The Sculptured Rocks of Rothéneuf: A Coastal Art Spectacle

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Discover the intriguing Sculptured Rocks of Rothéneuf near Saint-Malo, an open-air gallery carved into granite cliffs by Abbé Fouré.

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The Sculptured Rocks

The Sculptured Rocks of Rothéneuf, located just outside Saint-Malo, France, are a unique and striking example of art brut. Carved into the granite cliffs by Abbé Fouré in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the sculptures depict a variety of figures, from legendary pirates to historical characters, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into local folklore and history.

A brief summary to The Sculptured Rocks

4 Chem. des Rochers Sculptés, Saint-Malo, 35400, FR
Click to display

Monday 10 am-12 pm
Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
Thursday 10 am-12 pm
Friday 10 am-12 pm
Saturday 10 am-12 pm
Sunday 10 am-12 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Sculptured Rocks.

Visit during low tide to see more of the sculptures and explore the rock formations.
Wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is rocky and uneven.
Bring a camera to capture the unique rock formations and stunning coastal views.
Check the opening hours, as they vary depending on the season.

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Getting There

Walking

From the Rothéneuf Centre bus stop, walk along the Chemin des Rochers Sculptés for about 5 minutes to reach the Sculptured Rocks. The path is well-marked.
Public Transport

From the Saint-Malo train station, take bus line 4, 6 or 9 towards Rothéneuf Centre. Get off at the 'Rothéneuf Centre' stop. From there, walk about 5 minutes along the Chemin des Rochers Sculptés to reach the Sculptured Rocks. A single bus ticket costs around €2.70.
Taxi

From the Saint-Malo train station, a taxi to the Sculptured Rocks will cost approximately €15-€20 and take around 15 minutes. Taxi and ride-sharing services are readily available in Saint-Malo.
Driving

From Saint-Malo, follow the D201 towards Rothéneuf. Parking is available near the Sculptured Rocks, sharing a parking lot with the restaurant Le Bénétin. Parking rates are not available. Alternatively, park at Paul Féval parking lot, behind the Hippodrome de Saint-Malo, and take the free shuttle to Intra-Muros, then take a bus to Rothéneuf Centre. Daily parking at Paul Féval costs €3.30.

Discover more about The Sculptured Rocks

Nestled along the rugged coastline near Saint-Malo, in the Rothéneuf area, the Sculptured Rocks (Les Rochers Sculptés) present a captivating blend of art and nature. This open-air gallery features around 300 granite sculptures carved directly into the cliffs, the work of Abbé Adolphe Julien Fouré between 1894 and 1907.Abbé Fouré, a deaf and mute priest, took refuge in Rothéneuf and dedicated himself to sculpting the rocks, using only a hammer and chisel. His creations depict characters from the Rothéneuf family legend, local pirates, sea monsters, and figures inspired by the events of his time. The sculptures cover an area of approximately 500 square meters, offering an impressive display of naive art against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.The sculptures are subject to the elements, with the tides and sea air constantly shaping and reshaping the granite. Visitors can explore the site, taking in the impressive stone figures and enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery. The best time to visit is during low tide, when more of the rock formations are exposed. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the terrain can be uneven.While a small fee is charged for entry, the experience of witnessing this unique artistic expression in a stunning natural setting is well worth it. The Sculptured Rocks offer a fascinating insight into the mind of Abbé Fouré and provide a memorable cultural experience for visitors to the Saint-Malo region.