Do you dream about a resort that is not like others? You are waited by a city of corsairs Saint-Malo (France)

This French city is more like a well-fortified peninsula, stern and beautiful. Located in the north of Brittany, on the coast of the Channel, he attracts a special atmosphere. It can not be said that it is a resort in its usual sense, although there is a sea here, and sandy beaches stretch for several kilometers.

The unique Saint-Malo (France) is often called the city of corsairs, and its fascinating history gives the port pearl of the country an incredible charm. Tourists, who visited the settlement surrounded by granite walls, note that this was the most unusual journey in their life.

Excursion to the history

Its name was given to the historical center on behalf of the English monk Malo, who preached Christianity. Based on a rocky island, the gloomy fortified city becomes famous after it was chosen by sea robbers, desperate and not subordinate to anyone. In 1590 Saint Malo even proclaims himself an independent republic, and the corsairs collect tribute from all ships passing through the English Channel.

In the XVII - XVIII centuries, it begins to develop rapidly thanks to its merchant-mariners, going to trade in different countries.

During the Second World War, the ancient city was seriously destroyed, but after a long reconstruction rebelled from the ashes.

Business card of the port pearl

Full of historical monuments the city of Saint-Malo (France), surrounded from the sea by the forts, impresses with the architectural treasures of even the most sophisticated tourists. Joining Britain and French Brittany, it is famous for the citadel, built in the XV century. The main part of the fortifications of the city consists of a castle erected to reflect the military threat.

Later, to a very complex architectural structure, a bastion was added, which surprises with an unusual shape - in the form of a ship's nose. In 1690, the citadel of St. Malo underwent modernization, but during the Great French Revolution the rebuilt barracks and fortified walls were destroyed. After the restoration in the last century, part of the military structure went to the mayoralty, and in the two towers of the citadel a museum was opened, whose exhibits trace the history, beginning from Roman times.

Saint-Malo (France): attractions

The resort is rightly proud of the surrounding fortifications, one of the largest on the national scale. Built in a single architectural style, they protected the local residents from attacks from the sea, and it is no coincidence for several centuries that a small city was considered to be a real fortress.

Surprisingly, the welfare of the settlement, where pirates lived, plowed the expanses of the seas and plundering ships, was associated not with the proceeds of treasure, but with smuggling and prey to fish.

Saint-Vincent Cathedral

The cathedral, the construction of which was conducted for several centuries, will delight the majestic appearance, and the interior decoration will delight any connoisseur of art. The decoration of the temple is colorful stained glass and mosaics, restored by modern masters.

More than 30 years ago, a new organ was installed in the cathedral, and the solemn music gathering many listeners fills the walls of the religious monument of the city.

Walking on the seabed

Preserved spirit of the era of sea robbers Saint-Malo (France) - one of the few resorts in the world, allowing you to walk along the seabed. The eyes of tourists are truly unreal sight of the empty shore at low tide. Many do not even understand where the water goes, and are afraid to step onto the ground. But those who decided to make an unusual walk, admit that they received with nothing incomparable pleasure.

Resort Features

Guests celebrate the narrow streets, almost devoid of greenery and reliably protected from the northern winds by a powerful ring of city walls. The appearance of gray granite houses looking gloomy has not changed at all since the founding of Saint-Malo (France), and those who expect from the resort a riot of colors, it can first be alienated. Everywhere the influence of military architecture is manifested, which immediately catches the eye and distinguishes the resort from all others. In the historical part of the city, wooden structures have survived, resembling the ship's stern in shape.

However, such a harsh appearance of a small city does not scare hundreds of thousands of vacationers, who are striving to visit the main jewel of Brittany.

Guests admire the tall buildings that appeared several centuries ago, and in the lower floors of the old buildings there are souvenir shops and cozy restaurants. By the way, Saint-Malo (France), photo of which can best convey his strong character, remembers that he was once the base of the corsairs, and carefully keeps the stories of the brave filibusters. First of all, this is done to attract tourists, and for the sake of their fun in the port, a pirate ship is moored, where one can feel like a real robber.

Even in the high tourist season on the city beaches there are not so many holidaymakers who will like those who dream of seclusion from nature.

Preserving the amazing atmosphere of Saint-Malo (France) welcomes every guest cordially. A gloomy and friendly corner at the same time will return the lost composure, and the magnetism of a unique city will work even after it is left by holidaymakers.