Walking EuropeSt Malo, the Solidor Tower & St Servan
Walk 6075
Country - France
Region - Ille et Vilaine (35) - Brittany
Author - Lou Johnson
Time - 2.00 hours
Grade - easy
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This short walk takes you away from the bustle of the walled city of St Malo and lets you experience a part of the city that reflects more accurately the French way of life. In brief the walk takes you over the entrance to the harbour to follow the water's edge around the Cité d'Aleth to the Solidor Tower (Tour Solidor) and its adjacent harbour. Passing the church of Sainte-Croix the route takes you into the centre of St Servan with its impressive Hotel de Ville to return to the start.
Start from the Office de Tourisme located just outside the walled city of St Malo. From here walk along the walls towards the harbour (the walls should be on your right). At the end of the front wall continue ahead and cross the bridge over the harbour entrance. At the first roundabout bear right and make your way to the harbourside. Follow the path past the extensive marina. On your left is the Cité d'Aleth on which is located 'Mémorial 39/45'. You will also see remnants of the fortifications erected here during the war together with some reminders of the ferocity of the battles that took place here. Turn right into le chemin de la Corderie. You soon pass the Solidor Tower (built between 1369 and 1382 and now a museum) on the quay of Port Saint-Pere.
Continue along the sea front towards and pass in front of the church of Sainte-Croix. Turn left into Rue du Pre Brecel and almost immediately right into Rue Duperre. You are now in a part of St Malo that sees fewer tourists and soon you reach Place Bouvet with the Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) of St Servan opposite. St Servan was originally a separate community but joined St Malo in 1967. Turn left down the main street. This will lead you back to the swing bridge over the harbour entrance and the start.
Suggested Maps
- IGN Carte de Randonnée - St-Malo, Dinard, Dinan - 1:25000 Sheet 1116 ET
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.