Île de Cézembre
Cézembre
The only south-facing sandy island in Saint-Malo Bay, reached by boat in about 20 minutes in summer, with a fine-sand beach and WWII remains.
Île de Cézembre lies in the bay about 4 km northwest of Saint-Malo’s old town. It was heavily bombed by Allied forces in 1944, one of the most intensively bombed places of the Second World War. The island is still pocked with craters and unexploded ordnance, so most of it is off-limits, and only the beach and a marked trail are open.
The fine-sand beach on the island’s south side is the only south-facing beach in Saint-Malo Bay, with clear water, and there is a restaurant on the island. In summer (roughly July–August), ferries run from the old-town harbour in Saint-Malo, a crossing of about 20 minutes. Services are infrequent, so buy tickets in advance and watch the return times. Stay strictly within the open areas.
Opening hours
Open in summer; depends on boat schedule
Nearby sights
- Fort du Petit Bé
- Grand Bé
- Dinard
- Piscine de Bon-Secours
- Pointe du Décollé
- Fort National
- Saint-Vincent Cathedral
- Saint-Malo Intra-Muros