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Route du Rhum 2026 in St. Malo

Posted by Upstate Traveler (Upstate NY) on 03/16/26 03:27 PM

I am contemplating visiting St. Malo area around October 28 for two days and just discovered that the sailing race Route du Rhum begins November 1. The Nautilus hotel is fully booked. One comment here in the forum said the town will be overrun with as many as 2 million visitors.

I would appreciate feedback from RS Forum members who are familiar with the race. What's your advice on whether or not to avoid the area? Will restaurants and streets be mobbed, even if we get a hotel room in St. Malo or Dinan?

Posted by Lin C

Surrey, UK

03/16/26 03:44 PM

850 posts

A sailing forum suggested there were 1.5m visitors around the 2022 buildup - whether they were all there on the same day is doubtful. However, hotels and restaurants will be crowded.
Unless you are keen on sailing, I'd avoid.
https://carnetsvanille.com/en/route-du-rhum-in-saint-malo/

Posted by Upstate Traveler OP

Upstate NY

03/16/26 04:31 PM

7 posts

Lin, thank you!

Posted by JoLui

France Southwest - Occitanie

03/16/26 05:47 PM

3634 posts

I was there in 2024 during the start of the Route du Rhum, and it was indeed very, very crowded. But it's not to be missed.

There's a whole large "village" set up on the quays with all the boats on display. And of course, tons of entertainment and shows.

Mont Saint-Michel, by comparison, is incredibly boring.