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Tour Solidor and Cap-Hornier Museum

4.5
·802 reviews·Saint-Malo, France

Explore WWII history at Cité d'Aleth's fortress, featuring bunkers and panoramic views of Saint-Malo.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, museum likely open

CrowdLow
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the view

Tour Solidor and Cap-Hornier Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, museum likely open

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore WWII history at Cité d'Aleth's fortress, featuring bunkers and panoramic views of Saint-Malo.

4.5
(802 reviews)

"Amazing to see the old bunkers, great piece of history, stunning views of the Harbor and city."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Museum Hours

Museum hours can be limited, especially on Sundays. Book guided tours in advance if possible. :ticket:

Explore Outdoor Areas

The outdoor fortress and coastal paths are free to explore and offer amazing views. :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

WWII Bunkers & Cupolas

WWII Bunkers & Cupolas

Discover well-preserved German WWII defenses, including armored cupolas with historical shell impacts.

Fortress Views

Fortress Views

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Saint-Malo harbor and the walled city from the fortress.

Coastal Paths

Coastal Paths

Wander along scenic coastal paths offering stunning vistas and a sense of historical immersion.

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Planning Your Visit

WWII History & Views

Explore the remnants of WWII defenses and enjoy panoramic views of Saint-Malo. The outdoor areas are free, but the museum requires a guided tour, often in French. Check opening times carefully, especially on weekends.

Accessibility & Information

While the outdoor grounds are accessible, the museum's limited hours and language options can be a barrier. Consider booking a tour in advance if you want to delve deeper into the history.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, museum likely open
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Potentially longer museum hours
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

WWII fort and armored cupolas of Saint Malo #History #ww2 #engineering
@simplehistory_
21.5K likes • 726.5K views

Check Museum Hours

Museum hours can be limited, especially on Sundays. Book guided tours in advance if possible. :ticket:

Explore Outdoor Areas

The outdoor fortress and coastal paths are free to explore and offer amazing views. :camerawithflash:

Saint-Malo: The Pirate City of France ⚓️🏴‍☠️ 📍 Once a pirate stronghold, Saint-Malo’s privateers raided ships and declared independence in the 1590s! 🌊 Home to Jacques Cartier, the explorer who claimed Canada for France. 💣 80% destroyed in WWII by US bombs, then rebuilt stone by stone. 🏰 Nearly 1,000-year-old ramparts still stand strong. 🌊 Europe’s highest tides (up to 40ft!) transform the coastli...
@haleyycole31
4.9K likes • 102.3K views
Nos recommandations à Saint-Malo 👇🏼 1️⃣Les remparts de Saint-Malo Astuce : débuter la promenade par La Porte Saint-Thomas 2️⃣Les Grandes Marées Astuce : se rendre sur les remparts du côté du Fort à la Reine 3️⃣La ville de Saint-Malo À voir : La cathédrale Saint-Vincent, la place Chateaubriand, la demeure de Corsaire, la rue de l'Orme 4️⃣La plage de Bon Secours 5️⃣ La piscine d'eau de mer de la pla...
@lespepitesdefrance
4.8K likes • 356.5K views

Language Barrier

Museum information is primarily in French. English and German texts are limited. :globewithmeridians:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The site involves walking on uneven terrain and coastal paths. :athletic_shoe:

saint-malo! one of the best coastal getaways frrom paris only 3.5 hours by train 🌊 i’ve added all the details in my newsletter on how to get here, food and restaurants this was a press trip invite and now my 2nd time learning more about the region of france with AR Collection hotels. i have gone to this region independently over 4 times and i feel grateful to be able to share destinations which i...
@preetigills
4.3K likes • 67.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Museum Hours

Museum hours can be limited, especially on Sundays. Book guided tours in advance if possible. :ticket:

Explore Outdoor Areas

The outdoor fortress and coastal paths are free to explore and offer amazing views. :camerawithflash:

Language Barrier

Museum information is primarily in French. English and German texts are limited. :globewithmeridians:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The site involves walking on uneven terrain and coastal paths. :athletic_shoe:

WWII History Focus

This site is a significant WWII historical location, offering insights into German defenses. :military_medal:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(802 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the historical WWII bunkers and the stunning harbor views to be major highlights, with the outdoor areas being free and accessible. However, the museum's limited opening hours, primarily French-language information, and guided tour requirement are frequently cited drawbacks.

"All in all it was an interesting experience to see the old bunkers and the view from the old fortress.
Still I think there’s a lot to do. The area outside is free for visitors, but you can only look at the old bunkers and enjoy the view. That’s it. I think there should be a bit more information about what is what and what happened back then. The information should be available in French, English and German not only in French. This place is important for many people and maybe also for the young generations who don’t understand French. Even just English would be enough for everyone to understand!
The opening times to the museum (which you can only visit by booking a guided tour in French, just some printed text in English and German) should be longer. You visit the place and the museum is not open and you won’t come again.
In a nutshell, there’s a lot of change to be done…"

Jacob

"Amazing to see the old bunkers, great piece of history, stunning views of the Harbor and city"

Chris Hewitt

"Free to wander around outside, small fee inside. Great views and coastal paths"

Anne-Marie Cockfield

What People Like

Amazing historical bunkers
Stunning harbor views
Free outdoor exploration

What People Dislike

Limited museum hours
Primarily French information
Guided tour requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located at the Cité d'Aleth. You can reach it by car, taxi, or a scenic walk from Saint-Malo's intra-muros. Some visitors mention it's about a 30-minute drive from a holiday parc, suggesting it's accessible by car. TikTok Consider using local buses if available, though specific routes are not detailed in the provided content.

