Saint-Malo Castle
The fortress built to watch its own people.
When you arrive at the gates of the old town, the Castle of Saint-Malo is the first thing that hits you. It’s a massive granite fortress built in the 15th century by the Dukes of Brittany. But here’s the interesting part: it wasn't actually built to protect the city from the sea. It was built to keep an eye on the "Malouins" themselves because they were so famously rebellious.
Built to Last
The architecture is exactly what you’d expect from the Emerald Coast—tough, grey, and granite. Over the years, this place has been everything from a ducal home to a prison. It even survived the heavy bombings of World War II. It was rebuilt so carefully that today you can still feel that old Breton strength in the walls. It’s solid, stern, and looks like it’s never going to move.
The Corsair Spirit
Today, the castle houses the City Hall, so you can't visit every room, but the real experience is the exterior anyway. This is the starting point for the famous walk along the ramparts. As a guide, I always tell people to start right here. You get this incredible view: the narrow stone streets of the old town on one side, and the massive, open Atlantic Ocean on the other.
It’s the perfect symbol of Saint-Malo. It’s got that "Corsair" identity—a mix of maritime history and a fierce local pride that just doesn't quit. Don't just walk past it; take a moment to look up at those towers before you start your walk around the walls.