Thermes Marins de Saint-Malo
Historic corsair city with dramatic tides, offering therapeutic spa experiences and stunning coastal ramparts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Thermes Marins de Saint-Malo
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic corsair city with dramatic tides, offering therapeutic spa experiences and stunning coastal ramparts.
"Wonderful Aquatonic pools with lots of jets in salt water, very therapeutic."
🌊 Check Tide Times
Witnessing the powerful tides is a must! Plan your visit around high tide for dramatic wave views.
🧖♀️ Book Spa Treatments Early
The Aquatonic pools and spa are popular. Book your therapeutic sessions in advance to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aquatonic Pools
Thermes Marins
Invigorating seawater pools with numerous jets for a therapeutic and relaxing experience.
Ramparts of Saint-Malo
Intra-Muros (Walled City)
Walk along the historic ramparts for breathtaking views of the sea and the city.
Bon Secours Pool
Near the ramparts
A unique seawater pool that appears and disappears with the tides, offering a natural swimming experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tides
Book Spa Treatments in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Check Tide Times
Witnessing the powerful tides is a must! Plan your visit around high tide for dramatic wave views. +2
🧖♀️ Book Spa Treatments Early
The Aquatonic pools and spa are popular. Book your therapeutic sessions in advance to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
Walk the historic ramparts for stunning coastal views and a sense of history. +1
🧈 Taste Bordier Butter
Visit the original shop for artisanal butter made from fresh, local milk. A true Breton delicacy!
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Check Tide Times
Witnessing the powerful tides is a must! Plan your visit around high tide for dramatic wave views. +2
🧖♀️ Book Spa Treatments Early
The Aquatonic pools and spa are popular. Book your therapeutic sessions in advance to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Explore the Ramparts
Walk the historic ramparts for stunning coastal views and a sense of history. +1
🧈 Taste Bordier Butter
Visit the original shop for artisanal butter made from fresh, local milk. A true Breton delicacy!
🏊♀️ Experience Tidal Pools
Discover unique seawater pools like Bon Secours that emerge with the tides.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saint-Malo's Thermes Marins offers a therapeutic spa experience with its renowned Aquatonic pools, praised for their numerous jets and saltwater benefits. However, some visitors report issues with customer service and management, citing a lack of flexibility in treatment packages and disorganized scheduling. The hotel also faces criticism for guests not adhering to a dress code at breakfast.
"Bad service not only in spa which is completely mechanical, but in the outdoor restaurant where the staff is ill-trained. The food is well presented, and I’m sure that the chef is excellent, but the staff here really do not do justice to the environment the location and the food very very bad service overall"
Barbara Masefield
"Wonderful Aquatonic pools. Lots of jets in salt water, very therapeutic. Has sauna and steam room, ice booth."
bernice scott-field
"Great hotel but let down by guests coming to breakfast in their bathrobes and slippers. This lack of appropriate dress code was disappointing. (As well as unpleasant)"
Kent Benson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saint-Malo is accessible by train from Paris (approx. 2.5 hours) and other major French cities. Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can be challenging within the walled city. +1
Yes, the historic Intra-Muros (walled city) is very walkable. For exploring further afield, local buses and taxis are available. Consider renting a bike for scenic coastal rides.
Walking the ramparts is the most popular way to experience them. You can access them from various points around the city. Allow at least an hour to walk a significant portion.
Yes, there's a local bus network that connects different parts of Saint-Malo. Taxis are also readily available for convenience.
While possible, it's a long day trip (around 5 hours round trip by train). Many visitors prefer to stay overnight to fully experience the city and its surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking the ramparts of Saint-Malo is free and accessible to everyone. +1
The Thermes Marins typically opens daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on spa and pool access.
Entry to the spa and Aquatonic pools usually requires booking a treatment package or a day pass. Prices vary depending on the services chosen.
Discounts may be available during off-peak seasons or for specific packages. It's advisable to check the Thermes Marins website or contact them directly for current offers.
Yes, the beaches and tidal pools like Bon Secours are generally free to access and enjoy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss walking the ramparts, exploring the Intra-Muros, visiting the Bon Secours tidal pool, and experiencing the Aquatonic pools at Thermes Marins. +2
The Aquatonic pools offer a therapeutic journey with numerous water jets designed for relaxation and muscle relief in saltwater. It also includes saunas and steam rooms.
