Discover Saint-Malo and the surrounding areas

Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo, built on what was formerly an island, has been a Privateers' town and international commercial port since the Middle Ages. Its high stone façades, reconstructed post WW2, stand proudly defying the sea since the 17th Century. You can admire them while taking a walk along the ramparts which still enclose the whole town, before discovering the 300 or so shops and restaurants in this tourist haven.

The Mont Saint-Michel

The Mont Saint-Michel, built on a small rocky island, is a Unesco World Heritage site. Discover the medieval village with its 15th and 16th Century houses, the ramparts and the unique view they offer over the Bay, as well as, of course, the 11th/13th Century Benedictine Abbey, a world-famous place of Christian pilgrimage and an architectural jewel.

Dinard

Dinard used to be a fishing port before being adopted by the English as a seaside resort in the 19th Century thanks to its mild, almost Mediterranean, climate. Admire its beautiful beaches and over 400 villas, now classified as historic monuments. Dinard is just across the river Rance estuary to Saint-Malo. You can get there either by “bateau-bus” or by crossing over the dam, actually a tidal power station unique of its kind, which you can visit.

Dinan

Dinan is a medieval town about half an hour’s drive upriver. Its narrow cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses and its admirably restored “shoppes” make it a must-see, especially on a Thursday morning for its market, one of the most popular in our region.

Cancale

Cancale is a charming little port from where sailors would leave for the fishing grounds off Newfoundland. It is nowadays the most important site for the cultivation of mussels and oysters, and in fact, the best place to appreciate all kinds of shellfish in its many seaside restaurants.

Le cap Fréhel

Cape Fréhel is a classified “site of ecological importance”, particularly as a nesting site for migratory sea-birds, including gannets and petrels. Close by is the La Latte Fortress (14th Century) which may be visited in the summer season.

Rennes

Rennes, Capital of Brittany, is less than an hour away from Saint-Malo by train. This dynamic city lives up to its reputation as a “City of historic and artistic importance”. Don't miss its “Champs Libres” Cultural Centre depicting the history of Brittany from Neolithic standing stones to 19th Century costumes, its medieval quarter, neo-classic town houses, the theatre (Theatre National de Bretagne), cinemas, and cosmopolitan restaurants...

Leisure activities

Leisure activities: sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, sand yachting, diving, discovery of the bay, horse riding, golf, tree top adventure course, theatre, concerts, hiking… The region of Saint-Malo offers a lot of activities! Do not hesitate to seek our help for the organization of your leisure activities and for information on the available public transport services.

Testimonials

Laura M - Conference interpreter , Belgium

I had a lot of language teachers in the course of my career as an interpreter, and the instructor with whom I worked with during my EMFLI course is amongst the best I ever had. Not only is he competent and conscientious, but he immediately identified my weaknesses and my needs, and adapted my course programme consequently. He also managed to create a relaxed and motivating atmosphere during the lessons, and gave me a real interest in the French language and culture. My French course at EMFLI is definitely one of the best language courses I have ever attended.

Jennifer W. - Consultant, Australia

As I plan to go live in France for professional reasons, I had to learn to speak French quickly. Private lessons were a good solution: I could learn at my own pace and the way that suited me best, with a very good teacher, attentive to me all through the day. Practising French intensively, during the lessons, the breaks and the meals, was very effective and I progressed rapidly.

Mary B. - Retired, USA

I took a lot of French lessons in groups, but after some time I had the impression that I was stagnating: the students had different levels in French, and the lessons did not always meet my expectations. It was very different with this private course. The tailor-made program was well adapted to my level and to my needs, and the teachers took into account my interests and preferences in terms of learning materials and ways of learning. This course enabled me to progress more than I expected. In addition, the atmosphere was nice and relaxed, and learning French was a real pleasure.

Johannes D. - Project manager, Netherlands

I already had an intermediate level in French, but I wanted to feel more comfortable with speaking and learn more authentic French. The residential immersion course was to me the best way to learn French. Learning with native French speaking instructors and talking with the owners of my guest house allowed me to learn French as it is spoken, which is quite different from the language I learned at school and in books (pronunciation, expressions…).

James S. - Sales director, England

My course and stay were very well organized, the teaching methods are effective to learn French fast, the instructors are competent… EMFLI is a very professional school, and I was fully satisfied with my course.

Michael D. - Technical specialist , USA

I have to speak French in my professional life, and my language requirements are very specific. Therefore I needed a tailored course suited to my needs. My course at EMFLI was very practical: we worked with simulations of professional situations, using my own professional documents, and I could also prepare for a presentation. My French improved a lot and I was able to reach my goals owing to this week-long course.

Lisa J. - Student, England

Thanks to this intensive course, I have reached the end of the beginner’s level within 2 weeks! My teacher was competent and patient. He can speak my own language and that was very helpful: he was able to explain things in English when I did not understand, he understood my mistakes due to my mother tongue, and could explain the differences between English and French.