Demeure de Corsaire / Hôtel Asfeld
Step into an 18th-century corsair's mansion in Saint-Malo, exploring elegant interiors and maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Demeure de Corsaire / Hôtel Asfeld
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into an 18th-century corsair's mansion in Saint-Malo, exploring elegant interiors and maritime history.
"Amazing mansion that brings you back to the 17th century with a very good tour guide."
🇫🇷 French Language Essential
Tours are strictly in French. If you don't speak it, consider skipping or preparing for limited understanding.
⏳ Be Prepared for Lengthy Tours
Tours can be long and focus on a few rooms. Some visitors found them 'interminable'.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Corsair Mansion
Demeure de Corsaire
Step back in time in this elegant 18th-century mansion, once home to a famous corsair.
Corsair History Insights
Demeure de Corsaire
Learn about the daring lives of Saint-Malo's famous privateers and their maritime exploits.
Elegant 18th-Century Interior
Demeure de Corsaire
Admire the preserved architecture and decor of a bygone era in this historic house.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Language Barrier Alert
Tour Length & Scope
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🇫🇷 French Language Essential
Tours are strictly in French. If you don't speak it, consider skipping or preparing for limited understanding.
⏳ Be Prepared for Lengthy Tours
Tours can be long and focus on a few rooms. Some visitors found them 'interminable'.
🎟️ Check Ticket Prices
Ticket prices are considered 'rather high' by some, especially without English support.
🚶♀️ Limited Access
Only a few rooms are accessible, despite the mansion having many.
Tips
from all over the internet
🇫🇷 French Language Essential
Tours are strictly in French. If you don't speak it, consider skipping or preparing for limited understanding.
⏳ Be Prepared for Lengthy Tours
Tours can be long and focus on a few rooms. Some visitors found them 'interminable'.
🎟️ Check Ticket Prices
Ticket prices are considered 'rather high' by some, especially without English support.
🚶♀️ Limited Access
Only a few rooms are accessible, despite the mansion having many.
🤔 Consider Alternatives
If you don't speak French, Saint-Malo offers other attractions that are more welcoming.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Demeure de Corsaire offers a glimpse into the opulent past of Saint-Malo's corsairs, with an elegant interior and rich historical context. However, the experience is significantly hampered for non-French speakers due to tours being exclusively in French with no alternative language support. Visitors also note the tours can be lengthy and only cover a few rooms.
"Amazing mansion that brings you back to the 17th century. It was an amazing visit with a very good tour guide that knew a lot of the history of the mansion and the history of Saint Malo."
Hugo Gustafsson
"I anticipated that the tour would not be accessible to non French speakers but I was not prepared for a whole hour just spent in 3 rooms - I was very disappointed not to see more than the ground floor (rather than the 56 rooms advertised) but I couldnt stand up any longer ! My feeling was that the lengthy (interminable) explanations were (way) too long even for French speakers. Sadly I left after an hour - my choice ! Just couldn’t take any more …. Re bathroom - no toilet paper and basin sink bin overflowing with yesterday’s used towels. Madame was 10 mins late opening up so maybe they had a problem 🤷🏻♀️ if you don’t speak French I would say don’t go - this is a real pity as I didn’t lack interest or realise the rarity of the maison."
Sally Ward
"All visits are guided and in French only. Much of it concerns the history of the corsairs."
james kellam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Demeure de Corsaire is located within the walled city of Saint-Malo. You can reach Saint-Malo by train from Paris (approx. 2.5 hours).+1 Once in Saint-Malo, the mansion is within walking distance of the train station, as the city is compact.
Parking within the walled city of Saint-Malo can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking lots outside the ramparts and walk in.
Yes, the walk from Saint-Malo train station to the walled city and Demeure de Corsaire is about 10-15 minutes.
Many visitors enjoy walking the impressive ramparts of Saint-Malo for stunning ocean views before heading to the mansion. +1
Using the SNCF Connect app can help with train travel to Saint-Malo. Exploring the city on foot is highly recommended due to its size.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are described as 'rather high' by some visitors. It's advisable to check the official website for current pricing before your visit.
While not explicitly stated, booking in advance is generally a good idea for popular attractions, especially if you want to secure a specific tour time.
Information on discounts is not readily available. It's best to inquire directly with the venue or check their official website for any potential offers.
Opening hours can vary, and some visitors noted the venue was '10 mins late opening up'. It's crucial to verify the current operating hours on their official website before your visit.
Unfortunately, there are no audio guides or written summaries in English. All tours are conducted exclusively in French.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The tours are guided and conducted entirely in French. They focus on the history of the corsairs and the mansion's past.
Tours can be quite lengthy, with some visitors finding them 'interminable' and leaving after an hour, despite only seeing a few rooms.
No, the mansion is inhabited, and only a few rooms are accessible during the guided tour.
The tour is not recommended for non-French speakers due to the language barrier and lack of alternative information.
Visitors describe it as an 'amazing mansion that brings you back to the 17th century' with an 'elegant interior'.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding photography restrictions.
The elegant interior and preserved architecture offer aesthetic appeal. Focus on capturing the details of the rooms you can access.
Saint-Malo itself offers numerous picturesque spots, especially the ramparts overlooking the ocean and the charming streets within the walled city. +1
Many visitors capture the historic ramparts, the sea views, and the unique architecture of the corsair city. +1
Given the potentially dim lighting inside historic buildings, consider using a wider aperture and a higher ISO, or a tripod if permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you're visiting Saint-Malo with children, consider focusing on activities like walking the ramparts,
🗣️ Non-French Speakers
While the mansion itself is historically significant, the experience will be largely visual rather than informative. If your primary goal is to learn about the corsairs and the mansion's history, and you don't speak French, it's strongly recommended to seek out other attractions in Saint-Malo that are more accommodating to international visitors.
🏛️ History Buffs
Be prepared for the tour to be conducted solely in French and to focus on specific rooms. If you can navigate the language barrier or have a strong French comprehension, the detailed historical narratives shared by the guides can be very rewarding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of the Corsairs
Understanding this context is key to appreciating the mansion. The tours, though in French, delve into the strategies, voyages, and the economic impact of corsairing on Saint-Malo.
For visitors interested in maritime history, the mansion provides a unique, albeit focused, perspective. It's a chance to connect with the adventurous past that shaped this coastal stronghold.
Navigating the Language Barrier
This lack of multilingual support means that visitors who don't speak French may find the visit less informative and engaging. Some reviewers felt 'misled' upon discovering this limitation only after purchasing tickets.
Given this, it's crucial for potential visitors to assess their French language proficiency. If French is not your strong suit, you might consider prioritizing other attractions in Saint-Malo that offer more inclusive visitor experiences.
The Architecture and Interior of Demeure de Corsaire
Visitors can expect to see preserved architectural details and decor that reflect the period. The focus is on the historical context and the stories associated with each room and its former inhabitants.
Despite the limited access, the preserved elements provide a tangible connection to the past. The mansion's architecture and interior design are a testament to the wealth and status achieved by successful corsairs in Saint-Malo.
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