St. Malo & Bastille Day

[kidnapped]

St. Malo is on my itinery for 'the summer cruise'.
I was thinking of being there for Bastille Day celebrations. Does this work? eg. will I be able to get into marina? can I book in advance? Is it worthwhile or should I turn up early or late?
Any info. gratefully received.

 

[LadyInBed]

I thought France shut down for Bastille Day. If you can't lock in to the Bassin Vauban, there is always the outer marina. Better still lock in to the Rance and pop up to Dinan.

 

[John_N]

Bastille Day 2001 in St.Malo was disappointing. Fireworks in the evening and that seemed to be about all. St.Servan marina is a long way from the old town so the display was rather diluted.
In marked contrast Bastille Day 1999 in Vannes was truly amazing. The whole town entered into the festive spirit of the occasion with incredible street performers all day long and a very colourful procession and fireworks in the evening.
If you have time it's worth going 'round the corner' or even driving across Brittany to the South.

 

[Gunfleet]

I've done this. It's murder getting a place in the marina at St Servan. I'm afraid we just did the 'no speeky French' act and tied up anyway. Basin Vauban will be rafted like hell, if you can get in. You may get a mooring in Dinard but the best place of all is Dinan (if you draw under 1.50) where there is a firework display and people ghost along the river in canoes and dinghys in the dark carrying flaming torches. By the way the celebrations at St Malo, in front of the port St Vincent, are held exactly where hundereds of anti-revolutionary Bretons were guillotined during the Terror. But no one in St Malo seems to notice!

 

[kidnapped]

Thanks guys, this sounds a bit of a 'non event' .... well back to the drawing board!
Any other ideas?
PS I draw 2m.

 

[JamesS]

If you are in Britany, one of the best Bastile celebrations I attended was some years ago on St Quay Pontrieux about 40m west of St Malo.

A huge (and I mean huge) marina, a tiny village which attracts hundreds by road for the evening celebrations. You will be coming by sea so no problems there.

Highly recommended.

Cheers

 

[mikeduckett]

not much help - but reminds me of my first solo Channel crossing - hand steered for 13 hrs - Weymouth to Cherbourg in a northerly F4/5+. Harbour was 'full' but they found me room - never been turned away in a french harbour. Great Fireworks / open air film show / grub / etc.

Also, went on down to St Malo - I would suggest that even if the marina is full there are tons of anchorages - check out the chart.

I also called in at Iles Chausey between CI's & St Malo - an aboslute must if you are going that way.

Have fun