Fancy a weekend in Brittany? Discover our selection of the best places to visit in Dinard.
The small town of Dinard faces Saint-Malo on the Rance estuary. It is without doubt one of the jewels of the Emerald Coast. Indeed, this seaside resort still bears the elegant imprint of 19th-century aristocratic tourism and the Belle Époque. To help you prepare for your stay, discover our selection of must-sees in Dinard.
Its flamboyant villas perched above a deep-green sea create a landscape with a British accent. Whether it’s just a visit or a full weekend away, the town is definitely worth a detour.
1. The Moonlight Promenade
Photo credit: Shutterstock – StockMySelf
If ever there was a walk to do in Dinard, this is it. The Clair de Lune promenade is ideal for enjoying the charms of the Emerald Coast and the Rance River.
This pedestrian walkway winds along the seafront, from Plage du Prieuré to the pier at Anse du Bec-de-la-Vallée. It offers a lovely view of the Rance estuary, Saint-Malo and Saint-Servan.
It’s also the perfect place to discover Dinard’s unique architecture and superb villas. More surprisingly, the promenade is adorned with intoxicatingly fragrant Mediterranean vegetation.
Contrary to its name, the Clair de Lune promenade can be enjoyed at any time of day! Guided tours are regularly offered by the Tourist Office during the day.
In summer, after dark, the promenade is enlivened by a sound and light show. But as far as we’re concerned, it’s at sunset that we appreciate its charms most.
2. L’Écluse beach
Photo credit: Shutterstock – duchy
If you’re planning a visit to Dinard, you won’t want to miss the prettyÉcluse beach. With its blue-and-white-striped beach huts, it has a whiff of bygone days. Bordered by grand hotels and a casino, it’s almost like stepping into a Marcel Proust novel…
In practice, this large sandy beach in the heart of the city is very lively all year round. With its shops, terraces, entertainment and activities, it attracts a cosmopolitan public in a family-friendly atmosphere.
It also boasts a beautiful seawater swimming pool. Particularly popular in summer, l’Écluse beach is also worth a visit in less clement weather.
What more beautiful sight than a stormy sea reflecting a tortured sky?
3. Other beaches
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
Want to enjoy the sea while avoiding the crowds at Plage de l’Écluse? There’s plenty to do in Dinard, as the town’s 9 km of coastline offers three other developed beaches.
First of all, Saint-Énogat beach is located in the old quarter of the town, known as « the cradle of Dinard ». Lined with hard-shell cabins and beautiful villas, it is home to a yacht club, children’s clubs in summer and a miniature golf course.
Next, the large Plage du Prieuré is a family beach with water sports, fitness equipment and beach restaurants. Finally, Port-Blanc beach is the wildest of them all, with a pleasant campsite.
4. Pointe du Moulinet and its villas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – RVillalon
Any visitor to Dinard must explore the Pointe du Moulinet. For a long time, this boulder was home to just a few fishermen’s cottages and the small mill from which it takes its name.
But by the end of the 19th century, wealthy holidaymakers had fallen in love with the area. From then on, numerous villas were built here. With their diverse styles, they are true architectural curiosities well worth a visit.
In addition, a walk along the point will allow you to admire splendid panoramic views of the surrounding area. If you’d like to delve deeper into the history of the area, the Tourist Office offers guided tours.
5. Les Roches Brunes » villa
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pack-Shot
An emblematic Dinard landmark, the villa « Les Roches Brunes » has left its mark on the town’s landscape. Its majestic silhouette stands atop a cliff on the tip of the Falklands.
Built in 1893 in a « neo-Louis XIII » style, it is representative of the deeply referential architecture of the Belle Époque. Today, the villa is listed as a Monument Historique and was bequeathed to the municipality in 2007. Since then, it has regularly hosted exhibitions and concerts.
If you’re looking for something cultural to do in Dinard, ask for the program! During opening hours, you can stroll around the villa and enjoy its incredible terrace, which seems to be suspended above the waves.
6. The market
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ekaterina Pokrovsky
What to do in Dinard on a fine morning? Visit the market, one of the biggest in the region! The Halles de la Concorde welcome you every morning under their modern glass roof.
Three days a week, a large open-air market takes place around these halls. During the summer months, up to 300 traders and a host of visitors flock to the café terraces.
