By Writing Saint-Malo
Published on 10 Jul 23 at 20:32
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The crowd of very big days is expected in Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine), this Friday, July 14, 2023, for the traditional fireworks display on the occasion of the National Day.
50,000 people expected
“Like last year, we expect to receive the visit of 50,000 people around Saint-Malo intramural, the evening of the fireworks”, underlines Florence Abadie, deputy mayor in charge of security.
On the theme of a space odyssey
“The fireworks will be set off at 11:10 p.m. by the Féerie company from the Môle des Noires. It will last 23 minutes and will have the theme of a space odyssey to make the link with the fiftieth anniversary of the Ariane program. An application will allow the public to vote for the choice of the last song, ”adds Abel Kinié, deputy mayor.
Where to watch it?
The public will be able to attend this pyrotechnic show from the Chaussée Éric Tabarly, the Stock Exchange esplanade, the Bastion de la Hollande, the Sablons beach or even the Cité d’Alet.
Contemplating it from Dinard, between the bec de la Vallée and the Prieuré beach, can prove to be an interesting option to avoid the crowds.
In order to distribute the flows, the Môle beach will be exceptionally open to accommodate 3,000 spectators who will not be able to swim beyond 7 p.m.
For security reasons, it will be strictly forbidden to climb the ramparts, to go to the island of Grand-Bé and to Petit-Bé.
In the bay of Saint-Malo, boaters must be outside the 295-meter zone from the firing point (Môle des Noires).
Which streets are car-free?
Given the expected attendance, many measures will be taken to encourage the public to travel on foot, by bike or by bus…rather than by car.
On Thursday July 13, from 10 p.m., parking will be prohibited near Intra-Muros in the car parks of the ferry terminal, the esplanade de la Bourse, the quai Saint-Louis and the avenue Louis Martin. Ditto for the Place Monseigneur Duchesne car park, as it will be reserved for people with disabilities on the evening of the fire.
On July 14, from 2 p.m., parking will be prohibited in Jeanne Jugan and Amiral Magon streets in Saint-Servan. From 7:30 p.m., car traffic will be prohibited in Saint-Servan in the rue de Gaspé sector and from the Naye roundabout in the direction of Solidor.
The entire Intra-Muros will be closed to traffic. Ditto between the Porte Saint-Vincent roundabout and the Naye roundabout, avenue Louis Martin and on the Chaussée du Sillon. The car parks around Intra-Muros will all be closed at 7:30 p.m., so there will be no more entry or exit possible.
It is only at 1:30 a.m. that cars parked in the enclosed and underground car parks will be able to leave.
On foot and by bike
The winning strategy will first be on the side of pedestrians since they will not be subject to traffic bans.
-Cyclists will also be the best off, as additional bike parks will be added to park two-wheelers.
The free bus
Taking public transport is the best solution to avoid having to use your car. All MAT network bus lines will be free at 11:30 p.m. to facilitate spectator returns.
Visitors to Saint-Malo who have no choice but to come by car are invited to park in the Paul Féval car park (€3.30 per day / exceptionally free from 8 p.m. on July 14) in order to use shuttles to go to Intra-Muros and back after the fireworks.
The other interesting option for motorists will be to park in an outdoor car park (Carrefour, E. Leclerc, Grand aquarium, etc.) and take the nearest bus.
Enhanced security
To ensure public tranquility and compliance with prohibitions, the police force will be reinforced with teams from Rennes. At sea, the maritime gendarmerie will be mobilized to prevent boaters from taking reckless risks near the firing zone. Staff from the SNSM and the Red Cross will be present for first aid.
The July 14 program in brief
At 11 a.m., on the Esplanade du Souvenir in Rocabey: patriotic ceremony followed by a military parade to the Town Hall via the Quai Duguay-Trouin.
From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., from Rochebonne to the Saint-Vincent esplanade: musical parade provided by Quic-en-Groigne.
From 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., on the St-Vincent esplanade: ball musette orchestra Sébastien Renard.
From 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., on the St-Vincent esplanade: variety show ball (1st part).
At 11:10 p.m.: fireworks display from the Môle des Noires on the theme of Ariane and the aerospace odyssey.
From 11:40 p.m. to 1 a.m., on the St-Vincent esplanade: variety show ball (2nd part).
From our correspondent Matthieu BARON
The City of Saint-Malo invites residents and passing visitors to download the Le Lien malouin application on Google play or Apple store. This is how last-minute practical information can be disseminated.
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