Manor Of The Baronnie

Manor Of The Baronnie Saint Malo: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled just outside the storied walls of Saint-Malo, the Manor of the Baronnie (Manoir de la Baronnie) is a striking testament to Brittany’s rich maritime and aristocratic heritage. This well-preserved malouinière—a type of stately home unique to the Saint-Malo region—offers visitors an authentic journey into the golden age of corsairs, the privateers whose exploits helped shape the city’s fortunes. With its elegant granite facades, historic interiors, tranquil gardens, and modern amenities, the manor is both a cultural monument and a welcoming retreat.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to plan your visit, from opening hours and ticketing details to historical context, architectural highlights, and practical travel tips. Whether you are a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or traveler seeking a distinctive Breton experience, the Manor of the Baronnie stands out as a must-see destination that complements the famed corsair legacy of Saint-Malo.

For the latest visitor details and further insights, consult the official La Baronnie website, explore regional resources like GoBrittany, and discover more about Saint-Malo’s corsairs and maritime history.

Overview and Historical Context
The Corsair Era: Saint-Malo’s Golden Age
- Rise of the Corsairs
- Notable Corsairs
Visiting Information
Architectural Features and Heritage
Cultural Significance and Preservation
Visitor Experience and Amenities
Accommodation, Dining, and Wellness
Grounds and Outdoor Spaces
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit

Overview and Historical Context

The Manor of the Baronnie is deeply woven into Saint-Malo’s maritime narrative. Saint-Malo itself, named after the Welsh monk Maclou, transformed from a modest religious settlement in the 6th century to a fortified city and a center of privateering and trade by the 17th and 18th centuries (Britannica). During this period, the rise of corsairs—privateers sanctioned by the French crown—brought immense wealth to local elites, who built grand country homes called malouinières. The Manor of the Baronnie is a quintessential example, reflecting both the ambitions and refined tastes of Saint-Malo’s maritime aristocracy (Connexion France).

The Corsair Era: Saint-Malo’s Golden Age

Rise of the Corsairs

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Saint-Malo’s strategic position on the English Channel enabled its corsairs to dominate privateering. Authorized by royal letters of marque, these seafarers captured enemy vessels and amassed fortunes that underpinned the city’s prosperity (Saint Malo With Love). This wealth funded the construction of opulent malouinières like the Manor of the Baronnie.

Notable Corsairs

René Duguay-Trouin and Robert Surcouf are among the most famous corsairs associated with Saint-Malo. Their exploits are commemorated throughout the city, and their legacy endures in its architecture, culture, and ongoing maritime traditions (Connexion France).

Visiting Information

Hours, Tickets, and Booking

Visiting Hours: Typically open from April to October, Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM). Closed Mondays and major holidays. For seasonal variations, consult the official website.
Tickets: Adults €8; students and seniors €5; children under 12 free; family tickets available. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Advance booking is recommended in peak season.
Guided Tours: Regular tours are available in French and English. Special programs for children and groups may be arranged by request.

Accessibility and Location

Located approximately 2–3 km from Saint-Malo’s Intra-Muros district in the Saint-Servan area, the manor is accessible by car, taxi, or local bus. Free parking is available on-site. The property provides ramps and adapted facilities for visitors with reduced mobility (France Travel Planner).

Guided Tours, Events, and Exhibitions

Guided tours delve into the manor’s architecture, family history, and the malouinière tradition. The estate hosts cultural events throughout the year, including Heritage Days, concerts, theater performances, and workshops on crafts and Breton cuisine. Temporary exhibitions highlight regional history and aristocratic life.

Architectural Features and Heritage

The Manor of the Baronnie exemplifies malouinière architecture, combining local Breton materials with classical French influences:

Symmetrical granite facades and a central entrance create an elegant, harmonious appearance.
High-pitched slate roofs are designed to withstand the Atlantic weather.
Mullioned windows and refined stonework reflect the tastes of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Landscaped grounds include mature trees, lawns, and a heated, telescopically sheltered swimming pool (La Baronnie).

Inside, visitors will find original woodwork, antique furnishings, and distinctive features such as a grand staircase with a lion’s head bannister. Communal spaces like the dining room and salon evoke the manor’s legacy of hospitality.

Cultural Significance and Preservation

The manor is more than a historical monument; it is a living part of Saint-Malo’s social and cultural fabric. Originally a residence for local nobility and a hub for agricultural management, it symbolizes the rural aristocratic life that paralleled the city’s maritime pursuits. Careful restoration and adaptive reuse as a guesthouse ensure both historical integrity and public engagement (About France; GoBrittany).

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Immersive Historical Ambiance

The Manor of the Baronnie offers an atmosphere steeped in history—original woodwork, period antiques, and tranquil gardens transport guests to another era.

Educational Value

Staff are knowledgeable about the estate’s heritage and provide context on the malouinière tradition, privateers, and daily life of the Breton aristocracy.

Modern Comforts

Amenities include a heated pool, spa, and spacious guest rooms. The estate also features a boutique showcasing regional crafts and products.

Accommodation, Dining, and Wellness

Guest Rooms

Each room is individually decorated with antique furniture, private bathrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Some rooms feature flat-screen TVs and seating areas. A unique Gypsy caravan is available for guests seeking a memorable alternative (Booking.com).

Breakfast and Dining

A buffet breakfast with local specialties is served in the dining room or garden. While there is no full-service restaurant, the owners gladly recommend nearby dining options (La Baronnie).

Wellness Facilities

Guests have access to a heated outdoor pool (April–October) and a private spa area including sauna, hot tub, and fitness room (additional fee). Massage services are available by request.

Grounds and Outdoor Spaces

The manor’s park-like estate features well-kept gardens, seating areas, and scenic spots ideal for relaxation or photography. The grounds are family-friendly, offering safe play areas for children and ample space for pets (La Baronnie).

Practical Travel Tips

Booking: Reserve accommodations and guided tours in advance, especially during holidays and peak periods.
Seasonality: Outdoor amenities are seasonal; winter guests can enjoy the indoor fireplace and cozy lounge.
Accessibility: Inquire in advance if you have mobility concerns; some historic features may limit access.
Quiet Policy: The manor is a peaceful retreat—hen/stag parties are not accepted (Booking.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: April–October, Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and winter. Check the official website for updates.

Q: Are tickets required?
A: Yes. Adults €8; reduced rates for students/seniors; free for children under 12.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in French and English. Book ahead for groups and special events.

Q: Is the manor accessible for those with reduced mobility?
A: Many areas are accessible, but some historic spaces may present limitations—contact staff in advance.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Yes, pets are welcome for an additional charge (Booking.com).

Q: Is there Wi-Fi?
A: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the estate.

Plan Your Visit

Experience Saint-Malo’s aristocratic past and contemporary hospitality at the Manor of the Baronnie. For the latest visiting hours, ticketing, and special events, visit the official website. Download the Audiala app for travel tips and exclusive guides, and follow us on social media for updates.

Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions: the city ramparts, Cathedral of Saint-Vincent, maritime museums, and the beaches of Saint-Malo. The manor’s tranquil setting makes it a perfect base for exploring Brittany’s rich heritage.

Visual Suggestions for Enhanced Engagement

Exterior View: Granite facade of the Manor of the Baronnie [Alt: “Manor of the Baronnie granite facade at Saint-Malo historical site”]
Grand Staircase: 17th-century lion head carved bannister [Alt: “17th century lion head carved bannister in Manor of the Baronnie”]
Landscaped Park: Gardens and heated pool [Alt: “Landscaped park and heated pool at Manor of the Baronnie in Saint-Malo”]