It was built between 1369 and 1382 by John IV, Duke of Brittany (i.e. Jean V in English) to control access to the Rance at a time when the city of Saint-Malo did not recognize his authority.
Over the centuries the tower lost its military interest and became a jail.
More recently it was a museum celebrating Breton sailors exploring Cape Horn, but it was permanently closed in 2022.
The Solidor Tower is located in the former town of Saint-Servan, which merged with Saint-Malo and Paramé in 1967.
It is featured in the 1957 Wendy Toye film True as a Turtle starring John Gregson, Cecil Parker, June Thorburn and Keith Michell.