that many visitors walk straight past. Its name comes from its fan shape, which gives it an intimate, almost Mediterranean feel. It is the best-sheltered beach from the west wind, making it a smart choice on breezy days.
At low tide, you can walk out to Fort National (open for visits in summer, 6 euros). The beach is small, meaning it can get crowded in peak summer. But in June or September, it is a magical spot, with the ramparts towering above and Fort National silhouetted on the horizon.
Our tip
Combine L'Éventail with a visit to Fort National. Walk down from the ramparts (lock your bike at the top, near the Tour Bidouane), visit the fort at low tide, then settle on the beach as the tide comes in. The water rises quickly here: it is spectacular to watch, but keep an eye on your belongings.
Rochebonne beach — Le Sillon's quieter twin
Rochebonne beach is the natural extension of Le Sillon to the east, on the Paramé side. Same quality sand, same sea views, but with far fewer people. This is where the locals come to swim when Le Sillon gets too busy. The Rochebonne neighbourhood has a residential charm with its Belle Époque villas lined up facing the sea.
Bike access is identical to Le Sillon: the cycle path continues seamlessly along the seawall. You ride facing the sea, and the transition between the two beaches is barely noticeable. The only difference is the atmosphere: more local, more relaxed.
Our tip
If you are looking for the ideal spot to lay down your towel without the stress, this is it. As a bonus, the Rochebonne Beach Club offers activities for children (kite flying, guided sandcastle building, surf lessons). And there is an excellent ice cream shop on the corner of Rue de Rochebonne — ask for the salted caramel butter ice cream.
Du Pont beach — the best-kept secret
Du Pont beach hides between Paramé and Rothéneuf, away from prying eyes. It is a neighbourhood beach, frequented almost exclusively by locals. No beachfront restaurant, no lifeguard station (unsupervised), but complete tranquillity and shallow water that makes it an ideal playground for children.
To get there by bike, follow the coastal road from Rochebonne towards Rothéneuf. The last stretch is a short descent, then a 50-metre pedestrian path to the sand. It is not the most practical beach with heavy gear, but that very wildness is its charm.
Our tip
Bring your own picnic and water: there is nothing on site. That is precisely what makes the place special. At low tide, the exposed rocks form small natural pools where children love hunting for crabs and shrimps. A shrimp net costs 3 euros at any seaside shop in Saint-Malo.
Du Val beach — the family favourite
Du Val beach is the quintessential family beach of Paramé. Facing due north, it gets sun all day long and has a gentle slope that is perfect for pushchairs and bikes. It is a fine-sand beach bordered by small residences and gardens, well away from the bustle of Le Sillon.
Bike access is along the residential streets of Paramé, on flat ground. A bike parking area is at the top of the beach descent. The neighbourhood is quiet, with a few shops and a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays — perfect for picking up snacks before heading to the sand.
Our tip
Combine the beach with a visit to the Paramé market (Wednesdays and Saturdays, Place de la Gare de Rocabey). You will find oysters, galettes-saucisses, cider and Plougastel strawberries. Perfect for a beach picnic lunch.
Le Minihic beach — views of Dinard
Le Minihic is the westernmost beach in Saint-Malo, facing the Rance estuary and Dinard opposite. The atmosphere is completely different from the ocean-side beaches: the water is calmer, the current weaker, and you have a direct view of the Dinard villas and the Pointe du Moulinet.
To reach it by bike, go through the Saint-Servan quarter and head down towards the Anse Solidor. The route passes the Tour Solidor (a 14th-century medieval tower) and continues to the beach. It is a pleasant ride with a few short climbs — an e-bike makes the trip more comfortable.
Our tip
End your day at Le Minihic for sunset. The beach faces west, which is rare in Saint-Malo (most beaches face north). The sun sets behind Dinard, and the golden light over the estuary is spectacular. Combine it with a visit to the Tour Solidor (Cape Horn museum, free entry).
Anse du Guesclin and Nicet beach — wild escape
For those who want to get off the beaten track, head east to the commune of Saint-Coulomb. The Anse du Guesclin is a wild cove overlooked by an isolated fort on a small island (once owned by the singer Léo Ferré). The setting is dramatic: cliffs, rocks, a solitary fort, and very few people.
The bike ride from Saint-Malo follows the coastal road towards Cancale, a route we describe in detail in our article on the best bike rides from Saint-Malo. Nicet beach, right next door, is even more discreet: a small strip of sand reached by a path between the rocks. It is the wildest beach on the entire Saint-Malo coastline.
Our tip
The Anse du Guesclin is magnificent at low tide, when you can walk on the sand right up to the fort. Be warned: the tide rises very fast here and cuts off access to the fort in under 30 minutes. Always check tide times before venturing out. For Nicet beach, bring water shoes — the access is rocky.
Quick comparison: which beach to choose?
| Beach | Cycling distance | Best for | Recommended bike | Lifeguards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Sillon | 5 min | Cycling + swimming | Any | Yes |
| Bon-Secours | 7 min | Natural pool, photos | City, e-bike | Yes |
| L'Éventail | 7 min | Fort National, sheltered | City, e-bike | No |
| Rochebonne | 8 min | Peace and quiet, families | Any | Yes |
| Du Pont | 12 min | Total peace, nature | City, MTB | No |
| Du Val | 10 min | Families, easy access | Any | No |
| Le Minihic | 15 min | Sunset, tranquillity | E-bike | Yes |
| Anse du Guesclin | 25 min | Adventure, wild nature | E-bike, MTB | No |
Tides and beaches: what you need to know
Saint-Malo has the largest tidal range in continental Europe, reaching up to 14 metres during the equinox spring tides. In practice, this means a beach can go from 200 metres of sand to a thin strip in a few hours. It is neither dangerous nor problematic — it is actually one of the most fascinating spectacles on the coast — but you do need to factor it in.
