Mémorial 39-45, Saint-Malo

Museum in Saint-Malo

Memorial 39 45
Memorial 39 45
CC BY-SA 3.0 / TCY

Set high above the Rance estuary at the Cité d'Alet, the Mémorial 39-45 is one of the most immersive places in Saint-Malo to understand what the Second World War meant on the ground. Rather than a conventional gallery, you're stepping into a network of German bunkers built into an older fort site, where thick concrete corridors and command rooms create an atmosphere that's immediate and quietly intense.

It is one of the top attractions in Saint-Malo for travellers who want more than postcard views, and it adds real depth to a walking tour of Saint-Malo by taking you beyond Intra-Muros and into the strategic heights that shaped the city's wartime story. The visit is guided, which suits the setting: these spaces make far more sense when someone helps you read them, from their defensive purpose to the human reality of living and fighting around them.

History and Significance of the Mémorial 39-45

The memorial opened in 1994, but its power comes from where it sits: inside wartime fortifications at a site that has been strategically important for centuries. The Cité d'Alet looks over the approaches to Saint-Malo and the Rance, and during the occupation it became a heavily fortified point in the Atlantic Wall system, built to control coastlines, shipping routes, and the skies above the bay.

What makes the Mémorial 39-45 especially meaningful is the way it frames Saint-Malo's liberation as a lived experience, not a distant headline. The guided narrative connects the occupation, the construction of bunkers, and the battle that culminated in August 1944, when the surrounding area was battered by heavy fighting and bombardment before the city was freed.

The site also works as a reminder that wartime history is layered into the landscape. Even if you come for the views, the memorial makes it clear that these panoramas were once military sightlines, and that the calm you see today is part of the city’s long recovery and resilience.

Things to See and Do in the Mémorial 39-45

The visit is organised around two guided-tours, each with a distinct focus. The History tour takes you inside an anti-aircraft defence bunker and uses the spaces themselves to explain the occupation, the wartime build-up, and the liberation of Saint-Malo, often with a rhythm that feels more like investigative storytelling than a standard museum walk.

The Fortifications tour is more architectural and “how it worked” in tone, exploring defensive design and the daily realities of bunker life. It typically includes features like a machine-gun casemate and a restored artillery fire-direction post, which helps you understand how observation, communication, and fire control connected across the bay.

Across both tours, the artefact collection adds texture: uniforms, equipment, photographs, and practical objects that anchor the experience in real lives rather than abstract strategy. And because you're on the heights of Saint-Servan, the setting naturally pairs history with viewpoint moments that let you look back across Saint-Malo with a new, more informed perspective.

How to Get to the Mémorial 39-45

The memorial is at the Fort de la Cité d'Alet in Saint-Servan, which is outside the Intra-Muros walls, so it is best planned as a dedicated stop rather than something you stumble across while wandering the old town. The nearest airports are Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo (DNR) and Rennes-Saint-Jacques (RNS). For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Saint-Malo on Booking.com.

If you arrive by train, Saint-Malo station is the main hub, and from there it's easy to reach Saint-Servan by local bus or taxi before walking the final stretch up to the fort. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Local buses are a practical option, and the memorial is served by the city network (including Line 8), which is useful if you want to keep the day car-free.

Driving is straightforward, and there is free parking near the site, which makes this a simple add-on if you are also exploring viewpoints and coastal stops around Saint-Servan. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Mémorial 39-45

  • Entrance fee: Adults: €6.80
  • Opening hours: (Winter) Tours: 14:30, 15:15 & 16:30; Closed on Monday.
    (Summer) Tours: 10:15, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 & 17:00.
  • Official website: https://www.saint-malo.fr/accueil/sortir/musees/memorial-39-45/
  • Best time to visit: Choose a weekday tour in the shoulder season if you want a calmer, more conversational visit, or go early in the day when you can pair it with a long viewpoint walk afterwards.
  • How long to spend: Plan around the guided format and allow extra time for the viewpoints at the Cité d'Alet, which are a big part of the experience.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven surfaces, steps, and tight bunker spaces that can feel physically demanding; if you have mobility concerns, build in time and consider whether both tours are comfortable.
  • Facilities: Treat this as a focused heritage stop and plan cafés and longer breaks in Saint-Servan or back in Intra-Muros.

