Hôtel de la Bertaudière

Hôtel de la Bertaudière is a 17th-century townhouse on rue du Chat-qui-Danse, deep inside the walled old town of Saint-Malo (Intra-Muros). From the street it looks like just another corsair-era mansion, but its stones carry a story that runs from medieval city fortifications to the golden age of maritime trade.

What is the history behind the building?

The house was built in 1649 by Claude Crosnier, Sieur de la Bertaudière — the date is carved into the curved stone portal that opens onto a small inner courtyard. The mansion rose partly on the remains of Château Gaillard, a fortress raised from 1394 under Charles VI to defend the town from seaborne attack; stone salvaged from the demolished fortress went straight into the new building. That reuse of material tells its own story: a shift from medieval military defence to the civilian townhouses of a booming port.

Hôtel de la Bertaudière is considered a good example of 17th-century civil architecture in Saint-Malo, built during a period when the town's shipowners and merchants were growing rich on maritime commerce. It has been listed as a historic monument (monument historique) since 14 February 1946.

Who is connected to the house?

Local tradition holds that this is the birthplace of Robert Surcouf, one of Saint-Malo's most celebrated corsairs, whose raids against British shipping made him a national figure. That link to Surcouf is why the building is often labelled "maison natale de Surcouf" and remains a stop on many walking routes through the old town.

What can you actually see there?

Hôtel de la Bertaudière is privately owned, so there is no public access to the interior. Visitors can view the façade and the arched portal from the street — the curved entrance leading into the courtyard is the building's most photographed feature and a fine piece of period stonework. Standing among the tightly packed houses of Intra-Muros, it gives a clear sense of how Saint-Malo's wealthy merchant families built and lived in the 1600s.

How do you get there?

Rue du Chat-qui-Danse sits within Saint-Malo's ramparts, an easy walk from the town's main gates and the railway station. Intra-Muros is largely closed to cars, so exploring on foot is the natural way to see it — expect around 20 minutes on foot from the train station to the walls, with local buses also running into town if you'd rather not walk the whole way.

When is the best time to visit?

Saint-Malo can be visited year-round, but a walk through Intra-Muros is most pleasant in spring and early autumn, when the crowds thin out and the weather is still good for a long stroll along the ramparts. Summer brings festivals and a livelier atmosphere but also busier lanes, especially around the old town's narrow streets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside Hôtel de la Bertaudière? No — it is a private residence and not open for visits. You can only admire the façade and portal from the street.

Is it really Surcouf's birthplace? Local tradition attributes the house to Surcouf's birth, and it is registered as a historic monument under the name "maison natale de Surcouf."

Why is the building protected as a historic monument? For its architectural value as an example of 17th-century civil housing and for its memorial connection to Robert Surcouf — it was listed in 1946.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Rue du Chat-qui-Danse is close to other historic townhouses in Intra-Muros and to the city ramparts, which offer views over the bay and towards Fort National.