Our real estate Agency in Saint-Malo Invites you to discover the famous Malouinières of our beautiful region
Today, our real estate agency in Saint-Malo would like to introduce you to the famous Malouinières, which can be visited throughout our stunning region. Built between 1650 and 1730, usually in the area known as Clos-Poulet, and no more than a two-hour horseback ride from Saint-Malo, the Malouinières are luxurious country homes. They served as country retreats for the wealthy shipowners of Saint-Malo.
A testimony to the wealth of Saint-Malo’s shipowners
From the 15th to the 18th century, Saint-Malo’s shipowners grew immensely wealthy thanks to maritime expeditions to Newfoundland and conflicts between great naval powers. During this time, Saint-Malo was one of the busiest ports in France in terms of fleet size.
Fortunes were made through privateering in the southern seas and the famous “Malouine East India Company.” To showcase their success, shipowners had magnificent estates built in the countryside surrounding Saint-Malo. Yet they remained close enough to the city to continue managing their business affairs.
Thus, between 1650 and 1730, particularly in the Clos-Poulet area, these impressive residences were erected just a few hours on horseback from Saint-Malo. Their symmetrical and slightly austere appearance, framed by formal French gardens, contrasts strikingly with their richly decorated interiors—ornate woodwork and fine furnishings.
Some of these beautiful private homes can still be visited today—either year-round for a few of them, or during the European Heritage Days for others.
The 18th Century and the decline of the east India Company
The Malouinières were inspired by aristocratic residences, imitating their architectural layout and integrating features such as outbuildings, chapels, dovecotes, all set within walled French-style gardens.
These buildings have a massive, austere look, thanks to their granite walls from Chausey. Symmetrical openings pierce these stone facades, topped with high slate roofs and gables that support large, prominent chimneys.
Inside, the contrast is striking: tapestries, paintings, antique furniture, and numerous souvenirs from trade expeditions to India and the Americas give these homes a rich and vibrant atmosphere, in contrast to their sober exterior.
Of the roughly 300 Malouinières that were built, about a hundred have survived, including around ten large and particularly remarkable examples.
The 18th century marked the end of Saint-Malo’s economic dominance. The Seven Years’ War led to the collapse of the East India Company, and the French Revolution put an end to a revival of the company, accusing its members of counter-revolutionary activities.
As a result, many Malouinières were abandoned or destroyed due to a lack of resources for upkeep.
To learn more
Nestled in the lush countryside surrounding Saint-Malo, the Malouinières are exceptional estates built between the 17th and 18th centuries by the city’s wealthy shipowners. These residences stand as testaments to Saint-Malo’s maritime power, forming a unique architectural heritage well worth discovering.
At the height of Saint-Malo’s maritime trade, its shipowners and corsairs—enriched by commerce with the Americas, India, and Africa—sought a quieter lifestyle away from the bustling fortified city. They built these country houses just a few kilometers from the sea.
Designed to reflect their owners’ prestige, the Malouinières blend classical elegance with practical living. Their name derives from “Malouin,” the term for inhabitants of Saint-Malo.
Distinguishing features of Malouinières
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Simple, symmetrical architecture, often built in local granite
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High-pitched roofs with prominent chimneys
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Formal French gardens, sometimes enclosed by stone walls
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Monumental gateways, often adorned with sculptures
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Outbuildings, such as chapels, dovecotes, or orangeries
Inside, you’ll find refined details: wood paneling, grand staircases, and finely decorated salons, all reflecting the lifestyle of the 18th century.
Notable Malouinières around Saint-Malo
La Ville Bague (Saint-Coulomb)
Carefully restored, this house offers fascinating tours with period furnishings and gardens.
La Chipaudière (Saint-Méloir-des-Ondes)
Surrounded by moats, this elegant property is still inhabited by descendants of corsairs.
Le Puits Sauvage
Occasionally hosts cultural exhibitions and events.
La Baronnie (Rothéneuf)
Now used as a reception venue, it retains all its original charm.
Le Montmarin (Pleurtuit)
The only Malouinière on the banks of the Rance River, featuring a stunning botanical park classified as a “Remarkable Garden.”
A Living heritage to preserve
Today, many Malouinières are still privately owned, but a number are open to visitors. They continue to fascinate historians, architects, and the public alike, as they reflect both a golden age and a distinctly Breton art of living.
Organizations such as La Route des Malouinières work to preserve, promote, and share this rich heritage.
Malouinières are more than just grand homes—they are witnesses to Saint-Malo’s past grandeur, a precious legacy to explore through their stone facades, formal gardens, and seafaring stories. A walk through the Malouin countryside becomes a true journey back in time...