Plage du Sillon Saint-Malo
A vast, sandy urban beach in Saint-Malo, offering long walks, swimming, and stunning views of historic fortifications and the sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour sunsets
Plage du Sillon Saint-Malo
Best Time
Golden hour sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, sandy urban beach in Saint-Malo, offering long walks, swimming, and stunning views of historic fortifications and the sea.
"I simply adore it, the beach with fine sand, the sea of a spectacular color, the vibe of this corner of heaven."
Check Tide Times ⏰
Crucial for enjoying the beach and tidal pool. Low tide reveals vast sands, high tide is for swimming.
Rampart Views 🏰
Walk the ramparts for stunning coastal panoramas before or after beach time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Plage du Sillon
Saint-Malo
A vast, sandy urban beach perfect for long walks, sunbathing, and enjoying sea breezes.
Ramparts of Saint-Malo
Intra-Muros
Historic fortifications offering breathtaking views of the city, sea, and surrounding islands.
Piscine de Bon Secours
Near the ramparts
A unique tidal sea pool carved into the rocks, appearing and disappearing with the tides.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tides
Walk the Ramparts First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times ⏰
Crucial for enjoying the beach and tidal pool. Low tide reveals vast sands, high tide is for swimming.
Rampart Views 🏰
Walk the ramparts for stunning coastal panoramas before or after beach time.
Sunset Spot 🌅
The Hotel des Ambassadeurs rooftop offers amazing sunset views over the Sillon.
Seaside Strolls 👫🪑
Perfect for romantic walks, especially along the dike and beach at sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times ⏰
Crucial for enjoying the beach and tidal pool. Low tide reveals vast sands, high tide is for swimming.
Rampart Views 🏰
Walk the ramparts for stunning coastal panoramas before or after beach time.
Sunset Spot 🌅
The Hotel des Ambassadeurs rooftop offers amazing sunset views over the Sillon.
Seaside Strolls 👫🪑
Perfect for romantic walks, especially along the dike and beach at sunset.
Wing Foil Fun 🥳
Experience or watch the annual Wing Foil event on the beach in June.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the 'wonderful place' with a 'wild, sauvage feel' and 'incredible history.' The beach is praised for its fine sand and spectacular sea color, offering a 'vibe of this corner of heaven.' The long stretch of sand and gorgeous views are consistently highlighted as major draws, making it a truly adored destination.
"Douce France où la mer qu'on voit danser:)
It's really a wonderful place, unique, but also one of many beautiful places in northern France.
There is this certain vibe there, this sort of wild, sauvage feel to these places. Maybe it's a feeling of freedom, or the incredible history that is preserved by the marvelous architecture?"
Alexander L
"I don't have enough words to describe the beauty of this place, the beach with fine sand, the sea of a spectacular color, the vibe of this corner of heaven. I simply adore it 🥰"
Sasha
"Great beach that is long enough for a long walk in the sand."
Christoph Dopplinger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plage du Sillon is easily accessible from Saint-Malo's Intra-Muros. You can walk from the city center (about 10-15 minutes) or take local buses. If arriving by train, the station is about a 15-minute walk away, with part of the route along the coast.
Yes, there are several parking areas near the beach, including along the dike and in nearby streets. However, during peak season, parking can be challenging and expensive. Consider public transport or walking if possible.
Absolutely! Saint-Malo has a train station with regular connections to major cities like Rennes and Paris. The station is conveniently located, making it a great option for a day trip or longer stay.
Walking is highly recommended! You can stroll along the beach, the dike, and the historic ramparts. For longer distances, local buses are available. Renting a bike is also a popular option.
If you're driving, consider scenic coastal routes in Brittany. The journey itself can be part of the adventure, with charming villages and viewpoints along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plage du Sillon is a public beach and is free to access. You can enjoy the sand, sea, and promenade without any admission charge.
The beach is open 24/7, but facilities like lifeguards and nearby cafes will have specific operating hours, especially outside of the main summer season.
Accessing the ramparts of Saint-Malo is also free. You can walk along them at any time to enjoy the views.
The Piscine de Bon Secours is a natural tidal pool, so its accessibility is entirely dependent on the tides. Check tide charts to know when it will be full or empty.
Yes, the beach hosts events like the 'La Mal'Wing' Wing Foil competition in June. Keep an eye on local event listings for other activities.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, take long walks along the 3km stretch of sand, or stroll on the dike. It's also a popular spot for water sports like wing foiling. 
