Whether it's for school vacations, a long weekend or just an iodine break with the family, Saint-Malo is a corsair city, and who says corsair says adventures! If you are a family, with curious, playful, gourmet children or all at the same time, you are in the right place.
Here, we are not talking about sanitized or overly touristy activities: we share with you our real ideas, those that we would recommend to our own friends passing through with children. Whether it's for a sunny or rainy day, here are our suggestions for making young people's eyes sparkle — while keeping parents' smiles on their faces.
Relaxing with the family | Spa du Courtoisville
Did you think the spa was for parents only? Think again!
At the Grand Hotel de Courtoisville, children also have the right to their well-being break. Our heated indoor pool, ideal for letting off steam even when the Breton weather is a bit gloomy. Kids love to splash around, while parents relax in the hot tub.
And the little extra we love? Nougatine Paris treatments, specially designed for children: soft cotton candy massage, caramel cream... a real moment of parent-child complicity in a cocooning atmosphere.
Exploring the seabed at the Grand Aquarium
It's a classic... and for good reason! The Grand Aquarium of Saint-Malo amazes children of all ages.
More than 600 species, mesmerizing jellyfish, black tip sharks, stingrays, a loggerhead turtle, a tactile pond to approach fish, an underwater cave worthy of a movie... The Saint-Malo Aquarium seduces young and old alike with its interactive courses and thematic worlds (The Abyss, the Tropics...). The visit is fun, interactive, perfect for a rainy day or a break in the shade.
Special mention for the Underwater Cave, a 360° glass wall where the largest species swim. And the little extra: The Grand Aquarium is open all year round, perfect for rainy days.
Becoming a privateer for a day
Climb the ramparts, play adventurous in the alleys of Intra-Muros, imagine sea battles while looking at the horizon... In Saint-Malo, history is lived at child's height. For a more focused activity, watch Guided tours.
Solving a riddle as a family
For slightly older children (from 8-10 years old), offer them a real immersive adventure with the escape game “The Last Secret of Surcouf”.
You will be plunged into the Manoir de la Baronnie, in the office of Robert Surcouf, a famous privateer. An enigmatic letter, a hidden treasure, an hour to solve the enigma before the curse strikes...
An original way to approach the story while having fun.
Take a gourmet break at Baccarat
After all these emotions, a break is needed. Head to the Baccara Bar, within the Grand Hotel de Courtoisville, for a cozy tea-time with the family.
Children will love a delicious hot chocolate (by the fire in winter) or a water syrup on the hotel's sunny terrace in summer. Parents will enjoy a good tea or coffee in front of the garden.
And if you want to continue the gluttony intramural, the rue de l'Orme and its surroundings are full of sweet addresses where to reward small (and big) hungers.
Play on the big beaches
If the sun is out, head to Sillon Beach for a shell hunt, a ball game or a sand castle competition.
At low tide, the beach becomes huge and children can run as far as the eye can see or scan the horizon looking for boats.
Our favorite beaches for that? Sillon Beach (huge, easy to access), Bon-Secours (with its seawater pool) and Môle Beach, quieter.
Remember to check the tide times to make the most of it.
Saint-Malo, a life-size playground
Here, children are never bored: whether the weather is nice, windy or rainy (that's also Brittany), Saint-Malo offers a multitude of activities to enjoy as a family. Between marine escapades, wellness breaks and pirate games, you will have plenty to fill the memory album with.
And for an even more successful stay, put your bags down at the Grand Hotel de Courtoisville: family rooms, spa, swimming pool and a team that takes care of the little sailors.
