Car Rental St Malo - Exploring St Malo

Both the coastline and interior of Brittany offer endless opportunities for visitors, particularly in the vicinity of St Malo. Once you have taken in the town’s attractions, hire a car and head off to Dinan and Mont San Michel, two of the province’s most famous attractions.

Located directly south of and inland from St Malo, Dinan is a wonderfully preserved medieval fortress town which was the ancient seat of the Dukes of Brittany. Visitors can still see the high walls of the town, which stand by the River Rance.

Buildings of particular interest here are the 12th century Basilica of Sauver and the 15th century Church of St Malo, which have both been frequently restored since their original construction. Thus, the structures show a variety of architectural styles, as does the castle, construction of which began in the 13th century and continued until the late 15th century. It now holds a small museum of the history of Dinan from its earliest existence until modern days.

The other place you should visit is Mont San Michel, which is technically in Normandy, but still easy to get to from St Malo. This is stunningly rugged offshore island can be reached at low tide across a causeway, and has captured the imagination of many over the centuies with its romantic abbey and legends. Be careful that you are not overtaken by a fast incoming tide. The tide in this area can vary as much as 12m, so check locally before heading off.

The island is comprised of a granite rock about 300m in diameter, with an abbey constructed between the 11th and 16th centuries standing on top of it. Well organised tours are available if you want to wander through the maze of corridors and rooms that make up the abbey.

Interestingly, the diverting of the River Cousenon, which once ran past the east of the island and now flows to its west, moved Mont San Michel from Brittany into Normandy, as the river forms the boundary.