6 618 584 views
| Geography |
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| Location |
Saint-Malo – Brittany – France |
| Latitude |
48.6508782 |
| Longitude |
-2.0231705 |
| Altitude |
27 meters |
| View Direction |
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| Details |
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| Owner |
Saint-Malo |
| Camera |
AXIS |
| Visitors |
6 618 584 views
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| Specifications |
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| Resolution |
2K – 4 Megapixels |
| Category |
City, Sea |
Informations
The Emerald Coast is one of the most stunning coastal gems of northern Brittany, stretching from Cancale to Cap Fréhel along a sweeping arc of shoreline bathed in the translucent green-blue waters of the English Channel—from which it takes its name. This coastline, shaped by winds, tides, and centuries of history, offers a spectacular sequence of rocky headlands, golden beaches, hidden coves, elegant seaside resorts, and authentic villages.
Among its most iconic treasures, Saint-Malo stands out as the legendary corsair city, encircled by massive granite ramparts that overlook the sea, facing both the open ocean and its rich maritime past. At its feet, the Rance Estuary marks the transition between sea and river, with its peaceful tidal landscapes. To the east, Cancale, famous for its oysters, overlooks the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, offering a breathtaking panorama where marine farming meets rugged cliffs.
Heading westward, Dinard reveals its Belle Époque charm, with Anglo-Norman villas, flower-filled gardens, and the romantic Clair de Lune promenade. Further along, the coast becomes wilder, dotted with intimate beaches, dramatic headlands like the Pointe du Grouin, and coastal trails that hug the shoreline, revealing a new vista of the sea at every turn.
At the westernmost edge of the Emerald Coast, Cap Fréhel is one of its most spectacular sites, with pink sandstone cliffs rising 70 meters above the ocean. The lighthouse, the windswept moorlands covered in heather and gorse, and the seabirds nesting in rocky crevices together create a landscape of raw and striking beauty.
The Emerald Coast is also home to some of the largest tidal ranges in Europe. At low tide, vast sandy expanses are revealed, islets become accessible on foot, shore fishers spring into action, and the entire landscape transforms. This ever-changing natural spectacle fascinates both visitors and locals.
It’s also a favorite destination for water sports: sailing, kayaking, diving, paddleboarding, or sailing aboard traditional tall ships past islands and historic forts that line the coast. Gastronomy plays a key role here, featuring fresh seafood, crêpes, cider, and the rich flavors of Breton terroir.
In every season, the Emerald Coast captivates with its varied atmospheres: wild winter storms, soft spring light, summer swims, and the poetic mists of autumn. It embodies a true Breton art of living—where the power of nature, cultural heritage, and the gentle rhythms of the sea all come together.
Le port de Saint-Malo
The Port of Saint-Malo, nestled at the heart of the legendary corsair city in Brittany, is one of the most iconic and active harbors on the northern coast of France. Lining the granite ramparts of the old town and opening onto the English Channel, this versatile port blends maritime heritage with commercial shipping, yachting, fishing, and cruise activity—all within a setting rich in history and shaped by the strongest tides in Europe.
The port basin, organized into several distinct areas, is protected by a complex system of breakwaters, locks, and piers designed to withstand extreme tidal movements. The commercial port, located right next to the city walls, hosts freight vessels running regular routes to England, the Channel Islands, and Ireland, transporting grain, timber, construction materials, and various goods.
The Naye ferry terminal serves as the departure point for Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries, linking Saint-Malo to Portsmouth, Guernsey, Jersey, and Poole. Each day, passengers, cars, and trucks cross the Channel via these routes, reinforcing the port’s strategic role in trans-channel transport.
The marina, located in the Vauban and Bouvet basins, offers hundreds of berths for recreational boats, with full services, direct access to the intra-muros (old town), and a quick route to open sea. It is a lively, year-round hub where traditional sailboats, modern yachts, and tall ships share the water in a friendly and vibrant atmosphere.
The fishing harbor, though more modest than in the past, remains active, especially for coastal fishing. Trawlers and netters bring in fresh fish, shellfish, and crustaceans daily, supplying local markets and restaurants. The local fish auctions contribute to the economy and help preserve valuable maritime traditions.
Moreover, Saint-Malo is a renowned venue for major offshore sailing races. The port regularly hosts competitive yachts for prestigious events such as the Route du Rhum, a legendary transatlantic race that departs from the corsair city every four years. Linking Saint-Malo to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, this event attracts thousands of visitors and electrifies the city with excitement and admiration for the sailors and their feats.
Historically, Saint-Malo was a port of great voyages, exploration, and trade. It was from here that corsair ships and explorers—like Jacques Cartier en route to Canada—once set sail, along with merchant ships bound for the Americas, India, and Africa. This maritime legacy is still present in the landscape today, with old shipyards, dry docks, iron gates, and fortifications still encircling the harbor.
Today, the Port of Saint-Malo is both an economic engine, a cultural symbol, and a must-see destination. It reflects the deep connection between the city and the sea, bridging past and present, traditional sailing and modern challenges such as sustainable tourism, maritime transport, and the protection of the marine environment.
