🏴☠️ St. Malo: A VR Stroll Through the Pirate's Walled City
 |
| The beautiful walled city of St. Malo at night. |
St. Malo is one of the most fascinating places I've ever visited. It’s a beautiful, ancient city completely enclosed by massive stone walls, but its history is what truly captures the imagination. This was a city built by pirates! For centuries, it was a wealthy, independent stronghold of "Corsairs" who would charge a hefty "toll" on any boats passing through the English Channel. The city became so powerful that the governments of France and Britain often left them alone, treating St. Malo as its own separate identity. It's a place full of charm, history, and a delightful rebellious streak.
🌟 The Golden Nugget
Don't Miss This: Go in the off-season! My first visit was in October, and it was quiet, charming, and magical. My second visit was in peak season (late July/August), and it was a night and day difference—the streets were crammed, restaurants were full, and the peaceful magic was gone. To truly feel the cozy, medieval atmosphere, avoid the summer rush!
TRANSPORT YOURSELF TO ST. MALO
Experience the magic of this city from two perspectives: a stunning aerial view that shows its scale and a personal, immersive moment of me experiencing the magical church bells from inside the walls.
Cinematic Journey (Drone View by TravelManya):
"There is something magical about this city when the bells start ringing and it is echoing off these old buildings. It is simply marvelous!"
🗺️ Adventure at a Glance
- 🏞️ Location/Park: St. Malo, Brittany (Bretagne), France
- 🥾 Hike/Activity: Walking the ramparts, exploring medieval streets, beach-going
- 📏 Distance: Approx. 1.2 miles (1.75 km) to walk the full rampart loop.
- 📈 Accessibility: Lots of walking on cobblestones and stairs.
- ⏳ Recommended Time: 3-4 hours (or more if you go off-season!)
- ⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
- 🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: The Ramparts, the Old Town (Intra-Muros), the beach at low tide, and the Plage du Môle.
🥾 My St. Malo Story
The 10-Year Crepe Quest
My first visit to St. Malo was as a tour guide for a group of students. By the end of the trip, I was exhausted. The tour leader gave us permission to explore on our own, with the simple advice: "Just wander until you find the wall, then turn around." I spent a magical October afternoon strolling the quiet streets, walking the beach, and feeling totally refreshed. But when I got back to the bus, my husband Todd's group couldn't stop raving about a creperie they had found... a creperie so amazing, they talked about it for *ten years*!
I was dying to finally taste these legendary crepes. When we returned a decade later, we headed straight for the park where they'd found it. And... it was gone! The park, the grass, the creperie—all replaced. I was devastated! So, we began a new quest. We didn't find the original, but we found a delightful new spot, Le Corps De Garde, up on the rampart wall. It had a great view, and our waiter was an adorable man dressed as a pirate. The caramel apple crepes were delicious, and it became a perfect new memory.
A Magical, Hectic Moment
After wandering the nooks and crannies of the city, the sun began to set, casting a golden hour glow on the stone. We realized we were running late for our bus. As we started walking quickly, the church bells suddenly began to ring. The sound was *magical*, echoing off the ancient walls. It felt like we were being transported to another time. Even though we were late, we had to stop, just for a moment, to let the sound wash over us... and then we ran like crazy!
 |
| Strolling the magical, well-lit ramparts at night. |
💡 Your Visitor's Guide: Helpful Hints
- ♦️ Walk the Wall First: Start your visit by walking the full loop on top of the ramparts. It's free and helps you understand the city's layout before you dive into the streets.
- ♦️ Find the Pirate Paths: To really feel the city's pirate past, look for the small, hidden stairways on the rampart walls that lead down to the beach. They feel like secret escape routes!
- ♦️ Beware the Tides & Quicksand: Just like at Mont Saint-Michel, the tides here are powerful and fast. Be extremely cautious if you walk out to the tidal forts and beaches, and never walk on the surrounding mudflats without a guide.
- ♦️ Learn the History: To understand the city's complex pirate past and its WWII history, check out these great articles from st-malo.info and Europe Up Close.
🔎 VR Video Treasure Hunt!
When you watch the immersive 360° videos, see if you can find these special moments!
- The Church Bells: Can you find the moment I captured the magical sound of the church bells ringing?
- Rampart Stroll: Look for the 360 view from *on top* of the city walls, looking out over the sea.
- Pirate Ships: Spot the tall-masted "pirate" ships anchored in the harbor just outside the walls.
- City Entrance: Can you find the grand, arched gateway where you first enter the walled city?
🇫🇷 More Adventures in France
St. Malo was one of our favorite stops on our "Tour of France." If you loved this post, be sure to check out our guides to these other magical, preserved towns!
- Mont Saint-Michel Abbey: The fortress built by an angel.
- Mont Saint-Michel Village: Strolling the magical hidden alleyways.
- Beach of the Mole: The beautiful beach just outside the city walls.
- Perouges: A perfectly preserved medieval walled town.
- Colmar: The adorable fairytale town that inspired "Beauty and the Beast."
⭐ Final Thoughts
St. Malo is a city that captures your heart and imagination. It’s a place of defiant, independent spirit, built by pirates and reborn from ashes. Whether you're there for the charming shops, the delicious crepes, or to stand on the walls and feel the power of the sea, it’s a destination that feels both timeless and full of life. It was a highlight of our Tour of France, and I can't wait to return.
Sending Love and Positive Vibes,
Shauna from VRGetaway
Seeing St. Malo in your VR Headset
You can see St Malo in your VR Headset using Google Earth app, or by using GoogleMaps, or the StreetView App, and searching St Malo. When the
 |
| East Side of St. Malo |
The Wall before you enter, and the Pirate Ships in the water just East of the City.
Below is the view of the City (same as above but in Daylight).
 |
| Saint-Malo France |
View above is strolling in the city of Saint-Malo. On the right is the Church house.
My favorite time of the day in St-Malo is to be in the city (or even better in the Church) when the Church bells start ringing. I was lucky both times and managed to be around when the bells start ringing. I grabbed it on video below. There is something magical about this city when the bells start ringing and it is echoing off these old buildings. It is simply marvelous!
Church Bells Ringing in Saint-Malo above
Church in the evening with the lights below.
Above is a 360 walk along the Wall and
Below is a 360 walk in the city.
If you likes this place and would like to see more click on the GOOGLE EARTH link
St. Malo, France Google Earth Link
.png)
Social Plugin