New Year's Eve in the heart of Saint-Malo
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration4 days
-
LevelBeginner
-
DestinationIlle-et-Vilaine / Saint-Malo
-
AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions54.77 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Welcome to Saint-Malo to celebrate the New Year in the majestic setting of the corsair city . In winter, the Saint-Malo coastline offers a striking natural spectacle: golden light on the ramparts , vast beaches swept by the waves and invigorating iodine air.
On a daily basis, your mountain guide will lead you along the coastal paths. From Cap Fréhel to the rocky points of the Emerald Coast , you will discover wild coves and exceptional seascapes.
On the evening of December 31st , share a festive and convivial New Year's Eve celebration with your group in the heart of the historic center. The program includes a delicious dinner and a chic, lively atmosphere with dancing and a live band .
This invigorating hiking holiday perfectly combines fresh air, coastal discoveries and a warm celebration to start the new year facing the sea.
The highlights
-
A 3-star hotel in the heart of the fortified city, for three nights
-
The traditional New Year's Eve swim in Dinard (as a participant or spectator!)
-
New Year's Eve: elegant dinner and dancing (band/orchestra) in the walled city of Saint-Malo
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This accessible trip includes two days of walking (10.5 km and 10 km) on coastal paths with little elevation gain. The first day will feature a stroll through the historic center of Saint-Malo.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 2h30
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 57 m
- Average daily descent: 57 m
Management
French
Hiking guide with extensive knowledge of Brittany.
Program
-
Arrival in Saint-Malo and visit to the Corsair City
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 10 m
- Negative elevation 10 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at the hotel in the early afternoon. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the walled city. Wandering through the narrow streets within the city walls, you'll step back in time to the era of the "Gentlemen of Saint-Malo," the shipowners and privateers who made the city's fortune.
Day 1 -
The Dinard coast and the 31st bath
- Transportation Boat - 00h40 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 40 m
- Negative elevation 40 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short transfer to Prieuré Beach in Dinard for a morning loop that showcases the best of the seaside resort: the Clair de Lune promenade along the Rance estuary, the Pointe du Moulinet with its view of the ramparts of Saint-Malo, and the grand Belle Époque villas clinging to the cliffs. In the afternoon, head to Écluse Beach for a Dinard tradition that began in 1969: the last swim of the year! Warm-up with music at 2:30 pm, group plunge at 3 pm, alongside more than two thousand other swimmers.
Swimming is reserved for those who wish to participate; the others can enjoy the spectacle and atmosphere from the beach. Return to Saint-Malo around 4:30 pm, time to enjoy the town and get ready for the evening.
Day 2 -
From Rothéneuf to Saint-Malo
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 8km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 120 m
- Negative elevation 120 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A short transfer takes you to Havre beach in Rothéneuf, on the edge of a nearly enclosed body of water that fills and empties with the tides. Head west on the coastal path: you'll pass the small Notre-Dame-des-Flots chapel before reaching Pont beach, where the view already opens up to the Sillon and the ramparts. The path then skirts the Pointe de la Varde, a protected natural site perched above the bay, which preserves the remains of an old fort, before joining the long Sillon seawall to take you back on foot to the gates of the walled city.
Day 3 -
Departure from Saint-Malo
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, your stay ends. Enjoy the morning with a final stroll along the ramparts before heading back home by road or train.
Day 4
Note
Winter stay: During this period, sunrise is around 9:00 AM and sunset is around 5:15 PM. The daily schedule is adapted accordingly. Please bring warm, waterproof, and windproof clothing (see equipment list).
Accommodation
Accommodation for three nights in a 3-star hotel in the heart of the fortified city, in a double room (single room available at an extra cost), breakfast included. Rooms average 14m².
Access
Go to the starting point
- Getting there: TGV Paris Montparnasse – Saint-Malo (approximately 2h40), direct or via Rennes https://www.sncf-connect.com, then bus lines no. 2 or 8 to reach Saint-Malo intra muros (6 min) https://www.reseau-mat.fr/.
- Return: TGV Saint-Malo – Paris Montparnasse, direct or with a connection in Rennes.
During the holidays, trains are in high demand: remember to book your tickets as early as possible.
Parking in Saint-Malo is regulated and subject to a fee. You will find all the information on this website: http://www.ville-saint-malo.fr/stationnement/
We recommend the Paul Féval park-and-ride at the entrance to the town, near the Marville racecourse, open year-round (€3.30 per day, subject to change). In winter, the Express Féval shuttle does not run: keep your day ticket, which gives you access to line 2 of the MAT network from the Bois Herveau stop, 100 meters from the car park, to reach the town center.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by a hiking guide specializing in the region.
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel and in a double room
- Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 4 (picnic lunches)
- New Year's Eve dinner on December 31st (starter, main course, dessert and a glass of champagne)
- The transfers of people mentioned in the program
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks (excluding the glass of champagne on New Year's Eve) and personal expenses
- Single room (optional)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room supplement : CHF178.39 / 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
- 1 pair of waterproof hiking boots, already broken in
- 1 pair of walking sticks (optional)
- 1 headlamp (the days are short in winter)
- 1 insulated water bottle of at least 1 liter, and possibly a thermos
- 1 Tupperware-type bowl with lid, 1 folding knife, cutlery and a cup for possible picnics
- 1 sturdy plastic bag to protect your belongings in your backpack in case of heavy rain
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- toilet paper, tissues
- 1 pouch for your documents and valuables: identity card or passport, insurance contract, health insurance card, train tickets, credit card, money…
- 1 small personal first-aid kit (to be adapted to your own needs): pre-cut sterile bandages, local antiseptic, blister plasters, pain reliever, antihistamine, protective cream for skin and lips
Clothing to bring
Winter in Brittany is mild but wet and windy: the three-layer system (breathable, warm, waterproof) is by far the most effective.
- breathable technical underwear with long sleeves
- fleece or light down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood (essential)
- Waterproof overtrousers or rain poncho covering the hiker and backpack
- hiking trousers (avoid jeans, they take a long time to dry)
- 1 pair of warm hiking socks per day
- 1 hat, 1 neck warmer or scarf, 1 pair of gloves
- For the evening: a change of clothes and comfortable shoes, and a slightly dressier outfit for New Year's Eve if you feel like it.
For the bath on the 31st (optional):
- swimsuit and towel
- neoprene sandals or slippers for walking on cold sand
- warm, dry clothing to put on right after bathing, and a swim cap
- a costume, if you want to blend in with the atmosphere!
