Situated on a part of the north coast of Brittany, known as the Emerald Coast, only a short detour from the English Channel, the port of St. Malo is ideally placed for cruise liners enroute to northern Europe. Cruise ships up to 150m can lock-in to the inner harbour, where they moor to a quay alongside the walls of the old town. Two larger vessels up to 240m can tie up to four mooring buoys. Transfer by tender takes about 10 minutes.
The present town of St. Malo dates from the 12th century, and grew over the centuries to its present size, thanks largely to its 17th and 18th century shipping magnates – the Malouines – who forged trading links with the rest of the world. It is entirely surrounded by walls and has the appearance when approached from seaward of a fortress set in the middle of the sea. Although 80% of the town was destroyed during World War II, it was carefully rebuilt in the original manner and style. The castle houses the town hall, the town museum and a historical wax-work museum.
Passengers may stroll around the town walls and then wander down into the old streets, which contain many ancient houses, interesting shops and excellent restaurants. The town also houses the International Cape Horners’ Museum.
Mont St. Michel is just one hour’s drive by coach. This ‘marvel of the Western World’, with its abbey perched atop its fortified, rocky base – a miracle of architecture – is one of the bestknown sights in France. This tour takes in the fishing village of Cancale, famous for its oysters, the medieval town of Dol with its 11- 16th century houses which use the 40ft tidal difference to generate electricity, past ancient manor houses and the stately homes of the Malouines to the picturesque medieval walled town of Dinan, famous for its wooden-framed houses. From there, the road crosses the Rance on a remarkable viaduct and leads on to Combourg. Another tour proceeds west to the resort of Dinard and then on along the Emerald Coast to the high headland of Cap Frehel.
