It should be busy this Saturday, October 20, this first day of school holidays in Saint-Malo. If the village of the Route du Rhum is not yet open, we can already feel a little of the atmosphere that will reign in the coming days.
On this first weekend of school holidays, the temptation is great to come and smell the atmosphere of the Route du Rhum on the quays of Saint-Malo. But beware, if we have never been so close to the event, whose departure will take place on November 4, the City of Saint-Malo is still in the preparations for the party.
Some boats are there, the pavilions that will house the stands of the partners are mounted, but the festivities have not started yet. The village of Route du Rhum will open Wednesday, October 24 at 14 pm and before that, the only agitation that prevails near the basins is that of the technicians who work.
See the boats
However, about twenty boats, mainly those of the Malouin skippers, have already arrived in the basins located at the foot of the ramparts. About fifteen boats are expected for this Saturday. The fleet of participants in the Route du Rhum is therefore far from complete.
The entirety of the boats, except exceptions, will have to be present Wednesday 24 ocotbre with 17 h. This weekend, we can see the boats from far but no question of venturing on the docks. These are closed to the public and monitored by a security company.
An ambiance
On the other hand, it is still possible to come and smell the fragrance of rum already hovering over Saint-Malo. Since Monday, the city is changing at great speed. The shops are decorated, old rigs take place in the port. This weekend will be ideal to enjoy the weather in Saint-Malo and observe the final preparations without knowing the crowd of the next days.
Reduced traffic
Before venturing to Saint-Malo, be aware that the traffic plan has changed during the installation of the village. The access to Intramuros by the esplanade Saint-Vincent is closed and one reaches it only by the roundabout of Naye (following the directions of the maritime station). Many car parks have been requisitioned and are occupied by the village. The best solution is the city's outdoor car parks with buses that take visitors to the center.
Crescendo
On the side of restaurateurs and tradesmen, one expects to know a "traditional weekend of beginning of holidays in Saint-Malo" , as notes the boss of the bar hotel of the Universe.
According to the regulars of the Route du Rhum, the affluence will rise crescendo during the next days. "The days of the first weekend of opening of the village should look like those of a month of July. Then, it will fall a little before knowing a very big rise in the days that will precede the departure. Little by little, Saint-Malo is getting ready.