Things to do in Saint-Malo: 20 activities by bike

1.7 km of promenade with 360-degree views: the harbour, beaches, Fort National, islands and Dinard. 45 minutes on foot. Open 24/7. The most photographed viewpoint in Brittany. Lock your bike at the racks by the Porte Saint-Vincent.

Romanesque-Gothic cathedral from the 12th century in the heart of the walled city. Remarkable stained glass, particularly the rose window. Jacques Cartier was blessed here before departing for Canada in 1534. 10-15 minutes is enough for a visit.

The cobbled streets of the walled city are filled with biscuit shops (the famous galettes de Saint-Malo), chocolatiers, salted caramel and maritime bookshops. Rue de Dinan and rue Jacques Cartier are the liveliest. Terraces on place Chateaubriand.

Rocky islet accessible on foot from Bon-Secours at low tide. Chateaubriand's tomb facing the open sea. 30 minutes round trip. Accessible for about 3 hours around low water. Check the tide times. Details in our one-day itinerary.

A Vauban fortress (1689) on an islet facing the ramparts. 35-minute guided tour with spectacular views of the walled city. Accessible on foot at low tide only. Open in summer (check the calendar). One of the best-preserved forts on the coast.

3 km of fine sand, the iconic wooden stakes, and a cycle path along the promenade. The signature beach of Saint-Malo. Lifeguards in summer. At low tide, the sand stretches out 200 metres. 5 minutes by bike from the centre.

A seawater pool at the foot of the ramparts, retained by a stone dam (1937). Swimmable at high tide. The diving board with the ramparts behind it is the most Instagrammed shot in Saint-Malo. Full guide in our beach article.

At low tide, the rocks uncover and form natural pools where crabs, shrimps, winkles and anemones await explorers. A shrimp net (3 euros) and water shoes are all you need. The plage du Pont and plage du Nicet are the best spots. A favourite with children.

300 faces carved into the cliff by Abbe Foure between 1870 and 1895. A unique, strange and fascinating site, 12 minutes by bike from the centre. The wild coastline around it is stunning for a walk.

The oyster capital, 15 km along the Vélomaritime. A dozen oysters at the port: 5-8 euros. The Pointe du Grouin is 5 km further for the panorama. Full guide: Saint-Malo to Cancale by bike.

A spectacular medieval town 28 km along the canal (flat, car-free). Ramparts, the port du Jerzual, half-timbered houses. Return by TER train (45 min, bikes travel free). Guide: cycle paths Saint-Malo.

Belle Epoque seaside resort opposite Saint-Malo. 407 listed villas, 3 beaches, the Clair de Lune promenade. 10 minutes by sea bus (bikes accepted). Guide: bike rental Dinard.

55 km via the Vélomaritime across the bay. Doable in 3-4 hours by electric bike. One of the most visited sites in France. Return by bus/TER from Pontorson. Guide: 5 bike rides.

A 14th-century medieval tower overlooking the Rance estuary. Museum of long-distance sailors. Panoramic views of Dinard from the top. 15 minutes by bike from the centre (a few hills, e-bike recommended).

A charming small harbour at the foot of the tour Solidor. The Cité d'Alet, 500 m away, is a fortified Gallo-Roman site with World War II bunkers and views of the Rance dam. A lesser-known and peaceful spot.

The largest tidal power station in the world (240 MW, operational since 1966). You can cycle across it to reach Dinard. The EDF Discovery Centre (free, a small museum on tidal energy) is worth a 20-minute stop.

Over 600 marine species, touch pool, shark ring, jellyfish. 2 hours to visit. 10 minutes by bike from the centre (heading south, avenue du Général Patton). The number one rainy-day activity in Saint-Malo, especially for families.

Heated seawater pool overlooking the beach, spa, hammam, treatments. The perfect spot after a day of cycling or on a rainy day. Right on the Sillon, 5 minutes by bike from the centre.

A galette complete (ham, cheese, egg) paired with a bowl of dry cider is the quintessential Breton lunch. The best creperies are on the smaller streets, away from place Chateaubriand: rue de l'Orme, rue de Dinan. 8-15 euros per person.

During spring tides (coefficient above 100), the sea rises over 12 metres and waves crash against the Sillon and ramparts with spectacular force. It is one of the most impressive natural phenomena in France. The equinox tides (March and September) are the most powerful. Watch from the Sillon promenade or the ramparts — by bike, you can change viewpoint in minutes.