Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Saint-Malo is a historic walled port city in Brittany, France, known for its stunning architecture and rich maritime history. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average download speed of 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Euro (EUR), 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and safe to consume. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Orange and SFR. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include BNP Paribas and Crédit Agricole; Revolut is also widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, Airbnb, and hostels like Hostel La Digue. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and HomeAway are popular short-term rental platforms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Digue offers dormitory beds starting from €25 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Intra-Muros, the old town, is ideal for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Saint-Servan offers quieter surroundings with good amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Le Workspace offers a vibrant atmosphere for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | La Chocolaterie offers excellent coffee and a cozy workspace. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local startups and tech meetups can be found via platforms like Meetup. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Saint-Malo Facebook group hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing app in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cyclable and Saint-Malo Vélo offer bike rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Plage de l'Éventail is a short walk from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Brittany connects to other regional airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air France and Ryanair offer various international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E401 and N137 provide main accesses to nearby regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main station is Gare de Saint-Malo, connecting to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly passes for local buses cost around €25. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local bus services connect Saint-Malo to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Centre Hospitalier de Saint-Malo provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga in Saint-Malo offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit offers affordable gym options across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie automatique is a popular laundromat in the area. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and Deliveroo are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'Galette de Sarrasin', a traditional buckwheat pancake. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Taverne de la Marine offers good vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Maison du Chocolat is a must-visit for chocolate lovers. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market on Place Chateaubriand offers fresh produce and affordable goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local options like Cultura are popular online shopping sites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Bringr and Monoprix offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Vieux Port has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars and pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie de la Côte provides tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Café de l'Atalante has a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food stalls can be found at the beach during summer. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurant Da Maura is highly rated. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The walled city, Fort National, and Saint-Malo Cathedral. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Musée d'Histoire de la Ville offers insights into local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historic ramparts for panoramic views of the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Saint-Vincent Cathedral is a prominent religious structure. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Route du Rock festival takes place every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Intra-Muros is the cultural heart of Saint-Malo. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Le Grand Théâtre de Saint-Malo hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Wednesday market at Place de la République is a local favorite. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out local music gigs at Bar des Fleurs. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore urban art around the ports and back streets. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a class at Atelier des Chefs for a culinary experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galerie de la Marine showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The medieval ramparts are a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Saint-Malo has a strong maritime heritage reflected in its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby beaches and the Île de Cézembre offer natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Parc Naturel Régional d'Armorique is accessible by car. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal path along the cliffs provides stunning views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The ramparts offer the best viewpoints of the city and sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The marshes at the estuary are popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Quiet beaches like Plage de Bon-Secours allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | La Poste and DHL provide reliable parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops such as Boulanger offer electronics repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks have tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Classes are available at the Alliance Française. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Médiathèque offers quiet study areas and free Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Maison des Associations hosts various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out the local gaming store, Le Coin des Gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Barrière offers gaming and entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €152,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €210,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% |
| 🏦 Tax System | France's tax system includes progressive personal income taxes. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 20% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable in France. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 7% for residential properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | France offers a special tax residency regime for foreign digital nomads. |