St Malo Ferries

The port of St Malo plays a key role in the ferry network of France, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, St Malo serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from St Malo, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Portsmouth - St Malo connecting St Malo with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Brittany Ferries, DFDS Seaways run regular services from St Malo, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, St Malo offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

St Malo is well-connected to the French transportation network, making it accessible from various starting points. From Paris, the high-speed TGV train reaches St Malo in approximately 2.5 hours, while drivers can expect a 4-hour journey via the A13 and A84 motorways. The closest major airport is Rennes (75 minutes by car), offering connections to major European cities. Upon arrival, the ferry terminal is easily reached by taxi or the local bus service which connects the train station to the port area. If arriving by car, several parking options exist near the ferry terminal, including a large covered car park with long-stay rates for travelers continuing their journey by sea.

St Malo rises majestically from granite ramparts along Brittany's emerald coastline, its walled citadel standing defiant against the tides of time and sea. This historic port city blends medieval charm with maritime heritage, offering visitors a genuine taste of Breton culture and coastal beauty. As your ferry approaches the harbor, the dramatic silhouette of St Malo's fortified old town promises an adventure where history, gastronomy, and coastal splendor converge.

St Malo enjoys a maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round, though summer brings the most reliable sunshine. June through September offers warm days perfect for exploring the ramparts and enjoying the beaches, with temperatures typically ranging from 18-25°C. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) present fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for city walks and coastal hikes. The famous Route du Rhum yacht race departs from St Malo every four years in November, creating a festive atmosphere despite cooler temperatures. Ferry services operate year-round but increase in frequency during summer months, with additional crossings to accommodate holiday travelers.

St Malo serves as an excellent gateway to multiple destinations across the Channel and beyond. The Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey lie just an hour away by ferry, offering tax-free shopping and stunning coastal scenery with a unique Anglo-Norman culture. Portsmouth in southern England can be reached via an overnight crossing, providing access to the historic dockyards and the rolling countryside of Hampshire. For those seeking a shorter journey, Dinard sits just across the estuary, reachable by a quick 10-minute boat ride and famous for its Belle Époque villas and sandy beaches. The sailing route from St Malo to the Channel Islands is particularly scenic, passing dramatic rock formations and tiny uninhabited islets.

Walking the complete circuit of St Malo's massive granite ramparts offers breathtaking views of the emerald coast and a perfect orientation to the city's layout. The Grand Aquarium showcases the rich marine life of the region with over 600 species, including a fascinating shark tank with underwater tunnel. Food enthusiasts should sample authentic Breton crepes filled with local seafood or the signature butter cookies known as galettes bretonnes, best enjoyed with local cider at a harborside café. The Solidor Tower in the Saint-Servan district houses a captivating museum of seafaring history, chronicling St Malo's infamous corsair past. When the tide retreats, take the opportunity to walk out to the Fort National or Grand Bé island where the romantic writer Chateaubriand is buried.

St Malo was once a notorious haven for privateers (corsairs) who operated with royal permission, making it one of the wealthiest ports in France during the 17th century. The city was almost completely destroyed during World War II but was painstakingly rebuilt stone by stone to preserve its historic character, an amazing feat of restoration. St Malo experiences some of Europe's most dramatic tidal ranges, with water levels changing by up to 13 meters between high and low tide, completely transforming the coastal landscape twice daily. The famous writer Jacques Cartier, who claimed Canada for France, was born in St Malo and departed from its harbor on his voyages of discovery.