While specific parking details aren't provided, the Cité d'Aleth is a known historical site, so it's likely there are parking facilities nearby, especially for those arriving by car. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can be limited, particularly on Sundays, and the museum is often only accessible via guided tours. It's crucial to check the latest schedule before your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Wandering around the outdoor areas of the fortress and coastal paths is free. There is a small fee to enter the museum itself, which is often part of a guided tour. Reddit

Yes, it appears that visiting the museum requires booking a guided tour, which is predominantly offered in French. Reddit

No specific discount information is available in the provided content. It's advisable to check the official website or inquire directly for any potential group or special rates.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore well-preserved WWII German bunkers and armored cupolas, some still bearing shell impacts. TikTok The site also offers stunning panoramic views of the Saint-Malo harbor and the walled city. Reddit

The historical aspect of WWII might be engaging for older children. However, the museum's focus on military history and limited multilingual information might be less engaging for younger ones. Parents should consider their children's interests.

This site was a crucial part of the German Atlantic Wall defenses during World War II, featuring armored cupolas and bunkers. TikTok+1 It's a testament to the intense fighting that occurred in Saint-Malo during the war. TikTok

The provided information doesn't detail interactive exhibits. The focus seems to be on historical structures and informational texts, which are primarily in French. Reddit

Photography policies within museums can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask a staff member upon arrival. However, the outdoor areas and views are excellent for photography. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No specific dining facilities are mentioned at the museum itself. However, Saint-Malo offers numerous dining options, from seafood to crepes, with some highly recommended spots like Restaurant 1934. TikTok+1

Saint-Malo and the Brittany region are known for their fresh seafood, oysters, and delicious crepes. TikTok+1 Trying local specialties is a must for any visitor.

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views of the harbor and Saint-Malo from the fortress are spectacular. Reddit The WWII bunkers and cupolas also make for dramatic and historically significant shots. TikTok

Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, will likely offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the coastal scenery and the historical structures. TikTok

While outdoor photography is generally encouraged, always be mindful of any posted signs or specific areas where photography might be restricted, especially if there are sensitive historical artifacts.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Buffs

For those fascinated by military history, the Cité d'Aleth is a must-visit. The preserved WWII bunkers and armored cupolas offer a direct encounter with the past. TikTok+1 While the museum's information is primarily in French, the visual evidence of the fortifications speaks volumes. Consider researching the history of the Atlantic Wall and Saint-Malo's role in WWII beforehand to enhance your understanding. TikTok

Photography Enthusiasts

The panoramic views from the fortress are a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok Capture the dramatic coastline, the historic ramparts of Saint-Malo, and the imposing WWII structures. Reddit The interplay of light and shadow on the old concrete and the sea creates compelling photographic opportunities.

Budget Travelers

The outdoor exploration of the fortress and coastal paths is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. Reddit You can spend hours enjoying the views and the historical atmosphere without spending a euro. Pack a picnic to further save on costs, and enjoy it with a spectacular backdrop.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical Significance of the Cité d'Aleth

The Cité d'Aleth, where the Tour Solidor and Cap-Hornier Museum is located, is a site steeped in history, particularly from World War II. During the war, German forces fortified this strategic point, building a complex network of bunkers and armored cupolas as part of the Atlantic Wall. TikTok+1 These structures, some still bearing the scars of conflict, offer a tangible connection to the past and the intense battles that took place in Saint-Malo, which was heavily bombarded and subsequently rebuilt. TikTok

The museum itself, housed within a former German anti-aircraft defense bunker, aims to preserve and present this history. However, as noted by visitors, the presentation and accessibility of information, especially for non-French speakers, could be improved. Reddit Despite these challenges, the site remains a powerful reminder of the region's wartime experiences and offers a unique glimpse into military engineering of the era.

Experiencing the Views and Coastal Paths

Beyond the historical structures, the Cité d'Aleth offers some of the most stunning vistas in Saint-Malo. The elevated position provides sweeping panoramic views of the bustling harbor, the iconic walled city (intra-muros), and the vast expanse of the English Channel. Reddit These views are particularly captivating during sunrise and sunset, painting the sky with vibrant colors and casting a magical glow over the landscape. TikTok

Surrounding the fortress are well-maintained coastal paths that invite visitors to take a leisurely stroll. These paths not only offer different perspectives of the fortress and the sea but also connect to other scenic points along the coast. Reddit It's an ideal way to appreciate the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast and to reflect on the historical significance of the area. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be uneven in places. [^athletic_shoe]

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