Saint-Malo Live Cam

Overlooking the main beach, it is one of the very first hotels to be built on the pedestrian dike, 3 minutes from the ramparts of Saint-Malo or the thalassotherapy center. It has the charm of a particular residence with refined comfort offering you a breathtaking view of the sea and direct access to the beach.

Its peaceful atmosphere and its location are truly privileged, in the heart of an exceptional marine site, among the most beautiful in Europe.

The perfect place to start the day. Coffee and croissants served while you watch the sea roll in and out. With the highest tide in Europe (up to 13m difference every 6 hours), the view never ceases to change.

Enjoy an afternoon tea or evening drink at our bar. A relaxing way to unwind after a day visiting the sights along the beautiful Emerald Coast.

The Hotel Beaufort offers all the charm and elegance of a private residence. It a perfect setting for a beach holiday along the coast.

...from the Middle ages to modern times.

In 1488, Saint-Malo opened its gates at La Trémoille for the King of France. Louis XII restored the town to the Duchess Anne, now his wife. She finished the castle's quadrilateral, despite the opposition of the people of Saint-Malo. From then on, the tower was named "Quic-en-groigne". Then in 1532, Saint-Malo, like Brittany, became French by the Union.

During the League Wars, the spirit of the people of Saint-Malo was full of protest. On the 11th March 1590, they went as far as rejecting fidelity to the governor, and favouring Henri de Navarre, legitimate King of France, but protestant. After taking over the castle, they proclaimed an independent republic: "Malouin suis" (I am from Saint-Malo), while nevertheless challenging the domination of the Duke of Mercoeur, who represented the ultra-catholic party in Brittany. When the King abjured, the people of Saint-Malo decided to be loyal to him.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Malo was prodigiously prosperous. The city made its reputation as a world port thanks to its sailors, merchants, and corsair ship owners and to its trading with India, China, Africa and America, and it grew. Magnificent "malouinières" (typical Saint-Malo mansions) and ship owners town houses were built. One even spoke of "ces Messieurs de Saint-Malo" (those men from Saint-Malo), who were familiar with the most modern financial techniques.

But in 1688, when William of Orange took over the English throne, the whole of France went into war with Europe. Saint-Malo became a designated target. In 1693, it escaped the effects of the "infernal machine" invented by the English. It also escaped the violent bombardments of the English fleet in 1695. It was during this period that the city was strengthened. Vauban built new ramparts and erected several forts in the bay. These fortifications helped in the defeats of the English landing in June and September 1758, during the Saint-Cast battle.

Finally, in the 19th century, after the "privateering war", Saint-Malo still kept its ships for Newfoundland, while carrying out the improvements to its port. An important part of the Atlantic wall, the city was then devastated during the fights for Liberation in 1944. It was 80% destroyed, and its reconstruction, true to the legendary silhouette, made it possible to modernize the port. The town has now asserted itself as a popular resort for conference goers and festival goers and has developed itself by opening up to sea based industries. One now speaks of the "great Saint-Malo", since the fusion of the city with the surrounding towns Saint-Servan and Paramé in 1967.

Saint-Malo, let yourself be captivated by its charming character

With its view of the sea, the granite city is a real pleasure to discover, in all seasons. Who could resist strolling along the majestic ramparts? They say it's the best way to appreciate the town.

Lulled by the seagulls' cry, elated by the bracing sea wind, you can admire the beauty of the shores with glints of emerald green as well as the magnificence of the stone polished by the sea spray, a witness to a legendary history. Behind the buildings with high facades and immense chimneys, walking along among the small narrow streets, Saint-Malo slowly reveals its identity to you.

Several footpaths and promenades will help you appreciate the rich heritage of "old Saint-Malo" not to mention that of "Saint-Malo rebuilt".

Saint-Malo has always lived with the sea and has always been able to take the best advantages of it all through its prestigious history. Faithful to its maritime vocation, it has managed to keep its rank as the top port on the North coast of Brittany for commerce, but also for transport to England, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Every year, more than a million travellers travel through the port, which has a terminal capable of accommodating third generation car-ferries. Saint-Malo respects its title of international sailing capital to its best, by proposing a wide variety of quality sea activities and infrastructures which are constantly being improved. It also benefits from the quality label of "Sailing centre" since 1990. And for deep sea enthusiasts, the Grand Aquarium of Saint-Malo welcomes you every day.

Setting sail is always a moment of great emotion. At Saint-Malo, you can sail on board recent or traditional sailing boats and you can take advantage of diverse excursions from cruises on old rigs to fishing at sea, etc.

The Saint-Malo Bay is one of the most frequented bays. For a few hours, for a weekend or a long stopover, it has numerous anchorings and sheltered landing stages. Its harbours can accommodate up to 2000 pleasure boats at the "Mouillage de Solidor" (Solidor anchorage) or the "Port des Bas-Sablons" (Bas-Sablons harbour) at Saint-Servan, and in the "Bassin Vauban" just at the foot of the ramparts.

Saint-Malo has a very good sailing service infrastructure. Boatyards, motor workshops, sail maker's, hardware shops, shipchandlers and diving specialists represent the big makes and guarantee a real Saint-Malo know-how.

Looking out to the Channel, Saint-Malo is the top French port importing granite, wood, fertilizers, salt, animal foods, or even paper. The products are very diverse and come from the five continents. As far as exportation is concerned, the port works a great deal for the car industry and the food-technology and agro-businesses.

The transport of passengers is one of the main port activities. Every year, more than a million travellers pass through Saint-Malo, which has a terminal capable of accommodation third generation car-ferries.

The port of Saint-Malo/Cancale is one of the main fishing ports in Brittany with nearly 4000 tonnes (3936 tons) of fish unloaded in 1997. Indeed, fish wholesalers, fish transformers, and transporters give important added value to this sector, in Saint-Malo and its arrondissement.

Entrepreneurship at Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo is not only a beautiful postcard. It is a town that is greatly evolving around a dynamic port (the top port of the North coast of Brittany), with a diversified industry and a living tourist industry, a major element of the economic development.

For ten years, the local Economic Centre guarantees the best reception for companies. It supports them in their economic development efforts and contributes to the consolidation and development of jobs. This desire has been confirmed by the lowering of the professional tax rate by 0.5 percent in the 1998 budget.

Helped by a network of efficient partners in the department as well as the Region, Saint-Malo takes advantage of the international reputation of Brittany in three advanced sectors: information technologies, health, food-technology and the environment.

And to encourage the further creation of new dynamic companies, the town will soon open a company nursery and a mediacentre in the Economic activities park of the "Moinerie", South of Saint-Malo. This will be a key project of the Saint-Malo economy. Thanks to its facilities and advanced telecommunications, a videoconference network will make it possible to communicate quickly and with ease with Vannes, Saint-Brieuc, Quimper, (town members of the Brittany Medium-sized Towns Network) and the rest of the world.