Rothéneuf Rock Carvings
Intricate seaside sculptures carved into granite cliffs by Abbot Fouéré, offering a unique blend of art and dramatic coastal scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Access beach & more carvings
Rothéneuf Rock Carvings
Best Time
Access beach & more carvings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Intricate seaside sculptures carved into granite cliffs by Abbot Fouéré, offering a unique blend of art and dramatic coastal scenery.
"Unique attraction with an amazing backstory. Stunning location right on the edge of the rocks."
Check Tide Times 🌊
Essential for beach access & best views. Plan your visit around low tide!
Free Coastal Walk Option 🚶♀️
See sculptures from the coast without paying restaurant fees.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Abbot's Sculptures
Oceanside cliffs
Intricate carvings by Abbot Adolphe Julien Fouéré, telling stories etched into the granite.
Coastal Views
Edge of the rocks
Stunning ocean vistas complement the unique artwork, offering a dramatic backdrop.
Beach Access at Low Tide
Foot of the statues
Explore the beach below the carvings when the tide recedes, revealing more of the site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Access and Cost
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times 🌊
Essential for beach access & best views. Plan your visit around low tide!
Free Coastal Walk Option 🚶♀️
See sculptures from the coast without paying restaurant fees.
Symbolic Entrance Fee 💰
A small fee of around €2.50 is worth it for this unique site.
Watch Little Ones Closely ⚠️
Steep drop-offs near sculptures, be cautious with children.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times 🌊
Essential for beach access & best views. Plan your visit around low tide!
Free Coastal Walk Option 🚶♀️
See sculptures from the coast without paying restaurant fees.
Symbolic Entrance Fee 💰
A small fee of around €2.50 is worth it for this unique site.
Watch Little Ones Closely ⚠️
Steep drop-offs near sculptures, be cautious with children.
Quick Visit Possible ⏱️
Can be seen in about 5-10 minutes if you're short on time.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Rothéneuf Rock Carvings to be a unique attraction with a compelling backstory, set against a stunning coastal backdrop. While some note the site is small and can be viewed quickly, the opportunity to explore the beach at low tide and the option for free viewing are significant positives. Caution is advised for families due to cliff drop-offs.
"Unique attraction with an amazing backstory. Stunning location right on the edge of the rocks. Beware if you take small children as there are precipitous drop offs while looking at some of the sculptures."
David Hadley
"An excursion from Saint-Malo is not a bad option if you have seen everything else in the town,especially to walk to the islands when the water is low, and you have free time."
Eleni Farsakoglou
"Worth a visit but don't go via the restaurant and pay £5 you can walk along the coast and see them for free!"
Joanna Ayliffe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Rothéneuf Rock Carvings are located by the sea near Saint-Malo. Many visitors make it an excursion from Saint-Malo itself. Walking along the coast is a popular way to reach them, especially during low tide.
Some visitors have reported difficulty finding them, suggesting they might be off the main paths or require careful observation. Checking tide times is crucial for the best access.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, it's generally accessible by car, with many visitors combining it with a trip to Saint-Malo. Consider local parking availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is often described as symbolic, around €2.50. However, some visitors note that you can walk along the coast and see the carvings for free, bypassing any restaurant-associated charges. +1
As an outdoor attraction carved into the rocks, there are no strict opening hours. However, visiting during low tide is highly recommended for the best experience and access to the beach.
No advance booking is typically required for the Rothéneuf Rock Carvings, especially if you opt for the free coastal viewing. The symbolic entrance fee can usually be paid on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The site features numerous intricate sculptures carved directly into the granite cliffs by Abbot Adolphe Julien Fouéré between 1894 and 1907. These carvings depict various figures and scenes.
Many visitors find the site to be quite small and can be seen in about 5 to 10 minutes. However, if you explore the beach at low tide and take in the views, you might spend a bit longer.
While visually interesting, visitors should be cautious with small children due to precipitous drop-offs along the cliffs. Adult supervision is strongly advised.
The best experience is often during low tide, allowing you to walk on the beach at the foot of the statues and get closer to the carvings. The scenic coastal views are also a major draw.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic interplay of the carved figures against the ocean backdrop. The coastal views and the unique texture of the granite offer excellent photographic potential. 
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the details of the carvings. Consider the tide for unique perspectives from the beach.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider visiting during low tide to allow children to explore the beach area safely, away from the immediate cliff edges. The visual nature of the carvings might capture their attention briefly, but the primary focus should be on safety and enjoying the coastal scenery from secure viewpoints.
🚶 Budget Travelers
While there might be a small, symbolic entrance fee if you go through a specific restaurant or access point, opting for the free coastal walk is a perfectly viable and enjoyable alternative. This allows you to appreciate the unique artwork and the stunning seaside location without any cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Vision of Abbot Fouéré
These carvings are not just random etchings; they are believed to tell stories and represent figures from various traditions. The location itself, right on the edge of the sea, adds a dramatic and almost mystical quality to the artwork. Visitors often remark on the unique atmosphere created by the combination of art, nature, and the historical context of the abbot's work.
+1While the site is relatively small and can be viewed quickly, its historical and artistic significance makes it a noteworthy stop. The backstory of the abbot and his solitary endeavor adds a layer of intrigue that enhances the visitor experience, making it more than just a collection of statues.
Navigating the Tides and Access
Visitors are strongly advised to check local tide charts before their visit. Planning your trip to coincide with low tide will allow you to walk along the beach, get closer to the base of the sculptures, and appreciate the full scope of the carvings. This also provides a more immersive experience, connecting you directly with the environment that inspired the artwork.
While some reviews mention a small entrance fee, often associated with a nearby restaurant, others highlight that the carvings can be viewed for free by simply walking along the coast. This offers flexibility for different visitor preferences and budgets. However, regardless of how you access them, being mindful of the tides is paramount for the most rewarding visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit