Saint-Malo: one of the world’s most beautiful cities; a popular gateway to Northwest France; and perfect for a pre-Christmas trip in a quintessential Breton port. Pack a weekend bag and book a ferry, then wake to see the granite ramparts of the medieval inner city rising invitingly.

If you can’t wait to explore, park off Chaussée Eric Tabarly (turn left from the ferry) and enter the old walled town (‘intra muros’) through Porte de Dinan. Alternatively, head straight for your hotel – we love the Kyriad Prestige, which is just a few minutes’ drive from the ferry.

All the wine, cheese and French-themed Christmas gifts you could wish for

Leave your car and catch a bus into town. From the hotel it’s a five-minute walk to the stop on Rue des Antilles, beside massive Intermarché La Découverte. That’s another attraction of the Kyriad’s location – a well-stocked hypermarket crammed with all the wine, cheese, Breton goodies and French-themed Christmas gifts you could wish for.

But for now, thoughts of home are a weekend away as you explore intra muros in the footsteps of Marie-Laure – the blind heroine of Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, ‘All The Light We Cannot See’. Allow several hours to walk the wind-blown ramparts, enjoy the ocean views and admire architecture that’s been painstakingly rebuilt after the ravages of wartime – including the city’s iconic cathedral spire.

Then get sand between your toes on Plage de Bon Secours beneath the towering walls, and imagine the life of corsairs (state-sponsored pirates) who once called St Malo their home. They’re just part of St Malo’s long seafaring story. The Musée d’Histoire de la Ville et du Pays Malouin reveals all, from Jacques Cartier who explored Canada to the dark days of WW2 and St Malo’s more recent mariners.

Enjoy delicious Gallettes and Crêpes

Whether intra muros or in districts such as Paramé or St Servan, excellent accommodation and tempting restaurants await. Of course, when in Brittany, sampling delicious Gallettes and Crêpes is a must. As ever, TripAdvisor is your friend, and we loved local Crêperie Chantal. Beloved by Malouins and discerning visitors alike, it’s on Place aux Herbe, tucked well away from the main tourist area.

Time allowing, you could venture beyond Saint-Malo: chic Dinard is just across the estuary, fairytale Mont St Michel is an hour’s drive, while Plage Saint-Guirec‘s Pink Granite coast is two hours to the west. But they’re for another article. For now, it’s time to plan your pre-Christmas visit to St Malo.