Saint-Malo and the Emerald Coast boast a rich history that has evolved over centuries, giving rise to the unique region we know today. With so much to discover, countless historical treasures can be found along the coastline, within the works of prominent historical figures, and on the streets of the region’s cities.
Home to the corsair city, medieval Dinan, and Fort Lalatte, the area reveals traces of its distant past in its architecture and buildings. Today, this region focuses on the preservation of its heritage through numerous renovation projects, maintenance initiatives, and transmission efforts with the help of museums, memorials, events, and festivals that recount its historical milestones.
During antiquity, Saint-Malo did not exist as we know it today. The rock on which the intra-muros city was built housed only a few fishermen. At that time, Celts had settled in the territory from Couesnon to Corseul since 1000 BC, forming an area known for its ancestors, the Coriosolites.
The Gallo-Roman city of Aleth (located in the heights of Saint-Servan) was conquered by the Romans in 56 BC and the island of Harbour served as the principal port between Brest and the Cotentin Peninsula. The ruins of Gallo-Roman Aleth that still stand today, showcase the region’s fascinating past.
Key Takeaways
- The Emerald Coast has a rich history featuring a diverse architectural heritage.
- Saint-Malo’s roots date back to antiquity, evolving from a small fishing community on a rock.
- Regions across the Emerald Coast focus on preserving and celebrating their unique histories.
Saint-Malo’s History from the 6th to the 15th Century
In the 6th century, a hermit named Aaron built an abode on a rocky hill, far from worldly temptations. Later, he welcomed a Welshman named Mac Low, or Malo in French. Malo eventually became the bishop of Aleth and was responsible for naming the city Saint-Malo.
His successor, Saint Gurval, is said to have built a church in Malo’s honor on the same hill. However, wars during Charlemagne’s reign and Norman invasions led to the church’s destruction.
It wasn’t until 1152 that Jean de Châtillon, Bishop of Aleth, rebuilt the church into a cathedral dedicated to Saint-Malo. This marked the relocation of the episcopal seat to Saint-Malo-de-l’Isle, Aaron’s esteemed hill.
The relocation initiated the foundation of the modern-day city, which also encompassed the old parish of Saint-Servan. By the end of the 14th century, Pope Clement VII awarded the city to King Charles VI of France.
The city’s fate was forever tied to the French kingdom after the marriage of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII. With the crown’s support, trade and navigation arts began to flourish in the region.
Saint-Malo from the 16th to the 17th Century
In 1534, Jacques Cartier, a navigator from a ship-owning family, landed in Gaspé and claimed the land of Canada on behalf of the King of France, marking Saint-Malo’s entry into history.
Although he initially believed he was exploring a part of Asia’s eastern coast, Cartier ultimately became the first to represent the famous St. Lawrence River on world maps and provide a description of the Indigenous people of northeastern North America in his travel accounts.
After his career, Cartier retired to Rothéneuf, near Saint-Malo, in his manor of Limoëlou, which is now open for visitors. He was buried in the Saint-Vincent Cathedral in Saint-Malo’s walled city.
Following Cartier’s era, prosperity blossomed for the region as trade expanded with the Americas and India, leading to significant wealth for the city. Ship owners commissioned vessels to engage in privateering against the English, with the support of Louis XIV. Renowned for their exceptional navigation skills, Malouin corsairs proved to be a formidable force.
The wealth accumulated from privateering and trade through the East India Company led ship owners to construct “malouinières” — masterpieces of architecture and vacation retreats — in the Clos Poulet area, in the countryside surrounding Saint-Malo.
Notable figures from Saint-Malo during this period include:
- Duguay-Trouin,
- Robert Surcouf
- and Mahé de La Bourdonnais
They made their marks as corsairs and navigators. Moreau de Maupertuis, a prominent French mathematician and philosopher, was also associated with Saint-Malo during this era.
Saint-Malo in the 18th Century
During the 18th century, Saint-Malo focused on the triangular trade with a particular interest in the slave trade. As a desirable location for the English, the city was fortified by Vauban and Garangeau, leading to the construction of forts and the strengthening of its ramparts.
Among the shipowners of that time, Robert Charles Surcouf, born in Saint-Malo in 1773, embarked on his maritime career as a cabin boy at just 13 years old. By the age of 20, he became a merchant captain and participated in the slave trade on behalf of planters from the island of La Réunion.