Swimwear is mandatory for the pools. Robes and towels are usually provided or can be rented. Some guests have noted issues with other visitors' attire at breakfast.
Some reviews suggest that treatments are offered in pre-set packages, with limited flexibility in choosing individual therapies.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light for photos and fewer crowds. Sunset views from the ramparts are particularly stunning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Seafood is a must-try, especially oysters from nearby Cancale. Also, don't forget to sample Breton crepes and galettes.
Within the Intra-Muros, you'll find numerous restaurants offering fresh catches. Look for places with outdoor seating for a charming dining experience.
While the food is well-presented, some reviews mention poor service at the outdoor restaurant, which may detract from the overall dining experience.
Yes, bakeries and creperies within the walled city offer delicious and quick options for snacks or light meals.
While seafood is prominent, many restaurants offer salads and other dishes that can be adapted for vegetarians. Crepes and galettes can also be made with vegetable fillings.
📸 📸 Photography
The ramparts offer panoramic views, the Bon Secours pool at different tide levels, and the charming streets of Intra-Muros are all highly photogenic. +2
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) provides beautiful light. Midday can be harsh, but the dramatic tides can create unique photographic opportunities.
Generally, photography is not permitted in spa areas for privacy reasons. Check the specific rules of Thermes Marins.
The corners of the ramparts offer expansive sea views. The area around the Bon Secours pool provides a unique perspective of the changing coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the ramparts and sea vistas. A waterproof camera or phone case is useful for coastal shots, especially during high tide. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Bon Secours tidal pool is a unique and safe place for children to splash around, as it's protected from the open sea. While the Thermes Marins spa is more geared towards adults, the general seaside environment and the historic city provide plenty of engaging activities for younger visitors. Consider packing beach toys and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ramparts and city streets.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food, opt for creperies and bakeries for delicious and affordable meals. Picnics with local produce from markets are another great option. While the Thermes Marins spa is a splurge, experiencing the natural beauty and history of Saint-Malo doesn't require a large budget.
couples
Consider a relaxing afternoon at the Thermes Marins for a couples' spa experience, or find a secluded spot on the beach to watch the dramatic tides. The charming streets of Intra-Muros are perfect for hand-in-hand exploration, discovering quaint shops and picturesque corners.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of Saint-Malo's Tides
Witnessing these tidal shifts is a unique experience. Checking the tide tables is crucial for planning your visit. Low tide is perfect for beachcombing and exploring the exposed seabed, while high tide offers a spectacular, albeit sometimes intimidating, show of the sea's power. The Bon Secours pool is a prime example of this interplay, appearing and disappearing with the rhythm of the ocean.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the changing tides offer endless opportunities. The dramatic contrast between low and high tide creates vastly different landscapes and moods. Be mindful of safety during high tides, as conditions can become hazardous. Local advice often emphasizes respecting the sea and understanding its power.
Thermes Marins: A Thalassotherapy Experience
Visitors often praise the effectiveness of the Aquatonic pools for relieving stress and muscle tension. The saltwater environment is believed to have numerous health benefits. However, some guest experiences highlight potential issues with management and customer service, with one review mentioning a lack of flexibility in treatment packages and scheduling.
When planning a visit to Thermes Marins, it's advisable to book treatments and sessions in advance, especially during busy periods. Researching the available packages and understanding what is included can help manage expectations. While the spa offers a unique wellness opportunity, being aware of potential service inconsistencies, as noted in some reviews, can help ensure a smoother visit.
Exploring the Historic Walled City (Intra-Muros)
Inside the walls, you'll discover a labyrinth of narrow streets, charming squares, and historic buildings. This area is packed with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, making it a delightful place to wander and soak in the atmosphere. Key landmarks include the Saint-Vincent Cathedral and the Château de Saint-Malo.
Exploring Intra-Muros is best done on foot. Allow ample time to get lost in its alleys and discover hidden gems. The city's history as a corsair stronghold adds a layer of intrigue to its architecture and stories.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit