Tour Bidouane Bastion - Image 1
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Tour Bidouane Bastion

4.7
·254 reviews·Saint-Malo, France

A historic 15th-century bastion on Saint-Malo's walls, offering dramatic sea views and a glimpse into maritime defense history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

High Tide

Dramatic waves and sea views

CrowdMedium
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Tour Bidouane Bastion - Image 1

Tour Bidouane Bastion

Best Time

High Tide

Dramatic waves and sea views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 15th-century bastion on Saint-Malo's walls, offering dramatic sea views and a glimpse into maritime defense history.

4.7
(254 reviews)

"This is the most scenic place and a must when in St Malo."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Tide Times First! :ocean:

Experience the bastion at both high and low tide for completely different, amazing views.

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The historic ramparts and rocky areas require sturdy footwear for safe exploration.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bastion's Majestic Presence

The Bastion's Majestic Presence

Tour Bidouane

A formidable 15th-century tower, a key part of Saint-Malo's historic fortifications.

Reddit
Panoramic Sea Views

Panoramic Sea Views

Top of the Bastion

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the English Channel and the surrounding coastline.

Reddit
High Tide Spectacle

High Tide Spectacle

Base of the Bastion

Witness the powerful force of the ocean as waves crash against the ancient stone.

TikTok+1
Low Tide Exploration

Low Tide Exploration

Rocky Promontory

Discover the unique rocky foundation of the bastion revealed by the receding tide.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything: Tides and Views

Experience Tour Bidouane Bastion at both high and low tide for dramatically different, yet equally stunning, perspectives. High tide brings the sea closer, while low tide reveals the rocky promontory. Check tide times before you go!

Historical Echoes and Artistic Vibes

This bastion is steeped in history, once targeted by an 'infernal machine.' Today, it's a place of beauty, with reports of pianists playing under the sky, creating a moving and elemental atmosphere. Reddit

Best Times

When
High Tide
Why
Dramatic waves and sea views
Crowd
Medium
When
Low Tide
Why
Explore rocky base
Crowd
Low
When
Armistice Day
Why
Special atmosphere, sailing children
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌊 #Olas gigantes inundan las calles de #SaintMalo, #Francia 📲 Consulta todos los contenidos en la web de #TuTiempo #Meteo #Previsión # Antena3Noticias
@eltiempoa3n
126.5K likes • 3.4M views

Check Tide Times First! :ocean:

Experience the bastion at both high and low tide for completely different, amazing views. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The historic ramparts and rocky areas require sturdy footwear for safe exploration.

Abonnez-toi! 🙏🙏 Un drone en pleine tempête à Saint-Malo #tempete #pierrick #drone #tempetepierrick #bretagne #saintmalo #maree #vague #city #pov
@easyridevideos
65.9K likes • 2.8M views

Capture the Drama :camera_with_flash:

The contrast between the ancient bastion and the powerful sea is incredibly photogenic. TikTok

Listen for Music :musical_note:

You might be lucky enough to hear a pianist playing, adding a magical touch to your visit. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tide Times First! :ocean:

Experience the bastion at both high and low tide for completely different, amazing views. Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The historic ramparts and rocky areas require sturdy footwear for safe exploration.

Capture the Drama :camera_with_flash:

The contrast between the ancient bastion and the powerful sea is incredibly photogenic. TikTok

Listen for Music :musical_note:

You might be lucky enough to hear a pianist playing, adding a magical touch to your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(254 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Tour Bidouane Bastion, calling it the most scenic and a must-visit in Saint-Malo. The historical significance, combined with stunning sea views and occasional live piano music, creates a wonderfully moving and elemental experience. Some enjoy the dramatic high tide, while others prefer exploring the rocky base at low tide.

"I think this is the most scenic place and a must when in St Malo. When I was there, the pianist was playing under the clear sky and it was wonderfully moving and elemental."

kentarieeenu 3rd

"It was against this tower that the Anglo-Dutch tried to operate an "infernal machine" in 1663, which consisted of a ship full of explosives that was sent near the tower to explode it. It is one of the main fortified towers of the walls. It is 23 meters high and 13 meters wide, and was part of the desire to make of Saint-Malo an important fortress. It was built on a rocky promontory during the second half of the 15th century. It takes its present name in 1691, when it was rebuilt."

Natalie Daz

"The most forward point of walled city. Wonderful. Try it at high tide and low tide 😂"

Rony Honein

What People Like

Scenic beauty
Historical significance
Panoramic sea views

What People Dislike

Can be crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tour Bidouane Bastion is located on the historic city walls of Saint-Malo. You can reach it by walking along the ramparts from the main gates of the walled city. Parking is available in designated areas outside the walls, followed by a walk.

While there isn't direct public transport to the bastion itself, Saint-Malo is well-served by buses. You can take a bus to the city center and then walk along the ramparts to reach the bastion. Reddit

The most scenic approach is by walking the historic city walls. This offers stunning views as you make your way towards the bastion. Reddit

Yes, there are several paid parking lots located outside the walled city of Saint-Malo. From there, it's a pleasant walk to the ramparts and the bastion.

The bastion is a prominent feature of the Saint-Malo fortifications and can be seen from various points along the coast and from the city walls themselves.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Access to the historic city walls and the Tour Bidouane Bastion is generally free. You can walk along the ramparts without purchasing a ticket. Reddit

As the bastion is part of the open city walls, there are no specific opening hours. It is accessible at all times, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and views.

No, there is no entrance fee to access the Tour Bidouane Bastion or the surrounding ramparts. It's a public space for all to enjoy. Reddit

While the city walls are technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to potential safety hazards and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours for the best experience.

Many guided tours of Saint-Malo's historic ramparts will include a visit to or pass by the Tour Bidouane Bastion. Check with local tour operators for options.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the impressive 15th-century architecture, enjoy panoramic views of the sea and coastline, and learn about its historical significance as a defensive structure. Reddit

Absolutely! The bastion offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially at high tide with dramatic waves or at low tide revealing the rocky base. TikTok

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. However, visiting during high tide can provide the most dramatic sea views. Reddit

While there aren't formal exhibits within the bastion itself, its architecture and location tell a story of Saint-Malo's maritime and defensive history. Reddit

You can walk along the ramparts and reach the top of the bastion's accessible areas, offering elevated viewpoints. Be mindful of uneven surfaces.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly at the bastion itself. However, the walled city of Saint-Malo, just a short walk away, offers numerous restaurants, creperies, and cafes. Reddit

Saint-Malo offers delicious Breton specialties, including fresh seafood, galettes (savory crepes), and sweet crepes, along with traditional French cuisine. Reddit

Yes, you can bring a picnic to enjoy on the ramparts or near the bastion. It's a lovely way to soak in the atmosphere. Please remember to take all your trash with you.

Explore the charming streets within the walled city for a wide variety of dining options, from casual creperies to more upscale seafood restaurants. Reddit

Look for creperies and bakeries within the walled city for more affordable and delicious meal options. Grab a quick galette or a pastry.

📸 📸 Photography

The top of the bastion offers panoramic views. The base at high tide with crashing waves is dramatic, and the rocky promontory at low tide is unique. TikTokReddit

Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) provides beautiful light. High tide offers dramatic sea action, while low tide reveals interesting textures. Reddit

Generally, there are no restrictions on personal photography at the bastion or on the city walls. However, commercial photography may require permission.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the sea or distant landmarks. A polarizing filter can enhance sea shots. TikTok

Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially over populated or sensitive historical sites. Check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Tour Bidouane Bastion offers a fantastic opportunity for families to explore history and nature. Walking the historic city walls is an adventure in itself, allowing kids to imagine themselves as ancient defenders. The open space provides room to move, and the dramatic high tide waves are sure to captivate younger imaginations. TikTok+1

