Plage de Bon-Secours (tidal pool) - Image 1
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Plage de Bon-Secours tidal pool

4.6
·1k reviews·Saint-Malo, France

A unique tidal pool carved into rock, appearing at low tide with stunning views of Saint-Malo's ramparts.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Low tide

Pool appears for swimming

CrowdMedium
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Plage de Bon-Secours (tidal pool) - Image 1

Plage de Bon-Secours tidal pool

Best Time

Low tide

Pool appears for swimming

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique tidal pool carved into rock, appearing at low tide with stunning views of Saint-Malo's ramparts.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Beautiful beach with an incredible natural pool that allows for swimming even with low tide."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Tide Times ⏰

Crucial for experiencing the tidal pool! High tides can be dangerous .

Pack for Atlantic Weather 💨

The Atlantic can be unpredictable; bring layers even in summer.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Plage de Bon-Secours Tidal Pool

Plage de Bon-Secours Tidal Pool

Carved into the rock at the foot of the ramparts

A unique seawater pool that appears at low tide, offering a swim with a horizon view.

Iconic Diving Board

Iconic Diving Board

Plage de Bon-Secours

The famous diving board that is visible even when the pool is submerged by high tide.

Ramparts of Saint-Malo

Ramparts of Saint-Malo

Overlooking the beach

Walk along the historic ramparts for breathtaking views of the bay and the tidal pool below.

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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Tides

Saint-Malo boasts Europe's highest tides, with a 13m difference! The Plage de Bon-Secours tidal pool is submerged at high tide and appears at low tide. Always check tide times before visiting to avoid getting caught out by the rapidly rising sea.Reddit

Best Time for the Pool

The tidal pool is a unique spectacle, appearing and disappearing with the tides.TikTok Visit during low tide to experience the pool itself, but even at high tide, the views of the sea and city walls are spectacular.TikTok

Best Times

When
Low tide
Why
Pool appears for swimming
Crowd
Medium
When
High tide
Why
Spectacular sea views
Crowd
Low
When
End of August
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

C'est un spectacle naturel qui n'a lieu qu'une fois dans l'année à Saint-Malo. 😮 🌊 En quinze minutes, la piscine de Bon Secours à Saint-Malo, submergée par les vagues
@ouestfrance
23K likes • 373.8K views

Check Tide Times ⏰

Crucial for experiencing the tidal pool! High tides can be dangerous.TikTokReddit

Pack for Atlantic Weather 💨

The Atlantic can be unpredictable; bring layers even in summer.

Un couple s'est retrouvé piégé par la marée ce mardi entre le Grand Bé et la plage de Bon Secours à Saint-Malo mais a heureusement été secouru de justesse par des moniteurs de voile.
@tf1info
14.6K likes • 618.6K views
Une piscine d’eau de mer face à l’horizon 🌊 📍Bienvenue à Saint-Malo, à la piscine de Bon Secours Creusée dans la roche, elle disparaît et réapparaît au rythme des marées… 💦 👉🏼 Découvre cette pépite iodée et bien d'autres sur notre application ! credit 📸 : @alessandrone__ #lespepitesdefrance #saintmalo #bonssecours #bretagne #piscinenaturelle
@lespepitesdefrance
6.9K likes • 477.6K views

Explore the Ramparts 🏰

Amazing views of the beach and sea from above.

Swim Safely 🏊‍♀️

Be aware of currents and changing tides when swimming.

La plus célèbre piscine d’eau de mer de Bretagne ! 🌊 À marée basse, elle se dévoile comme un joyau posé au pied des remparts de Saint-Malo. À marée haute, elle disparaît presque, ne laissant voir que son plongeoir emblématique. Un lieu unique, entre ciel, mer et granit — parfait pour une baignade face à l’horizon. Tu l’as déjà vue ? Tu t’y es déjà baigné ? Raconte-moi ton souvenir 👇 🎥 kpture.fegs ...
@fansdebretagne
4.7K likes • 154.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tide Times ⏰

Crucial for experiencing the tidal pool! High tides can be dangerous.TikTokReddit

Pack for Atlantic Weather 💨

The Atlantic can be unpredictable; bring layers even in summer.

Explore the Ramparts 🏰

Amazing views of the beach and sea from above.

Swim Safely 🏊‍♀️

Be aware of currents and changing tides when swimming.

Visit Year-Round ☀️

Beautiful even outside of swimming season for the views.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the unique tidal pool at Plage de Bon-Secours, offering a swimming experience even at low tide with stunning views of the sea and Saint-Malo's ramparts. While the water is bracingly cool, the picturesque setting and historical ambiance make it a highly recommended visit, regardless of the weather.

"Beautiful beach with an incredible natural pool that allows for swimming even with low tide. Very nice views both of the sea and the city. Would highly recommend visiting even if it’s too cold to swim, as it provides a great view. We visited nearing the end of August and had a great time!"

Nico M.

"We had nothing to do so it was decided by chance to go to this beach. If we didn't have then we wouldn't happen to discover the beautiful Saint Malo. We would've stayed more if not for the bad weather."

Xhina Cerriku

"If we hadn't had ferry cancelled at Santander we would not have seen beautiful St. Malo! Lovely walled city and spectacular views from the walls over Bon Secours beach and bay even with sea mist drifting in. Well worth a visit."

Sandra Webster

What People Like

Unique tidal pool
Spectacular sea views
Historic rampart backdrop

What People Dislike

Cool Atlantic water
Limited shade

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plage de Bon-Secours is easily accessible on foot from the walled city of Saint-Malo. It's located at the base of the ramparts. If arriving by car, there are parking areas nearby, but they can fill up quickly during peak season. Public transport options within Saint-Malo are also available.

