La Cité d'Alet
La Cité d'Alet: A Historic Stronghold
Mémorial 39-45: A Journey Through Wartime Saint-Malo
Explore Saint-Malo's WWII history in an authentic German bunker, offering a moving glimpse into the city's past.
Located within a former German anti-aircraft bunker in the Cité d'Alet, the Mémorial 39-45 offers a poignant look into Saint-Malo's experience during World War II. Through exhibits of photos, weaponry and reconstructed scenes, visitors can immerse themselves in this dark chapter of the city's history.
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A brief summary to Mémorial 39-45
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
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Getting There
Walking
From the Intra-Muros (the walled city), the Mémorial 39-45 is approximately a 2km walk. Exit the city walls and follow the coastal path towards the Cité d'Alet. The walk offers scenic views of the bay. Once in Cité d'Alet, follow signs to the memorial, located within the Fort de la Cité d'Alet. Note that the walk involves some uphill sections.
Public Transport
From the Saint-Malo train station, take bus line 1 or 2 towards Saint-Servan. Get off at the Cité d'Alet stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Mémorial 39-45 within the Fort de la Cité d'Alet. A single bus ticket costs approximately €2.70.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Saint-Malo, including at the train station. A taxi ride from the Intra-Muros or the train station to the Mémorial 39-45 takes approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €15-€25. Taxi fares in Saint-Malo start at approximately €2.80, with a per-kilometer charge.
Local tips
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Book your visit in advance, especially during peak season, as tours are guided and have limited capacity.
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Consider taking the "Discovery of the Fortifications" tour for an in-depth look at the site's military architecture.
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If you don't speak French, inquire about tours with printed translations.
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Combine your visit with a walk around the Cité d'Alet to enjoy panoramic views of the bay.
Discover more about Mémorial 39-45
The Mémorial 39-45 provides a compelling and immersive experience into Saint-Malo's wartime history. Housed within a vast anti-aircraft bunker in the Cité d'Alet, part of a 17th-century fortress designed by Vauban , the memorial spans over 500 square meters across three levels and ten rooms.
The exhibits recreate the atmosphere of the period, focusing on themes such as the invasion of 1940, the construction of the bunkers, the use of the port by the Germans, the battle for liberation, and the story of Cézembre Island, which endured heavy bombing. Visitors can see photos, documents, weapons, and mannequins from the era. The bunker itself has been restored to its original state.
The memorial was established in 1994 by the Saint-Malo city council. It serves as a reminder of the impact of World War II on the region and the lives of its inhabitants. Guided tours, which last approximately one hour, are available and provide historical insights. A 45-minute film on the Battle of Saint-Malo and the city's reconstruction is also shown at certain times.
A brief summary to Mémorial 39-45
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Discover Saint-Malo: A fortified city in Brittany, France, known for its medieval architecture, stunning sea views, and rich maritime history.
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