Starting in 1795, Surcouf embarked on a campaign against English ships in the waters of the Indian Ocean, where he gained a fearsome reputation as a skilled privateer due to his exceptional captures. Eventually, he became one of the wealthiest shipowners in Saint-Malo. Surcouf lived the rest of his days in the city and died at the age of 54.
Today, you can experience the privateer’s adventure aboard a replica of Surcouf’s famous schooner, Le Renard (The Fox). This ship, his last armed vessel, can be seen docked at the foot of the ramparts or sailing in the open waters.
Saint-Malo in the Early 19th Century
During this time, the influence of writer and politician François-René de Chateaubriand brought prominence to the region, notably Combourg, the birthplace of Romantic Brittany.
The 19th century saw the flourishing of the Terre-Neuvas, fishermen who had been venturing to the coasts of Canada since the 16th century. They would fish for cod off the shores of Newfoundland from February to October. Consequently, Saint-Malo grew into a significant fishing port.
The construction of Napoleon Quay (now Duguay-Trouin Quay) and two tidal basins capable of accommodating ships up to 2,000 tons greatly increased port traffic between 1850 and 1865.
Before this, Saint-Malo functioned as a grounding port. This period in history also saw developments in the surroundings, such as the growth of Dinan and the Maupertuis church in Bretagne.
Mid-19th to Early 20th Century
During the 1840s-1860s, Saint-Malo began its modernization and entered the era of seaside tourism with the construction of its first bathing establishment on the large Grève beach, now known as Sillon Beach. Local chronicler Eugène Herpin cleverly named the coast between Cancale and Cap Fréhel the Emerald Coast due to its unique colors.
Between 1851 and 1911, the Saint-Malo/Saint-Servan area grew from 20,000 to 25,000 inhabitants. The development of transportation and railways, along with advertising campaigns, promoted the coast as an antidote to Parisian life.
By the end of the 19th century, it took just 8 hours to travel from Paramé to Paris by train. In 1857, a steam ferry connected Saint-Malo and Dinard, and smaller steamboats linked Saint-Malo and Dinan along the Rance River.
In 1840, a shipping line was established to travel between Saint-Malo, Jersey, and Southampton. The Pleurtuit airfield was also constructed in 1909.
During this time, visitors like Chateaubriand contributed to the area’s cultural and literary history, which played a significant role in shaping the identity of the region.
Saint-Malo’s History in the 20th Century
During World War I, hotels in the area were transformed into hospitals or refugee centers. With the end of the war, tourism became more accessible, and a tourism tax, established in 1921, allowed municipalities to build campgrounds, seaside promenades, and swimming pools.
Tourist offices emerged along the coast, offering guided tours. Sailing schools and affordable hotels sprung up, benefiting beach resort towns like Saint-Cast and Sables-d’Or-les-Pins.
The Emerald Coast did not escape the impact of World War II. The Germans built fortifications to defend against potential invasions (the Atlantic Wall). Consequently, the city of Aleth was heavily fortified, and Saint-Malo became a strategic point.
In 1944, Allied bombings destroyed 80% of the old town in an attempt to drive out German soldiers. Unlike Brest or Lorient, Saint-Malo was reconstructed according to its original layout.
In total, 12 years were needed for the battered city to regain its title as the Corsair City. This is a testament to the residents’ attachment to their history and architectural heritage. In July 1948, the city was awarded the Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945.
Throughout the 20th century, connections flourished between the islands of Jersey, Canada, the Americas, India, and Newfoundland. As you learn about these relationships, you’ll gain an understanding of the various global influences that have shaped this part of the world.
Saint-Malo Present Day
Tourism plays a significant role in the economy of the Emerald Coast area, with an emphasis on preserving its heritage and coastline. Since the 1970s, efforts have been made to promote Saint-Malo’s history and the benefits of water therapy.
Major events like Route du Rhum, Étonnants Voyageurs, Quai des Bulles, Fête des Remparts in Dinan, and British Film Festival in Dinard contribute to the region’s appeal.
The addition of the high-speed train (TGV) in 2005 significantly shortened the journey to Paris, now only taking 2 hours and 17 minutes.
The area’s focus has shifted towards environmental protection and conservation of the stunning landscapes that make this region unique. This will likely lead to the development of more eco-friendly transportation options in the Rance Valley-Emerald Coast Regional Natural Park.
Preserving heritage and ensuring accessibility are also central topics of current discussions. This includes initiatives such as improving access to the city walls and opening a Maritime History Museum in Saint-Malo, as well as restoring the Dinan city walls and the Villa des Roches Brunes and Port Breton manor in Dinard.