Plage du Môle
Historic beach beneath Saint-Malo's ramparts, featuring a unique tidal seawater pool and iconic diving board.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Plage du Môle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic beach beneath Saint-Malo's ramparts, featuring a unique tidal seawater pool and iconic diving board.
"A really great place, safe clean beach bathing for all, children loved it!"
Check Tide Times! 🌊
The seawater pool vanishes at high tide. Plan your visit accordingly for the best swimming experience!
Walk the Ramparts 🚶♀️
Don't miss exploring the historic ramparts for incredible views and a dose of pirate history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Piscine de Bon Secours
Plage du Môle
Iconic seawater pool carved into the rocks, disappearing and reappearing with the tides. A unique swimming spot!
Saint-Malo Ramparts
City walls surrounding Saint-Malo
Walk atop nearly 1,000-year-old ramparts for breathtaking ocean views and a glimpse into pirate history.
Sandy Shores and Rock Pools
Plage du Môle
A beautiful sandy beach with rocky outcrops, perfect for sunbathing and exploring at low tide.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Tides and Crowds
Beyond the Beach: Explore the Ramparts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times! 🌊
The seawater pool vanishes at high tide. Plan your visit accordingly for the best swimming experience!
Walk the Ramparts 🚶♀️
Don't miss exploring the historic ramparts for incredible views and a dose of pirate history.
Pack Beach Essentials 🏖️
Bring your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen for a day of sun and sea at this beautiful beach.
Low Tide Exploration 🐚
At low tide, discover rock pools and enjoy the beach bar. People often collect mussels then!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times! 🌊
The seawater pool vanishes at high tide. Plan your visit accordingly for the best swimming experience!
Walk the Ramparts 🚶♀️
Don't miss exploring the historic ramparts for incredible views and a dose of pirate history.
Pack Beach Essentials 🏖️
Bring your swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen for a day of sun and sea at this beautiful beach.
Low Tide Exploration 🐚
At low tide, discover rock pools and enjoy the beach bar. People often collect mussels then!
Taste Local Delights 🍦
Try the famous Bordier butter at its origin shop nearby, a true taste of Brittany!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Plage du Môle for its unique tidal seawater pool and stunning location beneath the historic ramparts. The beach offers a safe and enjoyable experience for families, with opportunities for exploration at low tide. While some note limited facilities, the overall atmosphere and views are highly regarded.
"A really great place, safe clean beach bathing for all, children loved it! Sandy with rock outcrops. Hard to believe it was all bombed so intensively in the second world war! There's a beach bar and loads of corse sand. Steps lead up to the walled town nearby and the wall to walk round at the top too."
Mike’s Outside
"Nice beach, great views. Love it at low tide, people collecting mussels and you can walk on rocks usually hidden in the water"
Natasha Kulagina
"Beautiful view of the open ocean also in veiw of watching the in comming ferry's stunning water and ilads surrounding in the water"
Daniel Farmer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plage du Môle is easily accessible within Saint-Malo. You can walk from the city center or take local buses. It's located right beneath the city's famous ramparts.
Saint-Malo is about a 3.5-hour train ride from Paris, making it a feasible coastal getaway.
Walking is ideal for exploring the ramparts and the beach area. For longer distances, local buses are available.
Parking can be challenging in the historic center. It's often easier to park slightly further out and walk or use public transport.
Yes, the main attraction is the historic walled city of Saint-Malo itself, with its ramparts and charming streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plage du Môle is a public beach and is free to access. The seawater pool is also free to use.
The beach is open 24/7, but the seawater pool's usability depends on the tides.
There is no entry fee for the Piscine de Bon Secours; it's a public amenity.
Consider visiting during low tide to explore rock pools and enjoy the beach bar. Weekday mornings are less crowded.
Generally, no specific restrictions apply, but always be mindful of the tides and weather conditions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim in the seawater pool, sunbathe on the sandy beach, explore rock pools at low tide, and walk along the nearby ramparts.
The pool is generally safe, but always supervise children, especially as the tides change.
There's a beach bar and plenty of coarse sand. Restrooms might be available nearby, especially during peak season.
Yes, steps lead up from the beach area to the historic ramparts, offering stunning views.
It's a seawater pool carved into the rock that disappears at high tide and reappears at low tide, with an iconic diving board. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants in Saint-Malo, including options with spectacular views like Colette.
Don't miss trying the famous Bordier butter, a local specialty made from fresh organic milk.
Yes, there is a beach bar available, especially enjoyable during low tide.
Saint-Malo, being a coastal city, offers excellent seafood options in many of its restaurants.
You can find creperies and casual eateries in Saint-Malo offering more affordable meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the seawater pool with the ramparts in the background, the diving board, and the panoramic ocean views from the ramparts. +1
Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) offers beautiful light. Low tide also provides interesting compositions with rock pools.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules before flying a drone over the beach or city.
The unique tidal pool, the historic ramparts, and the dramatic coastal scenery make it very photogenic.
The top of the ramparts offers the most iconic viewpoints overlooking the beach and the sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities can be limited, especially outside peak season. There's a beach bar for refreshments. Consider visiting during low tide when more of the beach is exposed and rock pools can be explored, providing natural entertainment for curious kids.
🏖️ Beach Lovers & Sun Seekers
The views from the beach, looking out towards the open ocean and back at the historic ramparts, are simply stunning. It's a perfect place to soak up the sun, enjoy the sea breeze, and capture beautiful coastal scenery. Visiting during the warmer months ensures the best conditions for sunbathing and swimming.
🏰 History Buffs & Culture Explorers
Learn about the city's resilience, having been rebuilt after significant WWII damage, and its legacy as a stronghold for French explorers like Jacques Cartier. The entire walled city is a living museum, and the beach provides a scenic starting point for your historical exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Tidal Pool
Many visitors find the experience of swimming in this tidal pool unforgettable. It offers a safe and contained swimming experience with the added bonus of stunning views of the ocean and the historic city walls. The pool is a testament to Saint-Malo's deep connection with the sea, a city once known as the 'Pirate City'.
When planning your visit, checking the tide times is crucial. A low tide visit allows you to fully appreciate the pool and explore the surrounding rock formations, where locals sometimes gather mussels. Conversely, a high tide visit might mean seeing the pool partially or fully submerged, offering a different, yet equally dramatic, perspective.
Walking the Historic Ramparts
From the ramparts, you can observe the ebb and flow of the tides, the bustling port, and the vast expanse of the sea. It's a perfect spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light casts a magical glow over the granite walls and the ocean. You can also spot ferries coming and going, adding a dynamic element to the scenery.
Many visitors recommend dedicating time to walk the entire circuit of the ramparts. It's an excellent way to get your bearings, appreciate the city's resilience (having been heavily bombed in WWII and rebuilt stone by stone), and understand its strategic importance throughout history. The views are consistently praised, making it a highlight for most who visit.
A Taste of Brittany: Bordier Butter
Visiting the original Bordier shop offers a unique experience. You can witness the skilled artisans shaping the butter into blocks, a process that is as visually appealing as the butter is delicious. It's a testament to the quality and craftsmanship associated with Breton produce.
For food enthusiasts, seeking out Bordier butter is a must-do. It elevates simple meals and is a perfect souvenir to bring a taste of France home. Many visitors rave about its superior flavor and texture, making it a memorable part of their Saint-Malo experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit