Fort du Petit Bé
A small Vauban sea fort on Petit Bé island beside Grand Bé, reached on foot at low tide, privately restored and open with guided tours of its 17th-century batteries.
Petit Bé lies on the western side of Grand Bé. Fort du Petit Bé is a coastal fortress built in the late 17th century under Vauban’s system to guard the entrance to Saint-Malo’s harbour. After years of neglect, it was leased and restored by a private party and opened to the public. At low tide you can walk there from Bôlard Beach via Grand Bé.
Inside, guides lead visitors through the magazine, barracks and batteries, explaining the history of Saint-Malo’s coastal defences and its privateers. Guided tours cost about €6. Opening depends on tide times, so check the official website’s tide table. The route floods at high tide, so be sure to return before the stated deadline.
Opening hours
Open depending on tides; check official website
Nearby sights
- Grand Bé
- Piscine de Bon-Secours
- Saint-Vincent Cathedral
- Fort National
- Saint-Malo Intra-Muros
- Mémorial 39-45
- Tour Solidor
- Plage du Sillon