The Watchdogs

The Guard Dogs, a tradition of Saint-Malo

From the ramparts, above the Saint-Pierre gate, you overlook Place du Guet, linked to the curious story of the guard dogs. The Saint-Malo audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this unusual tradition of the corsair city.

The dogs that guarded the city

Place du Guet, which you overlook from the ramparts above the Saint-Pierre gate, recalls an astonishing tradition of Saint-Malo. Between 1155 and 1770, the city released each night a pack of dogs, the guard dogs, to protect the port and the ships from intruders. This curious custom, which marked the history of the city, is found today in the name of the hotel located on the square.

What to see

Here you enjoy, from the ramparts above the Saint-Pierre gate, the plunging view over Place du Guet, evoking the tradition of the guard dogs. This unusual anecdote illustrates the singular history of Saint-Malo. It is a stop for those curious about history and traditions, on the watch path.

Practical information

Place du Guet and the viewpoint of the guard dogs are discovered from the ramparts of Saint-Malo, above the Saint-Pierre gate, reachable on foot. They are public spaces freely accessible at all times. They are discovered during the tour of the ramparts of the city.

What were the guard dogs of Saint-Malo?

A pack of dogs that the city released each night, between 1155 and 1770, to protect the port and the ships from intruders.

Where are the guard dogs evoked in Saint-Malo?

From the ramparts above the Saint-Pierre gate, which overlook Place du Guet.