Hidden behind the corsair city's famous ramparts, Saint-Malo's beaches are sure to brighten up your summer days. Located less than seven minutes' walk from our
saint malo intra muros hotel with sea viewThe beach at Bon Secours, for example, with its sublime panorama of Dinard, the islets of Grand Bé and Petit Bé and Cap Fréhel, will dazzle you with its postcard-perfect scenery. However, don't be fooled by rumors of fickle Malouin weather. In Saint-Malo more than anywhere else, the sun can take its toll on your skin! Remember to protect yourself!
Brittany, the region with the most skin cancers
We often hear complaints that Brittany's weather has a mind of its own. But the reality is quite different: Brittany is a very sunny region, especially in summer. So much so, in fact, that it is the French region most affected by melanoma. In fact, according to the Agence Régionale de Santé, the number of skin cancers in Brittany has doubled in the space of ten years. Between 2007 and 2017, melanoma caused no fewer than 200 deaths!
The dangers of the sun are ever-present, and you need to protect your skin from the sun's rays by wearing layers of clothing and applying a suitable sunscreen. Staying in a
hotel in St Malo close to the beach can also be a good idea, especially during the hot summer months. This is the case, for example, with our Hôtel de la Cité, just 500 meters from the
Bon Secours beach.
Sunburn: a simple genetic problem?
If there are so many cases of melanoma in Brittany, it's not simply because of the weather. Genetics also play a role in the development of skin cancer. The Bretons, like the British, are of Celtic origin. It's a well-known fact that the lighter the skin, the more fragile it is. While anyone can succumb to melanoma, it's very important to protect the very young.
Sun protection on the beaches of Saint-Malo and beyond
To prevent sunburns, it's best to avoid excessive exposure during the hours when the sun is at its zenith, i.e. between 11 am and 4 pm. It's also essential to wear at least a T-shirt, shorts and a cap, and to coat your body with sunscreen. Finally, we recommend that you gently prepare your skin to combat the effects of the sun. Lightly pigmented skin is more resistant to exposure than very white skin, which is more likely to be affected by burns.