Remember to bring sturdy shoes for everyone, as the ramparts can be uneven. Pack snacks and drinks for a picnic with a view, and be mindful of the sea at high tide. The bastion's history, including tales of 'infernal machines,' can also make for an engaging story to share with children. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Culture Seekers

For those fascinated by military architecture and maritime history, Tour Bidouane Bastion is a must-see. Its 15th-century construction and its role in Saint-Malo's defense, including the attempted destruction by an 'infernal machine,' offer rich historical context. Reddit Take time to appreciate the fortification's design and imagine the strategic importance it held. Reddit

Consider visiting during different tide cycles to understand how the bastion's environment influenced its defensive capabilities. The bastion is also a testament to Saint-Malo's resilience and its enduring connection to the sea, making it a key site for understanding the city's cultural heritage. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Art Lovers

The visual drama of Tour Bidouane Bastion is a photographer's dream. Capture the powerful waves at high tide, the exposed rocky base at low tide, and the panoramic sea views from the ramparts. TikTokReddit The interplay of light and shadow on the ancient stone, especially during golden hour, creates stunning compositions. Reddit

Keep an eye out for the impromptu piano performances that have been reported, offering a unique opportunity to capture art in a historical setting. Reddit A wide-angle lens is ideal for the expansive vistas, while a polarizing filter can enhance the sea's texture and color. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, which can add to the dramatic atmosphere.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Tour Bidouane Bastion

Tour Bidouane Bastion is a significant historical structure, built during the second half of the 15th century as part of Saint-Malo's ambitious fortification plans. Its primary purpose was to defend the port city against naval attacks. The bastion stands 23 meters high and measures 13 meters wide, a testament to the defensive architecture of its era. Reddit

Its strategic importance is highlighted by a notable historical event: in 1663, an attempt was made by the Anglo-Dutch forces to destroy it using an 'infernal machine' – a ship packed with explosives. Fortunately, the attempt failed. The bastion was rebuilt and took its current name in 1691, continuing its role as a formidable guardian of Saint-Malo. Reddit

Today, visitors can walk along the ramparts and stand at the bastion, imagining the historical events that unfolded here. It's a tangible link to Saint-Malo's past as a powerful maritime fortress.

Experiencing the Tides at Tour Bidouane

One of the most captivating aspects of visiting Tour Bidouane Bastion is witnessing the dramatic impact of the tides. At high tide, the English Channel surges around the base of the bastion, creating powerful waves that crash against the ancient stone. This spectacle offers a raw and elemental display of nature's force, making for incredibly dramatic photographs and a visceral experience. TikTokReddit+1

Conversely, low tide reveals a completely different scene. The water recedes, exposing the rocky promontory upon which the bastion is built. This allows visitors to explore the base of the structure more closely and appreciate its foundation. The contrast between the sea's embrace at high tide and its retreat at low tide provides two distinct, yet equally memorable, ways to experience this historic site. Reddit

It is highly recommended to check the local tide times before your visit to plan accordingly. Experiencing both phases of the tide can offer a fuller appreciation of the bastion's relationship with the sea and its strategic placement.

Artistic Encounters at the Bastion

Beyond its historical and natural beauty, Tour Bidouane Bastion has become a stage for unexpected artistic moments. Visitors have reported encountering pianists playing live music under the open sky at the bastion. This unique experience adds a layer of profound beauty and emotion to the visit, blending the elemental power of the sea with the artistry of music. Reddit

These impromptu musical performances create a truly memorable atmosphere, transforming the bastion into a place of both historical reflection and contemporary artistic expression. The clear skies mentioned in reviews further enhance the magical quality of these encounters, making them a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

While not a scheduled event, the possibility of experiencing such a performance adds an element of delightful surprise to a visit to Tour Bidouane Bastion. It's a reminder that historical sites can offer more than just a glimpse into the past; they can be vibrant spaces for present-day inspiration.

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