A former sandy island, St Malo was linked to the mainland via a sandbank in the 13th century and since this time has developed as a fortified stronghold, funded by merchants and corsairs (government sanctioned pirates!) over subsequent centuries. Both are celebrated throughout the city as is Jaques Cartier, the 15th Century explorer who set off from here and discovered Canada in 1535.
Dotted around St Malo are island forts in various states of repair, Isle du Grand Be and the smaller Fort du Petit Be are accessible during low water….
so it just had to be done…. (we Brits led the way barefoot out to the fort whilst the tide was still above the causeway!)
The 1.8 km ramparts completely enclose the city, at the tip of the jetty on the South West corner you get a particularly splendid view especially as over 80% of the city was raised to the ground during WWII and has been faithfully restored.
A Statue of Francois Auguste Magon, a very successful privateer (seen here ordering his men to board an English vessel and claim their bounty!)
Todays Fun Foto: A pirate mermaid with a pet seal……. we like her!
Fascinating fort and corsair histories.HUGS from Mumski x
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