L'Orléans Intra-Muros

Chateaubriand’s birthplace, Saint-Vincent Cathedral, Cour La Houssaye, Château de Saint-Malo, and the two half-timbered houses on Rue du Pélicot are among the sights tucked through Ville Intra-Muros. You can wander its narrow lanes, find little intimate squares, and browse shops, cafés, and restaurants. The buildings all have a strikingly similar look, which makes sense once you know the city burned down completely in 1661 and was rebuilt in granite at the urging of fortifications builder Vauban. After coming through one of the gates and walking around, the uniformity really stands out. There’s plenty to see and do in Saint-Malo’s old center.

Narrow stone lanes wind between little shops, souvenir stores, and cafés in the old town.

It’s a wonderful walled town with great views. Whenever I can, I bring visitors to St Malo for a wander and lunch.

St Malo’s history is fantastic, and I only wish we’d brought our swimming togs for the seawater lido. It looked so inviting. I’d have liked to know it was there before our visit. The old walled city is beautiful, and we spent the day exploring its narrow streets and lovely shops, then walking around the walls for those fantastic views.