Saint-Vincent Cathedral in Saint-Malo, dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, is one of Brittany’s major spiritual landmarks and a key stop on the historic Tro Breiz pilgrimage route. It became the seat of the bishopric in 1145 and remained so until the French Revolution. Architecturally, the building blends the strength of 12th-century Romanesque elements — still visible in the nave and crossing — with later Gothic expansions, particularly in the choir and chapels. Severely damaged during the bombings of August 1944, the cathedral underwent an extensive restoration between 1944 and 1972, culminating in the rebuilding of its 77-meter spire.
Inside, the cathedral reveals a remarkable artistic evolution. The Romanesque capitals display a rich and sometimes unexpected iconography — mermaids, fantastic beasts, human figures — while the Gothic choir houses the tombs of Jacques Cartier, who departed from Saint-Malo for Canada in 1535, and the famed corsair René Duguay-Trouin. After the destruction of the historic stained glass in 1944, the windows were entirely redesigned: Max Ingrand created figurative compositions, while Jean Le Moal designed the great abstract rose window of the choir, a true “wall of light” that changes with the daylight. The cathedral is also home to notable Koenig organs and a fully restored peal of bells inaugurated in 2019.
- Address
Pl. Jean de Châtillon, 35400 Saint-Malo, France - Web
https://www.cathedralesaintmalo.fr/ - Visiting Hours
Monday to Saturday from 9:30 to 18:30 h. Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00 - What to see
The tomb of Jacques Cartier, Choir rose window by Jean Le Moal, Spire