Yes, there are parking lots near Plage de Bon-Secours. However, during the summer months and weekends, these can become very crowded. It's often easier to park within the walled city and walk down to the beach.

Yes, the ferry terminal is relatively close to the walled city. You can take a taxi or a local bus, or enjoy a pleasant walk (approximately 20-30 minutes) to reach the vicinity of Bon Secours beach and the ramparts.

Walking is the best way to explore the walled city and its surroundings, including Bon Secours beach. This allows you to fully appreciate the historic architecture and the stunning coastal views.TikTok

Local buses operate within Saint-Malo and can take you close to the walled city and the beach area. Check the local bus schedules for the most convenient routes.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plage de Bon-Secours is a public beach and tidal pool, so there is no entrance fee. You can visit and enjoy the area freely.

The tidal pool's 'opening hours' are dictated by nature! It is only accessible and fills with water during low tide. Always check the local tide charts for Saint-Malo to know when it will be visible and swimmable.TikTok

The best time to visit the tidal pool is during low tide when it's visible and safe to swim. However, the views from the ramparts are spectacular at any time, even when the pool is submerged.TikTok

No booking is required as it's a natural attraction. However, if you plan to visit during peak summer season, arriving earlier in the day is recommended to secure a good spot on the beach.

The main consideration is the tide. Be extremely cautious and aware of the rapidly changing sea levels, especially if you venture too close to the water's edge at high tide.TikTokReddit

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Yes, you can swim in the tidal pool when it's filled with seawater during low tide. It's a unique experience to swim in a pool carved into the rock with views of the sea.TikTok

Being the Atlantic, the water is generally cool, even in summer. It's refreshing rather than warm, so be prepared for a bracing dip! [Review Summary]

Basic facilities are usually available near the beach, including changing rooms and public toilets. It's always a good idea to check locally for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, the beach is generally suitable for families. The tidal pool offers a more contained swimming experience. However, always supervise children closely, especially with the changing tides.TikTok

You'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sea, the bay, and the historic ramparts of Saint-Malo. It's a picturesque spot for photos and relaxation.TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the tidal pool at low tide, the iconic diving board, and the dramatic coastline. The ramparts offer elevated shots of the beach and the sea. Golden hour can be particularly magical here.

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides beautiful light. However, the dramatic contrast of high tide with stormy seas can also make for striking, moody photographs.Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. A sturdy tripod is useful for low-light conditions or long exposures of the sea.

Try shooting from the ramparts looking down, or from the beach looking up at the ramparts. The area around the diving board is also a popular spot for unique shots.

Drone regulations vary and can be strict in populated areas and near historical sites. Always check local drone laws and obtain necessary permissions before flying.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plage de Bon-Secours offers a fantastic experience for families. The tidal pool provides a more contained and safer swimming environment than the open sea, especially for younger children [Review Summary]. When the tide is out, kids can explore the rock pools and enjoy the sandy beach. The iconic diving board is also a fun visual element for them to spot.TikTok

Key tips for families: Always check the tide times before you go, as the pool disappears at high tide. Bring plenty of sun protection as shade can be limited. Supervise children closely, especially near the water's edge, as the Atlantic can be powerful. The proximity to the historic ramparts also offers opportunities for family exploration beyond the beach.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Plage de Bon-Secours is a dream location. The interplay of the tidal pool, the sea, the ramparts, and the iconic diving board offers endless creative possibilities.TikTok+1 Capture the dramatic transformation of the landscape as the tide changes, from the exposed pool to the fully submerged beach. The historic ramparts provide excellent vantage points for sweeping panoramic shots of the bay and the city.

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Sightseers

Visitors interested in history will be captivated by the location of Bon Secours beach, situated directly beneath the formidable ramparts of Saint-Malo. Walking along these ancient walls offers a deep dive into the city's past and provides unparalleled views of the coastline and the beach below [Review Summary]. The beach itself has a historical note with the creation of the tidal pool in 1937.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Magic of the Tides

Saint-Malo is renowned for having some of the highest tides in Europe, with a remarkable difference of up to 13 meters between high and low tide.Reddit This dramatic tidal range is what creates the unique phenomenon of the Plage de Bon-Secours tidal pool. At low tide, the pool, carved into the rock by Rene Lesaunier in 1937, is revealed, offering a safe and picturesque spot for swimming [Review Summary]. It's a natural spectacle that draws visitors who want to experience this powerful display of nature.

Conversely, at high tide, the sea rushes in, submerging the pool and often reaching the base of the historic ramparts. This is when the beach transforms, and the power of the Atlantic becomes evident. Visitors are warned to be extremely cautious during high tide, as the sea can rise rapidly and unexpectedly, posing a risk.TikTokReddit Understanding and respecting these tidal patterns is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.

A Historic Seaside Gem

Plage de Bon-Secours is more than just a beach; it's an integral part of the historic Saint-Malo experience. Nestled at the foot of the imposing granite ramparts, the beach offers a unique perspective of the fortified city. Visitors can walk along these ancient walls, which have protected Saint-Malo for centuries, and gaze down at the beach and the ever-changing sea.TikTok The contrast between the solid, historic fortifications and the dynamic, natural beauty of the coastline is striking.

The construction of the tidal pool itself in 1937 by Rene Lesaunier was a forward-thinking initiative to provide a consistent swimming experience for his guests, regardless of the tide. This history adds another layer to the charm of the location. Today, it remains a beloved spot for both locals and tourists, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities.

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