Hiking holiday in Saint-Malo (thalassotherapy discovery optional)
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationIlle-et-Vilaine / Saint-Malo
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions93.4 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Treat yourself to an unforgettable stay in Saint-Malo , in a hotel nestled within the city walls, just steps from the ramparts and beaches. Enjoy warm moments in a small group, guided by a passionate tour leader. The immediate proximity of the sea invites you to a refreshing swim or admire a sunset from the famous ramparts. Explore the Emerald Coast with a variety of hikes, from Cancale to St. Briac , and let yourself be captivated by the wild beauty of its landscapes. As an optional extra, for a moment of absolute relaxation, enjoy an afternoon dedicated to well-being at a thalassotherapy center in St. Malo , where relaxation and serenity await. This stay perfectly combines nature , discovery , and well-being for an enriching and rejuvenating experience in the heart of one of the most beautiful regions of France.
The highlights
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An ideally located hotel in the heart of Saint-Malo's old town
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The assistance of a guide who knows his region perfectly
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An easy route with little elevation gain
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 168 m
- Average daily descent: 177 m
Management
French
Program
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Arrival in Saint-Malo
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the late afternoon, meet your guide directly at the hotel for an initial introduction and program overview. You will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Saint-Malo, ideally located within the city walls.
Each night, overnight stay in a 3-star hotel within the walled city of Saint-Malo. Dinner at a nearby restaurant. A crêperie dinner will be offered during the week.
Day 1 -
The Rance estuary
- Transportation Boat - 00h10 - 3km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 195 m
- Negative elevation 210 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You depart from the pier located at the foot of the Intra-Muros ramparts . A boat trip takes you to Dinard , offering a first glimpse of the coastline. Next, you travel up the Rance River , where you can enjoy remarkable views of the walled city and the Solidor Tower . The return journey passes by the Rance Dam before reaching Saint-Malo . After this excursion, some free time in Intra-Muros allows you to stroll through its narrow streets or take a dip in the sea.
Day 2 -
From Cancale to the Anse du Guesclin
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 13km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure by bus to Cancale. The hike begins at the port of La Houle, renowned for its fresh oysters . At low tide, the vast oyster beds stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a unique spectacle. The route continues to Pointe du Grouin , an iconic site that reveals a panoramic view of Mont-Saint-Michel , Cap Fréhel , and Granville. The day ends on Guesclin beach , overlooked by its historic fort, once a haven for brigands. This place also played a significant role in the life of Léo Ferré , who composed several works there between 1959 and 1968. Return to Saint-Malo by taxi.
Day 3 -
Loop around the Pointe de la Varde and free afternoon or thalassotherapy session in St Malo
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 12km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From the hotel, set off on foot to reach Pointe de la Varde , a protected natural site located 32 meters above sea level. This rocky point, managed by the Conservatoire du Littoral (Coastal Conservancy), offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Saint-Malo. After a short hike in this exceptional setting, return to the hotel on foot. Lunch is at your leisure , allowing you to enjoy your free time as you wish.
Option: Wellness afternoon at the Saint-Malo thalassotherapy center (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM):
Two individual treatments and one pool treatment (the schedule and choice of treatments are determined by the thalassotherapy team) are included, choosing from seaweed jet baths, dynamic affusions, underwater showers, marine drainage, Ondorelax, toning pool, and jet pool. You also have access during this half-day to the Aquatonic circuit, sauna, hammam, relaxation pool, weight room, and cardio-training area.
Or free time to enjoy a sea excursion, a relaxing moment on the famous Sillon beach, a visit to a Malouinière….
Day 4 -
From St Briac to Dinard
- Transportation Car - 00h25 - 18km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 165 m
- Negative elevation 185 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short taxi transfer will take you from St. Briac to Dinard, the starting point for a superb coastal hike. The trail winds its way between rugged headlands and rocky promontories , offering panoramic views of the coastline from Cap Fréhel to Saint-Malo . The path meanders along the Emerald Coast, providing spectacular views of the bay and Pointe de la Garde-Guérin. You'll pass through Saint-Lunaire and its beautiful beaches before catching glimpses of the elegant villas of Dinard. Return to Saint-Malo by water taxi.
Day 5 -
From Du Guesclin Cove to Rotheneuf Harbour
- Transportation Bus - 00h50 - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 180 m
- Negative elevation 190 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This route follows the coast between Saint-Coulomb and Rothéneuf . Following the GR34, you'll discover La Touesse beach, which inspired Colette , then the wild Pointe du Meinga with its military remains and panoramic views of the Breton coastline. The path then leads to the dunes and Chevrets beach , a haven for seabirds. Continuing on, you'll reach Île Besnard, a protected natural area and birdwatching site. The route ends at the peaceful Lupin harbor at the entrance to Saint-Malo.
End of stay around 4:00 PM .
Day 6
Note
Please bring 1 bag or suitcase per person weighing a maximum of 13 kg, labeled with your name (for star-shaped stays), and a backpack for your day's belongings.
Accommodation
Each night, overnight stay in a 3-star hotel within the walled city of Saint-Malo. Dinner at a nearby restaurant. A crêperie dinner will be offered during the week. Same accommodation throughout the stay.
Access
Go to the starting point
You can reach the hotel on foot - 25 minutes or take line 2 or 8 from St Malo SNCF train station.
From Paris to Saint-Malo, the journey takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. We recommend parking at the Paul Féval Park and Ride and taking the shuttle back to the walled city. Parking is not available within the city walls.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 5 nights in a double room
- Full board (except lunch on day 4)
- Transfers during the stay
- Supervision by a hiking guide
The price does not include
- Lunch on Day 4
- Drinks
- the thalassotherapy option
- Personal expenses
Options
- Thalassotherapy option in Saint-Malo (2:00 PM to 6:00 PM) : CHF150.94 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- Sunglasses
- Headlamp
- 1.5L bottle
- Pocket knife
- Toilet paper and a lighter
- Plastic box with plastic cutlery
- Plastic bags for waterproofing your belongings
- Dirty laundry bag
- Earplugs
- Walking sticks
- Pair of binoculars
- Camera
Clothing to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight shoes ( tennis shoes or sandals )
- Underwear
- Hiking pants
- Shorts
- Fleece jackets
- T-shirts
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket ( Gore-tex type )
- Hat
- Pair of lightweight gloves
- Cap
- Swimsuit
- Bath towel
