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Activity Rennes, France

The Hardest City to Invade: Saint Malo's Secrets Audio Guide

4.3 (15 reviews) one hour – 1 h 15 min Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The Hardest City to Invade: Saint Malo's Secrets Audio Guide

About this activity

Be captivated by the coastal city where echoes of corsairs and conquest linger on this self-guided audio tour. Experience the magic of GPS playback on this immersive stroll through Saint Malo.

Every cobblestone and sea breeze in Saint Malo seems to whisper a tale of resilience, adventure, and the enduring spirit of Brittany’s captivating coastal city. On this walking tour, you’ll embark on a journey around its walled old town to see its hidden treasures.

I’ll show you three of the old city’s gates, starting with Saint Vincent Gate, where I’ll tell you why you’ll see ermines everywhere in Saint Malo. On your way to the Big Gate where our tour ends, you’ll walk along Saint Malo’s ramparts, hear its surprising history and learn a thing or two about the area’s climate.

By the end of this tour, you’ll have gained a new appreciation for this slice of Brittany, its history, and maybe, just maybe, a new sense of humour courtesy of the Malouins who call the city home.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration
one hour – 1 h 15 min
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Audio guide
English, French
Written guide
English, French
Operated by
VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • Included: The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Included: Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Included: Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Included: Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Included: Guide: Audio: English Written: English

Not included

  • Not included: Smartphone and headphones (Please bring your own)
  • Not included: Entry fees to museum or attractions mentioned en route

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1

    Passing by

    Start your tour outside the Office de Tourisme de Saint-Malo, the perfect spot to get your bearings and learn about what the city has to offer.

  2. Stop 2

    Passing by

    Walk a short distance up to Chaussée du Sillon, a boulevard offering incredible vistas of the sea and the city’s coastline. Enjoy the panoramic views and get a sense of Saint Malo's maritime heritage.

  3. Stop 3

    Passing by

    Venture towards Saint Malo Castle, where echoes of corsairs and conquests linger in the sea-salted air. Learn about the history of the castle and its role in defending the city.

  4. Stop 4

    Passing by

    Discover Saint Vincent Gate, one of the old city’s gates. Hear about the significance of the ermine symbol that you'll see throughout Saint Malo.

  5. Porte Saint Thomas

    Passing by

    Find out why there are three Saint Thomas gates as you pass through Porte Saint-Thomas. Learn about the different stages of the city's fortifications.

  6. Birthplace of Chateaubriand

    Passing by

    See the birthplace of Chateaubriand, a renowned politician and diplomat. Discover his contributions to French literature and politics.

  7. Stop 7

    Passing by

    Walk through Place Vauban, the large square in front of the castle named after the city’s notorious combat engineer. Learn about Vauban's influence on the city’s fortifications.

  8. Stop 8

    Passing by

    Pass through Poterne Aux Normands, a historical gateway that offers a glimpse into the city's medieval past.

  9. Stop 9

    Passing by

    Visit Bastion de la Reine, a formidable part of Saint Malo’s ramparts. Hear about the strategic importance of this bastion in the city's defense.

  10. Tour Bidouane

    Passing by

    Stop by Bidouane Tower and hear the story behind the name of the dancing cat street. Learn about its historical significance and unique name.

  11. Stop 11

    Passing by

    Walk along Champs-Vauvert Cavalier, a section of the city’s ramparts that offers stunning views and historical insights.

  12. Stop 12

    Passing by

    Immerse yourself in Place du Quebec (Quebec Square) and visit House Quebec. Learn about the connections between Saint Malo and Quebec.

  13. Les Remparts de Saint-Malo

    Passing by

    Walk along Les Remparts de Saint-Malo, the city's famous ramparts. Enjoy the views and hear about the surprising history of the city’s defenses.

  14. Stop 14

    Passing by

    Spot the statue of Jacques Cartier at the formidable Holland Bastion, a silent guardian of Saint Malo’s maritime heritage. Learn about Cartier’s voyages and his connection to Canada.

  15. Stop 15

    Passing by

    See the statue of Jacques Cartier and hear about his role in the exploration of Canada.

  16. Stop 16

    Passing by

    Discover Porte Saint Pierre, another historical gate that offers insights into the city's fortifications.

  17. Stop 17

    Passing by

    Explore Place du Guet, a charming square that provides a glimpse into the city's past and its strategic importance.

  18. Cathedrale de Saint-Malo

    Passing by

    Pass Saint Vincent Cathedral of Saint Malo, where prominent individuals, including Jacques Cartier, are buried. Learn about the cathedral’s history and architectural features.

  19. Stop 19

    Passing by

    End your tour at the Big Gate, the final stop on your journey through Saint Malo. Reflect on the city’s rich history and maritime heritage.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • The tour starts at the tourism office outside intra muros, next to the castle.

End point

  • The tour ends at Big Gate, Grand Prte, 35400 Saint-Malo.

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

───

Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. 

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

───

1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

3. Create an account

4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

───

You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Most travelers can participate

Traveller ratings

4.3 out of 5 · 15 reviews
5
67%
4
13%
3
7%
2
7%
1
7%

Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Hardest City to Invade: Saint Malo's Secrets Audio Guide

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