Day Trip To Saint Malo

Hello, My name is Seabrijn Hutson and I am a French and English major at the University of Furman from Atlanta, Georgia. 

This semester I have gotten the amazing opportunity to study abroad with the office of CIEE in Rennes, France. Alongside 20 other American students, I have been placed individually in French classes and paired with a host family to help experience a full immersive adventure in the French language and culture. 

Outside of class the office of CIEE also brings our group on day and overnight trips throughout the semester. Recently, I got the opportunity to venture out of Rennes to the nearby port city of Saint-Malo. 

In the morning our group met up to board our bus. We then drove about an hour to a “la malouinière” which is essentially a privateer mansion that was built by “les corsaires” or the "king sponsored pirates" of the region. When we arrived we were given an insightful guided tour of the mansion by the current owner to learn about the history of the house. Every room was richly decorated, incorporating antique souvenirs that showcased “les corsaires” voyages. After the fascinating tour we were given some free time to explore an exceptional outdoor market in the mansion’s garden. The market had a variety of local vendors and I got the chance to try the most delicious handmade crêpes, pies, and jams. 

After exploring the mansion we boarded back on the bus and drove a little further to the actual town of Saint-Malo, and oh my goodness it was nothing like I anticipated. The city was surrounded by tall ramparts, but once inside these walls the cobblestone streets were lined with the cutest boutiques and restaurants that all lead down to the coast line where there we were met with the most beautiful blue water. 

During the afternoon we were allowed free time to explore the city. So with a few of my friends from the program we decided to look around at some of the shops and ate delicious seafood at a restaurant on the water where we were given a great view of divers jumping into the natural occurring lap pool that is on the city’s shoreline. Then finally on our way back to meet back up with the group we split some Kouign Amann which is a delicious buttery desert known from the city of Saint-Malo. 

Our wonderful day ended with a boat ride around the city’s waterfront. On the relaxing boat ride we were given a French guided tower of the town’s history and a close view of all the ancient forts built to protect the town from the British. Ultimately the day was a great way to explore the surrounding area of the Bretagne region and allow the opportunity to learn more about French culture along with bond with the other students on my trip. 

Seabrijn HUTSON 

Furman University 

CIEE-Rennes LA - FALL 2024