This gate, which was opened in the ramparts in 1871 as a replacement for the old postern-gate, made it possible to gain access to the Bon-Secours beach and the old Bés slipway where the Dinard ferryboat used to berth.
From this spot, you can see out over the harbour’s roadstead, its small islands, and along the coast as far as Cape Fréhel.
The closest of these small islands is Grand-Bé where, in an unmarked tomb, lie the remains of the writer François-René de Chateaubriand (Saint-Malo 1768 - Paris 1848).
Behind it is the island called “Petit-Bé” with its fort, which was built in the last quarter of the 17th century under the supervision of Vauban and the engineer Garengeau.
Further on, in-between the two Bé islands, you can see the Île de Cézembre, which was one of the most heavily bombarded spots during the Second World War. The German garrison surrendered on 2 September 1944 after intense aerial bombardments using napalm, which brought an end to the battles for the liberation of Saint-Malo, that had begun on 6 August 1944.
To the west, in the direction of Cape Fréhel, is the Îlot Harbour and its fort, which was also built by Vauban and Garengeau in the last quarter of the 17th century.
The section of the ramparts overlooking Bon-Secours beach is the oldest part of the town and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is more commonly referred to by locals as “Les Petits Murs”. Note the traces of old alcoves below the corbels of the machicolations.
 |
| Petit Bé |
 |
| Grand Bé |
