Fort National is an extraordinary structure built on a tiny island next to Saint-Malo. The acclaimed military architect Vauban constructed the fort at the end of the 17th century to protect the city’s prosperous port. Learn about the intriguing history of this granite structure, as you peruse its rooms and walls.
Walk out to the island at low tide, which is a strange experience after seeing the water separating it from the mainland at high tide. Take a guided tour of the structure after meeting a docent at the drawbridge. Each tour lasts for about 35 minutes. Explore the ammunition bunkers and imagine yourself in the middle of a war. Walk around the main hall at the top of the fortress.
Capture photos of Saint-Malo and its port from the fortress. Enjoy the magnificent view across the sand and of the English Channel around you. The scenic backdrop and the intriguing architecture of the fort make for fantastic photo opportunities and is a popular spot for filming.
The island was once a place of public execution where criminals were burnt. Originally known as Fort Royal, the structure has changed names several times over the centuries. It was built between 1689 and 1693.
The fort is only available to visit between June and October during low tide. You can tell if it is open to visitors, when it hoists the French flag. Check the official website for exact times, which vary daily with constant closures on Tuesdays. There is an admission fee, with discounts for children and groups. Purchase tickets at the fort’s front gate.
Fort National is on L’Ilette just to the north of Saint-Malo’s city center. At low tide, it is just under a 1,000-foot (304.8-meter) walk from the Porte St. Thomas parking lot, near to the Casino Barrière de Saint-Malo and the Palais du Grand Large.