Yes, it's a great family-friendly beach with plenty of space for children to play. The gentle slope into the water can be suitable for younger swimmers, but always supervise children closely.
The water temperature can be cool, even in summer, as it's the Atlantic Ocean. It's generally clean and refreshing. Lifeguards are often present during peak season.
Public restrooms and showers are typically available near the beach, especially along the promenade and dike. Check local signage for exact locations.
The line of breakwaters protects the dike and beach from the force of the waves, making the area calmer and safer for beachgoers and residents. [^Reviews]
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are numerous cafes, creperies, and restaurants along the promenade and within the Intra-Muros. You can find everything from casual snacks to more formal dining experiences.
Saint-Malo is renowned for its seafood. Look for restaurants serving fresh oysters, mussels, and local fish specialties. Many establishments offer sea views. [^Reviews]
Yes, picnicking is a great option. You can buy supplies from local bakeries and markets and enjoy a meal on the sand or at one of the many benches along the promenade.
Yes, the promenade along Plage du Sillon is lined with establishments where you can enjoy a drink or a meal with a view of the sea.
Don't miss trying Breton crepes and galettes (savory buckwheat crepes). They are a local specialty and widely available in creperies within Intra-Muros and near the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire length of the beach offers great photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. The ramparts provide elevated views, and the breakwaters add interesting foreground elements.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic light for photography. The changing tides also create dynamic scenes.
Yes, Fort National is visible from Plage du Sillon, especially at low tide when you can walk towards it. It makes for a picturesque subject in your photos.
Drone regulations can vary and are often restricted in urban areas and near beaches. It's essential to check current local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and sea. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details like Fort National or distant boats. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
with a gradual slope into the water, though always supervise young children closely. During the summer months, lifeguards are often on duty, adding an extra layer of safety. Consider packing beach toys and snacks for a full day of fun. The promenade along the beach offers easy access for strollers, and there are usually public restrooms and showers nearby. For a unique experience, the Piscine de Bon Secours
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
along the expansive beach, especially during the magical sunset hours.+1 The sound of the waves and the vast ocean views create a serene and intimate setting. Consider booking a hotel with a sea view
or enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants with ocean vistas. A stroll along the historic ramparts🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Take advantage of the tidal pool at Bon Secours
and the charming maritime atmosphere. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Saint-Malo's Tides
When the tide comes in, the beach transforms into a popular spot for swimming and water activities. The presence of breakwaters[^Reviews] along the Sillon helps to calm the waves, creating a more protected environment for swimmers. This natural protection also safeguards the dike, a significant historical structure built to defend against the powerful Atlantic. The interplay of tides creates a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, offering a different experience depending on the time of day.
Many visitors find the tidal aspect of Saint-Malo to be one of its most captivating features. It adds a sense of wildness and unpredictability to the coastal experience, reminding you of the powerful forces of nature at play. Whether you're enjoying the vastness of the low tide or the refreshing embrace of the high tide, the sea's rhythm is central to the charm of Plage du Sillon. [^Reviews]
Exploring Saint-Malo's Historic Ramparts
The ramparts provide a unique vantage point to appreciate the layout of Saint-Malo, from the bustling port to the sandy expanse of Plage du Sillon. You can easily spot landmarks like Fort National and the Grand Bé island. Many visitors recommend starting their rampart walk from La Porte Saint-Thomas for a good introduction to the fortifications.
+1Unlike many historical sites, the ramparts are freely accessible, allowing you to explore them at your own pace. You can spend an hour or an entire afternoon wandering along the walls, stopping at various viewpoints, and soaking in the atmosphere. It's a perfect complement to a day spent relaxing on the beach, offering a dose of history and breathtaking scenery.
Sunset Spectacles at Plage du Sillon
A particularly recommended spot for sunset viewing is the rooftop of the Hotel des Ambassadeurs, located on the Sillon beach. This elevated perspective offers a breathtaking panorama of the coastline and the fiery sky, creating an unforgettable experience.
Even without access to a rooftop, the beach itself, the promenade, and the dike offer fantastic vantage points. The long stretch of sand and the gentle lapping of waves provide a serene backdrop for the daily spectacle. +1Many visitors describe the sunsets here as 'fabuleux' (fabulous) and a perfect opportunity to capture stunning images or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility. The combination of the sea, the sand, and the dramatic sky makes for a truly magical end to the day in Saint-Malo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit