Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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But there is another architectural marvel to absolutely discover in Saint-Malo: the Cité d'Aleth. A 4th-century fortress that also houses the Memorial Museum 39-45 on a wooded peninsula that offers a unique panorama.
Why visit the Cité d'Aleth in Saint-Malo?
Many reasons will pique your curiosity and push you to visit this charming site in the corsair city:
- The view of the Emerald Coast, of Dinard and Saint-Malo bay from the fort, this peninsula will give you the impression of being far away and isolated from urban life, while it is located only a few hundred meters from Saint-Malo.
- Discover Gallo-Roman remains at the Cité d'Alet.
- This ancient city is the testimony of the first inhabitants of Saint-Malo, long before the current old town became the new location of the Malouins from the 12th century.
- You will discover the oldest place of worship in the region at the Saint-Pierre d'Alet Cathedral, now in ruins, and its history.
- Archaeology enthusiasts will find their happiness on this site which was the capital of the Coriosolites, this Celtic people who lived there in the 1st century BC.
- Visit a blockhouse built during World War II and which houses the Memorial Museum 39-45 on 3 levels.
- The fort of the Cité d'Alet from the 18th century.
At the mouth of the Rance, close to the old town, the Bas Sablons and Saint Servan, it would be a shame to miss this surprising historical heritage... that takes you on a journey from the Gallo-Roman period to World War II.
What to visit at the Cité d'Aleth in Saint-Malo?
The name of the city is spelled in 3 ways: Aleth, Alet, or Aled in Breton, so it won't be an error if you see it spelled in these 3 different ways. Here are the sites you can discover at the Cité d'Alet:
1 – The Saint-Pierre d'Alet Cathedral
On Place Saint-Pierre, the ruins of this former cathedral testify to the prestige of this monument which was destroyed in the 13th century during a revolt by the inhabitants of Alet. Built in the 10th century, it provides proof of strong activity on the site at that time. The episcopal see was located in Aleth until the 12th century before being transferred to Saint-Malo.
If remains clearly demonstrate that the place was occupied from the Neolithic period, it was indeed the Coriosolites, this Celtic people who lived mainly in Armorica, who transformed it into a capital. Later, repeated assaults by the Franks, Saxons and Normans would push the inhabitants to take possession of the rock of Saint-Malo before settling there permanently.
2 – The rampart
Located on Rue Saint-Pierre, this wall belonged to a rampart built in the 3rd century, it has been established that it was 3 to 4 meters high.
3 – The fortress of Saint-Malo
In the 18th century, the fortress was reinforced at the top, in order to protect against English invasions. German troops would build galleries there during World War II, it was modernized by the Todt Organization in 1942.
You will find at this location armored bells that bear the stigma of intensive Allied bombing during this dark period on the peninsula which was then held by the Germans.
8 days of bombardment and 2 assaults were necessary to dislodge them from the fortress composed of a vast underground network that connected the bunkers and turrets to each other and which went around the peninsula.
4 – The Memorial 39/45
This is a museum that gathers many photos on World War II, objects and documents on this specific period, the exhibition is held in a blockhouse on 3 levels.
5 – The Solidor Tower
This 14th-century fortified building is composed of 3 towers, its main role was to check access to the Rance. During the revolution, it became a prison where many military personnel and clergy were imprisoned. In the 1970s, the tower became a museum dedicated to the history of navigators. A rich and varied collection explains the harsh living conditions of these crews who sometimes left for a long voyage with no return, to Cape Horn or elsewhere.
Enjoy the sublime view that will offer itself to you from the top of the tower to take magnificent photos of the sea, the Solidor district, Dinard, the Rance dam or the Cité d'Alet.
6 – The Solidor quay
A place steeped in history. It was once the place where the ships of the formidable Malouin corsairs were built, 1,000 trees were then necessary for the construction of a single ship.
7 – The Rance dam
The construction of this dam on the Rance estuary has made it possible to power a tidal power plant that uses the force of tides to draw its energy.
This system is capable of producing enough electricity for 200,000 residents.
The Cité d'Alet is a timeless place where it's pleasant to stroll. Enjoy this haven of peace by sitting on a bench just facing the immensity of the sea to pause for a moment and breathe the good sea air! As the path is hilly, you will appreciate all the more taking a little break from time to time on one of these benches to catch your breath.