It is sad that so many people lost their lives in this town, not only as soldiers but as the resistance. The monument with all its names is very moving.
This fort and memorial is well worth a visit during a stay at St.Malo.There is a very well conducted and informed tour available of the WW11 bunkers and tunnel system at a modest price. However if you suffer from claustrophobia, perhaps don't do the tour. If you can stand a little confined spaces then the tour is quite a revelation and full of interesting facts.In any case just a look around the fort and the bunkers is very interesting.
Great guided tour giving the history and the story of the importance of this strategic site. The narrative is in French, but there's a script to follow and our guide had pretty good English.
We really enjoyed our visit although delivered almost entirely in French. For 6 euro per adult one gets to see a 45 minute film on the assault on St Malmo 1944. This is followed by a tour of the underground bunker system which we were told took 2,000 men 18 months to build. There are explanatory handouts in English for those whose English is not the best although we found our guide very willing to explain any of our questions in English. The history of the area and its strategic importance in the re-taking of the area by the Allies is all explained and the tour includes a walk through the bunker system which takes about 1 hour. Many opportunities to see photos of the time along with all the war paraphanelia including guns, uniforms, maps, shells etc etc
Site closed until late March. However, it is possible to walk about outside in a park like environment next to the bunkers. Popular with local dog walkers so watch where you stand !
After climbing to the monument, I just wanted to look round the wartime bunker and was ready to pay €6. The guy behind the desk said it was a 2 hour visit and all in French, so I said thank you and left.
It is quite difficult to find unless you have studied the map in advance. You access by car through the municipal campsite- I missed that and had to find a space lower down.A fascinating visit. The guide had an Englush translation and spoke excellent English. Because we had a few young children the guide spoke very ckeat and deliberately in Frenchand I was able to follow most of the commentary. Any if my questions were answered in excellent English. Fascinating history of St Malo and the war as well as a most interesting site.
Great museum inside old war bunkers on the edge of St Malo. Tours only in French, with an English card to read, but it doesnt really give enough info, or follow the guide well enough. Interesting things to look at though, and the outisde space (free of charge) has some old gun turrets and a nice walk around the edge of the cliff overlooking the marina. Lots of space for the children to run around. Not easy to find though!
And French language skills, a visit here could be paradise or purgatory. We expected a quick walk-through, but got an hour-long detailed guided visit to the bunker. Our guide delivered in French but spoke English and was willing to answer any questions in English. He was extremely enthusiastic. However, if your interest in WWII is only casual, you may want to opt for a self-guided visit.
Check it's open before visiting. The tunnels and museum has been closed on the 3 visits I have made there. Great views and impressive defensive ww2 bunkers