At low tide
The beaches are enormous. It is the ideal time for walks, rock pooling, exploring and reaching the islands (Grand Bé, Fort National, Fort du Guesclin). Natural rock pools are uncovered. Allow 2 to 3 hours around low water to make the most of it.
At high tide
The beaches are smaller but swimming conditions are at their best. The Bon-Secours pool fills up. The water is warmer (heated by the sand as it rises). This is also when the waves at Le Sillon are at their finest.
Where to check the times?
Tide times are displayed at the entrance to every beach, at the tourist office, and in most cafes and hotels. The Marée.info app (free) gives detailed forecasts for Saint-Malo. The tidal coefficient ranges from 20 (neap tide, low range) to 120 (spring tide, maximum range). Above 100, the spectacle is guaranteed.
Practical tips for cycling to the beach
Which bike for the beach?
For the beaches at Le Sillon, Rochebonne and Du Val, a city bike is all you need: the terrain is flat and the cycle paths well-maintained. For Bon-Secours, L'Éventail and Le Minihic, an e-bike is more comfortable due to the short climbs around the ramparts and Saint-Servan. For the Anse du Guesclin, we recommend an MTB or e-bike: the ride is longer and the coastal road has some false flats.
Where to lock your bike?
Every Bikey Rent rental includes a solid Abus lock. Le Sillon and Rochebonne beaches have the most bike racks (around twenty in total along the seawall). For other beaches, lock up to railings or posts at the top of beach access points. Golden rule: always lock both the frame AND the front wheel.
The beach circuit: all beaches in one day
The "beach circuit" covers about 12 kilometres and lets you see all 8 beaches in a day. Start at Le Minihic (Rance side), head up to Bon-Secours and L'Éventail (old town), then Le Sillon and Rochebonne (along the seawall), and finish with Du Val and Du Pont (Paramé/Rothéneuf). Allow 2 to 3 hours of actual cycling, plus breaks and swimming time. With an e-bike, it is effortless.
What to bring?
A windbreaker (even in summer, the wind can pick up), sunscreen, water and a picnic. If you rent from us, we offer waterproof Ortlieb panniers that clip onto the back of the bike — perfect for carrying towels and beach gear without sweating under a backpack. The optional Garmin GPS (7 euros/day) has all beach access points pre-loaded.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I park my bike at the beaches in Saint-Malo?
Most beaches in Saint-Malo have bike racks. Le Sillon has around twenty along the seawall. At Bon-Secours, racks are located at the entrance near the ramparts. For other beaches, the seafront railings serve as locking points. We provide an Abus lock with every rental.
Which is the best beach in Saint-Malo for families on bikes?
Le Sillon beach is the most bike-friendly for families: the cycle path runs along the entire 3-kilometre seawall, the terrain is perfectly flat, and bike racks are plentiful. Du Val beach is also an excellent choice, with easy access and a quieter atmosphere.
Can you cycle to all the beaches in Saint-Malo in one day?
Yes. The 8 main beaches are spread across a circuit of about 12 kilometres. Allow 2 to 3 hours of actual cycling, plus time for swimming and breaks. With a city bike or an e-bike, it is doable for everyone, including families.
Are the beaches in Saint-Malo supervised in summer?
Le Sillon, Bon-Secours, Rochebonne and Le Minihic are supervised by lifeguards from mid-June to mid-September, usually from 11am to 7pm. Exact times vary with the tide and are displayed on site. The other beaches (Du Pont, Du Val, L'Éventail, Anse du Guesclin) are unsupervised.
Why do the tides matter for beach visits in Saint-Malo?
Saint-Malo has the largest tidal range in continental Europe, with differences of up to 14 metres. At high tide, some beaches are reduced to a thin strip of sand. At low tide, they stretch out for hundreds of metres. The natural swimming pool at Bon-Secours only fills at high tide. Check the Marée.info app or the signs at beach entrances.
Is the water cold in Saint-Malo?
Water temperature in Saint-Malo ranges from 10°C in winter to 19-20°C in August. In midsummer, it is refreshing but perfectly fine for swimming. The natural pool at Bon-Secours is usually a couple of degrees warmer, as the water is heated by the sand as the tide rises.
Key takeaways
- ✓Le Sillon (3 km of sand) is the most bike-friendly beach thanks to its seafront cycle path.
- ✓Bon-Secours has Saint-Malo's only natural seawater swimming pool, at the foot of the ramparts.
- ✓The 8 main beaches form a 12 km circuit that is doable in one day by bike.
- ✓The tides (up to 14 m range) dramatically transform each beach — check times before you go.
- ✓For sunset, head to Le Minihic (the only west-facing beach).
- ✓Also check out our best bike rides from Saint-Malo to explore further.
Ready for the beach circuit?
Rent a bike and explore all 8 beaches of Saint-Malo in one day. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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The Bikey Rent Team
Based in Saint-Malo, our team cycles to the beaches and along the Côte d'Émeraude all year round. Every beach in this guide has been visited and tested by bike by our team, at different tides and seasons. We rent bikes in Saint-Malo and know every beach access, every bike rack and every shortcut. Got a question? Get in touch — we love talking about it.