he queen of single-handed transatlantic races
For 44 years, this legendary race has linked Saint-Malo in Brittany to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, on the island of Grande-Terre. In 2022, 138 boats will be at the start of the race and will set off at the same time to attack the Atlantic, for a solo crossing of 3542 miles (6562 kilometres)! Since its launch in 1978, the course has not changed, the race brings together the biggest and most powerful boats in the world and their skippers, both amateur and professional. The current record is held by Francis Joyon, winner of the 2018 edition, after 7 days 14h 21' 47'' at sea...
Departure to Saint-Malo, the Corsair City
A land of great sailors who have always looked to the open sea, located on the Emerald Coast, Saint-Malo has been the historic starting point for the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe for over 40 years. Every four years, the Breton port welcomes sailing enthusiasts. This year, from 25 October to 6 November, the Village will welcome hundreds of thousands of passionate amateurs, curious to admire the sailing boats at the start and to observe the skippers. The 70,000m2 village will be located on the quays of Saint-Malo for 13 days of entertainment, with 300 stands. Don't miss this great popular festival.
From the town and the surrounding coastline, you can watch the start of the race and see the boats sail towards Cap Fréhel. During the last edition of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe in 2018, 250,000 spectators gathered the day before the start; there were 200,000 on the coast and 15,000 on the water on the day of the start, to watch this exceptional spectacle.
Which campsite to stay at to watch the start of the Route du Rhum in 2022?
Choosing a campsite as a base to attend the Route du Rhum festivities is a good idea. Of the 77 campsites in Ille en Villaine, a large number are ready to welcome you for the duration of the events on the quays of Saint-Malo, in a comfortable location such as a chalet or a fully equipped mobile home.
In Saint-Malo itself, we recommend the Domaine de la ville Huchet campsite ****, a magnificent campsite located at the gateway to the corsair city, or the Aleth campsite **.
The other campsites are located between 30 and 45 minutes from the docks in Saint-Malo, but also allow you to combine business with pleasure. For example, the 2 campsites **** in Saint-Lunaire are open all year round, as is the Emeraude campsite ***** in Saint-Briac-sur-Mer. A little further away, we recommend the beautiful Les Ormes domaine & Resort campsite ***** or Le Balcon de la Baie*** in Saint-Marcan.