From vegetables to shellfish and a host of local specialties, the market offers something for every taste bud.
7. Culinary specialities
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yapasphoto StefClement
Let’s take a closer look at the culinary scene. Here too, visiting Dinard is a rich experience. At the market, don’t miss the unmissable galette-saucisses stall, a real local curiosity that draws in the crowds.
In the city’s restaurants, you can sample all the specialties that make up the rich Breton terroir. Buckwheat galettes, salted butter caramel crêpes, kouign amann… Good food, good food, good food!
8. British Film Festival
Photo credit: Facebook – Dinard Film Festival
When it comes to culture, Dinard has plenty to offer. Our favorite? The British Film Festival. For over 30 years, this annual event has delighted film buffs and lovers of the UK.
Each year, it showcases auteur and short films under the auspices of a prestigious jury. When we said that a wind from across the Channel was blowing through Dinard…
9. The Alfred Hitchcock statue
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Anthony Cabanne
Like Deauville’s Breton cousin, Dinard is definitely a cinephile. For example, it has erected a statue in honor of the great Alfred Hitchcock, spiritual godfather of the British film festival.
With a tie in the wind and a seagull on his shoulders, the director’s silhouette fits in perfectly with the local landscape. When you visit Dinard, don’t miss this beautiful nod to the history of cinema.
10. Saint Bartholomew’s Anglican Church
Photo credit: Facebook – St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church Dinard
As mentioned, the influences of aristocratic British tourism in the Belle Époque can be felt throughout the city. However, St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church is perhaps the most obvious example.
Behind its discreet walls lies a so-British nugget of English Gothic style. Stained glass windows, dark wood panelling and embroidered cushions create a warm and exotic picture. A must-see in Dinard!
11. Port Breton Park
Photo credit: Facebook – Massin Eric
The Port-Breton park faces the Prieuré beach, creating a beautiful landscape where sea and greenery meet. Its 23 hectares of trees and flowers are also home to an animal park ideal for families.
Now a municipal park, it was originally the garden of the Port-Breton manor house, built in 1920 by a British aristocrat. So, if you want to immerse yourself in the town’s prestigious past, this is a must-visit in Dinard.
12. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Hector Christiaen
To complete your stay in Dinard, why not explore the maritime surroundings by boat? With a boat rental in Dinard, you’ll be able to enjoy all the splendors the Emerald Coast has to offer.
You’ll be able to explore the Breton coastline, including Saint-Malo. But as always on the Breton coast, we recommend you check the weather first, and watch out for the tides.
13. A cycle route: the Emeraude Bords de Rance circuit
Photo credit: Facebook – Dinard Émeraude Tourisme
Looking for fresh air? The region has a wealth of accessible, comfortable cycle routes. From Dinard, we recommend the Emeraude Bords de Rance circuit. This 38 km loop takes you through pretty seaside villages and along a pleasant greenway.
How to get to Dinard
Dinard has no train station. However, the town is very close to Saint-Malo, 2 hours 15 minutes from Paris by TGV. From Saint-Malo, you can reach Dinard by bus (allow 20 minutes) or by ferry (10-minute crossing).
For timetables, visit the Tourist Office website. Dinard also has a small airport, but this is only served from London and Nottingham in the UK. Take advantage of Skyscanner, an intelligent flight comparator that will help you find the best price for your flight to Dinard.
If you choose to come to Dinard by car, parking is available even in the town center.
Bear in mind, however, that Dinard is a small town that’s easy to explore on foot. Many of the attractions listed in this selection are within easy reach.
Where to stay in Dinard?
Historically a tourist destination, Dinard offers a wide range of accommodation. Hotels are plentiful and, for the most part, very attractive. To find the best deals, consider using a hotel comparator.
A number of B&Bs and vacation rentals are also available, often in traditional stone buildings. Finally, for those on a budget, the Port-Blanc campsite, located on the edge of the beach of the same name, is an excellent option.
Dinard is an attractive seaside town in many respects, and well worth exploring. Just a stone’s throw from the town, the pretty village of La Richardais and the EDF Rance dam and tidal power plant are also well worth a visit.
Why not visit Dinard for a day or two during a longer stay in the region? From Cancale to Saint-Malo, the Emerald Coast is full of treasures.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Dinard