Where to Stay Close to the Mémorial 39-45

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself Intra-Muros so you can walk to the ramparts, cathedral, and restaurants at the best times; if your trip’s main focus is quieter neighbourhoods, viewpoints, and easy access to Saint-Servan, staying just outside the walls or in Saint-Servan can feel more relaxed while still keeping the centre close. If you want a calm, characterful base inside the old town, Hôtel Quic en Groigne puts you in a quieter Intra-Muros street while keeping everything walkable. For a practical stay right against the ramparts with a classic Saint-Malo feel, Hôtel de la Cité is well placed for early starts and easy evenings. If you prefer a more residential, seaside vibe with a beach promenade on your doorstep, Hôtel La Villefromoy suits travellers who like mixing history days with coastal downtime.

Is the Mémorial 39-45 Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you want Saint-Malo’s story to feel complete rather than purely scenic. The bunker setting makes the history tangible in a way that plaques and photos alone rarely achieve, and the guided format helps you understand what you’re seeing without needing specialist knowledge.

It is also a smart choice if you are building an itinerary with contrast: ramparts and beaches for atmosphere, then the memorial for context. You leave with a sharper sense of why these coastlines mattered, and how the city’s identity was shaped as much by conflict and recovery as by privateers and maritime legend.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This can work well for older children and teenagers who are ready for serious history, because the setting feels like a real-world “time capsule” rather than a static museum. The key is choosing a tour that matches attention spans and being prepared for darker themes that may prompt questions.

If you are travelling with younger kids, consider treating it as a single-tour visit and pairing it with a viewpoint walk or a more playful stop afterwards. Framing it as a guided story about place and resilience, rather than focusing only on weapons and conflict, usually makes the experience more balanced.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is less about romance and more about sharing a meaningful, memorable experience that adds depth to the trip. It’s an excellent way to escape the busiest Intra-Muros lanes while still staying connected to Saint-Malo’s bigger story.

A good approach is to visit, then linger at the Cité d'Alet viewpoints for a quiet walk with panoramic views back toward the city. The contrast between solemn history and open-air sea scenery makes the day feel layered rather than heavy.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong-value cultural stop because the guided tour format packs a lot of context into a relatively compact visit. You do not need add-ons to make it worthwhile, and the setting itself provides a “two-in-one” experience of history plus viewpoints.

To keep costs down, pair it with simple, low-cost highlights nearby, such as a long walk around Saint-Servan and a picnic-style lunch. It fits nicely into a day where your other major experiences are the free ramparts and beaches.

History Buffs

If you actively seek WWII sites, this is one of the most rewarding stops in Saint-Malo because it places you inside the wartime infrastructure rather than simply describing it. The fortifications tour is particularly satisfying for understanding how observation, defence, and daily routines were designed into the architecture.

History buffs will also appreciate how the memorial links the occupation to the liberation battles that reshaped the city’s modern story. It is a visit that rewards attention to detail, especially when you treat the bunkers as historical documents in concrete.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (710)

MUSÉE 39-45 - MÉMORIAL BRETAGNE - DINAN at 16 Rue du Pont de la Haye is a privately run, compact but densely packed WWII museum assembled over decades; visitors describe thousands of everyday wartime artifacts across multiple rooms and floors — uniforms, helmets, vehicles and small equipment — with many item labels translated into English. The presentation is unpretentious and approachable, appealing to history enthusiasts and older children though young kids may find little aimed at them; expect limited parking, no refreshments, a small shop selling collectibles, and occasional complaints about pricing or card payments.

Eric Broockman
6 months ago
"This is a quirky place but is also a shrine of sorts built by people dedicated to preserving the nuts and bolts of the war. We’ve all seen warmovies. We see planes , battles, death. This little museum holds 1,000 s of the day to day elements of the war. Uniforms, bayonets, motorcycles, medic kits, mess kits, flame throwers, letters how, photo albums from officers and soldiers - it is all here. It isn’t a fancy place - but put together in an approachable way. The gift shop is unique in what is available for sale. Worth the 3 minute drive if you are in Dinan...."
Matthieu Rider
6 months ago
"An incredible labour of love over 40 years has seen the owners collect and curate an incredible supply of artefacts detailing the German occupationof Brittany during WW2 - from US trucks to Nazified French Gendarmie helmets and everything in between, the collection numbers in the thousands of items across two floors and five rooms. If you’re a WW2 officianado allow up to two hours. Passing interest in the period or region allow 45 minutes to an hour. Not much for young children to do, but tweens and teens with an interest in history will enjoy it. Many signs and item descriptions translated to English...."
Andy Be ey
3 months ago
"Wow, not a big site but certainly a lot in it, mostly German which makes a refreshing change from listening to how the Americans won World War 2single handed.. A worthwhile place to spend a couple of hours, no catering facilities though, but that's not we're here for......"

