Haven’t taken a vacation this year yet? Now’s the time to pack your bags and head to the beach to bask in the sun! And what better destination than Brittany, in northwestern France, for a 100% relaxing getaway? The seaside is particularly stunning in Saint-Malo, a seaside resort just 27 minutes from our Ile-et-Vilaine campsite, L’Emeraude. All you need to do is understand the tidal phenomenon to organize your activities around the tide and weather forecasts. Here’s everything you need to know about the tides in Saint-Malo!
Understanding the Tide Phenomenon
The tide is a periodic movement of water levels in large bodies of water, like the sea. When the water level drops, it’s called an ebb tide, and when it reaches its lowest point, it’s low tide. Conversely, the water rises during a flood tide, leading to high tide. Did you know? Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. The result: the ocean surface is deformed, causing water levels to rise. For your information, the intensity of this pull depends on the position of the moon or sun relative to Earth. The more aligned they are, the higher the tide, and vice versa. The alignment of the moon with Earth also influences the tidal coefficient. High tides create breathtaking landscapes, enhancing the beauty of Saint-Malo’s beaches. Low tides, on the other hand, are perfect for beachcombing. That’s when you can gather small fish and shellfish—a fun activity your children will love. However, very high tides combined with heavy rain can flood the coastline and make navigation tricky. Mariners leaving the port are always attentive to the tides and weather forecasts. This is why experts closely monitor the alignment of the moon, sun, and Earth.
The Best Time to Swim in Saint-Malo
Saint-Malo is a charming seaside destination. Want to have fun on its beautiful beaches? Here’s a tip: check the tide schedules. Is the tide low in the morning at sunrise and again in the evening at sunset? That’s the perfect time for beachcombing or walking along the shore with your kids while enjoying the beautiful sky hues. Low tide is also ideal for beach activities like kite flying, sand yachting, or horseback riding. Want to take a swim? Wait for the tide to rise with a high coefficient. That’s the best time to enjoy the water. However, you should also consider other factors: the weather, water temperature, currents, and swell... To plan effectively, consult the Saint-Malo tide table. It provides details on low and high tide times and coefficients, helping you choose the best beach to enjoy. When the tidal coefficient is high, the sea recedes quickly after the slack tide. In short, knowing the tide times and coefficients will help you plan every sea-related activity perfectly.
What Are the Spring Tides?
Paradisiacal landscapes, stunning sunrises and sunsets, perfect temperatures… That’s what awaits you in Saint-Malo! Looking for dramatic tides? You’re in the right place, as here, the difference in height between high and low tide can be quite significant. Saint-Malo is renowned for its spring tides, which create vast expanses of sand at low tide, offering an ideal playground for shellfish gathering. It's a true natural wonder. The spectacle is particularly impressive on the beaches of the Corsair City. The tides in this area are among the highest in Saint-Malo, with a coefficient reaching 103 and a water height exceeding 12 meters. Saint-Malo is home to stunning tidal beaches, such as the Sillon Beach. At high tide, it features gentle waves suitable for surfing, along with a vast swimming area, with water temperatures around 17°C and an average coefficient of 95. Bon Secours Beach also offers a unique experience with its famous natural swimming pool. And the view of Dinard is breathtaking!
The Most Beautiful Beaches in Saint-Malo
Now that you have a better understanding of the tidal phenomenon in Saint-Malo, you’re probably wondering which beach to visit. Here’s a list of Saint-Malo’s beaches:
- Sillon Beach: This is Saint-Malo’s longest beach, stretching for about 3 kilometers. It comprises several sections, including the Grande Plage, Hoguette Beach, and Rochebonne Beach. Perfect for swimming, beach sports, and walking, it’s lined with a charming promenade and plenty of restaurants and cafés.
- Bon-Secours Beach: Located at the foot of the city walls, this beach is very popular with families and features a sea pool that remains full at low tide. It offers a stunning view of the Grand Bé islet and the Bay of Saint-Malo. Ideal for shellfish gathering at low tide!
- La Môle Beach: A narrower beach situated between the Môle jetty and the Sillon. It’s popular for swimming during high tide.
- Éventail Beach: Located near the national fort, it offers a beautiful view of Saint-Malo’s city walls. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the scenery.
- Rochebonne Beach: This is the continuation of Sillon Beach, bordered by some beautiful old villas. It’s quieter than the central sections of the Sillon.
- Val Beach: A small beach located between the city walls and the national fort. It’s less crowded and offers a more intimate setting.
In Saint-Malo, summer temperatures can be high, and the sun can be intense in the morning, at midday, and in the evening. Before taking your children to the beach, check the weather forecast to ensure the sun isn’t too strong. Additionally, be cautious of waves and swells, which can be dangerous for the little ones. Opt for a lifeguarded beach. If you plan to visit Saint-Malo, in Ille-et-Vilaine, northwestern France, don’t miss a walk along the ramparts to enjoy panoramic views of the sea and surrounding beaches, and be sure to stroll around the port, a lively and bustling spot! With a bit of luck, you might even see fishermen returning with fresh fish. In the evening, admire the sunset from the beach; it’s especially stunning during a full moon! The town itself is rich in history and culture, with many museums, shops, and restaurants to explore. So, are you ready to relax on Saint-Malo’s dreamy beaches? Do you know your vacation dates yet? If so, all that’s left is to book your stay at our campsite in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, just 15 km from Saint-Malo and right next to Dinard!