FAQs for Visiting the Mémorial 39-45

Getting There

It is at the Fort de la Cité d’Alet in the Saint-Servan area, outside the Intra-Muros walls. Expect a short trip from the old town followed by an uphill walk to the fort.
The easiest approach is to reach Saint-Servan first, then walk up to the Cité d’Alet rather than trying to do the whole distance on foot from Intra-Muros. Once you are in Saint-Servan, follow signs toward the fort and viewpoints.
Take a bus or taxi toward Saint-Servan, then walk the final stretch up to the fort. This keeps the journey simple and saves energy for the guided visit.
Yes, driving can be convenient because the site sits outside the tight old-town streets. It is particularly worthwhile if you are combining the memorial with other Saint-Servan viewpoints.

Tickets & Entry

You need a ticket for the guided visit inside the bunkers. The surrounding fort area and viewpoints can be enjoyed more casually, but the memorial experience itself is guided.
Tickets are tied to guided tours that take you through specific bunker spaces with interpretation. Depending on what you choose, you may focus on wartime history or on fortification design and daily life.
In peak summer and on weekends, booking is a sensible way to protect your schedule. In quieter periods, you may find it easier to join a tour with less planning.

Visiting Experience

Even a quick visit works best when you commit to one guided tour rather than trying to rush through both. Add a little extra time for the viewpoints, because they help you place the history in the landscape.
If your day is focused on ramparts and Intra-Muros atmosphere, it may feel like a detour. If you want deeper context and a powerful WWII perspective, it is one of the most meaningful single stops you can choose.
The bunker interiors make it workable in poor weather, but you will still have outdoor walking and exposed viewpoints. On stormy days, dress for wind and rain and treat the views as a bonus rather than the main event.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many classic walking routes stay within Intra-Muros, so the memorial is often a planned add-on rather than a default stop. It fits best as a dedicated half-day focused on Saint-Servan and viewpoints.
The guided tour is the core of the experience because it helps you interpret the bunker layout and purpose. An independent “quick stop” is still scenic for views, but it will not deliver the same depth.
Pair a single guided tour with a slow walk around the Cité d’Alet viewpoints and then continue toward Tour Solidor. This creates an easy, coherent mini-route without needing to cross back into the old town immediately.

Photography

Yes, especially for dramatic exterior views and fort silhouettes against the water. Inside, low light and guided pacing can limit what is comfortable, so focus on atmosphere rather than perfection.
Late afternoon often gives the most flattering light across the bay and back toward Saint-Malo. Earlier in the day can feel calmer, which helps if you want fewer people in viewpoint shots.

Accessibility & Facilities

The site involves slopes, steps, and tight bunker spaces that can be challenging for limited mobility. If accessibility is a concern, you may prefer prioritising the viewpoints and choosing the most manageable tour option.
Facilities are more limited than in Intra-Muros, so plan your main breaks before or after the visit. Many travellers combine this stop with a café break in Saint-Servan.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Saint-Servan is a practical place for a simple café stop after the visit, and it is usually quieter than the walled city. If you want more atmosphere, head back toward Intra-Muros once you are done.
This visit pairs well with something low-key, like a bakery lunch and a viewpoint walk, rather than a long sit-down meal mid-visit. Save the bigger dining plans for the old town later.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it is generally calm, but it is quieter than Intra-Muros and feels more residential. For evening atmosphere, most visitors prefer returning to the walled city.
Later in the day can be especially atmospheric because the viewpoints glow in softer light. Earlier visits can feel calmer and more focused if you want a quieter tour experience.

Nearby Attractions to the Mémorial 39-45

  • Tour Solidor: A landmark tower in Saint-Servan with excellent views and a strong maritime feel on the Rance side of the city.
  • Cité d'Alet viewpoints: A panoramic walk that frames Saint-Malo's ramparts, harbour approaches, and shifting tides from above.
  • Saint-Malo Intra-Muros Ramparts: The classic wall-top circuit for sweeping sea views, rooftops, and the city's corsair atmosphere.
  • Fort National: A Vauban fortress on a tidal islet that adds dramatic bay perspectives when conditions align.
  • Cathédrale Saint-Vincent: The walled city’s cathedral, rebuilt after WWII damage, offering a quieter interior counterpoint to the coast.

The Mémorial 39-45 appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Malo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

(Winter) Tours: 14:30, 15:15 & 16:30; Closed on Monday.

(Summer) Tours: 10:15, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 & 17:00.

Price:

Adults: €6.80

Address: La Cité d'Alet, Place Saint-Pierre, 35400 Saint-Malo, France
Saint-Malo: 2 km
Official Website

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