Overview

Dinard is on the coast of north-eastern Brittany, across the Rance Estuary from Saint-Malo. Once a small fishing village, Dinard transformed at the end of the 19th century when the rich and fashionable of the time built their luxury Victorian villas along the coast (more than 400 still dot the town and shoreline), grand hotels, and bustling casino.

Though its golden age is a thing of the past, Dinard is still one of France’s best-loved resorts. Many modern establishments now have taken over, the city still retinas something of teh Edwardian tone. It’s also a destination for cinephiles, who flock to the film festival here every October.

Explore Dinard

The center of Dinard is the area around the main beach, the Plage de l'Ecluse, and it is here that you will find most of the shops, restaurants and hotels. To the west of here the Pointe de la Malouine is the main area to admire the 19th century villas in the town. To the east the port and the Pointe du Moulinet are also pleasant to explore.

The main streets for shopping are between Rue Levasseur and Boulevard du President Wilson, and the tourist office is in the Place de la Republique. This area has a wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. There are also a number of great art galleries in the center of Dinard.

There are paths along the coast in both directions, around the Pointe du Moulinet and the Pointe de la Malouine. One excellent walk is the ‘Promenade du Clair de Lune’ or ‘Moonlight walk’ between the Prieure beach and the Pointe du Moulinet that takes you through the gardens which are lit up in the evening and have music playing.

There are more villas to be seen along the Pointe de la Malouine, and from the Pointe du Moulinet you get stunning views of St Malo across the water. If you are passing several days in Dinard ther are various other walks that explore the area around the town including Saint-Enogat to the west and the Pointe de la Vicomte, along the coast further to the south.

Beaches and Swimming

Most people come to Dinard for the beaches and there are several pleasant beaches here, which are also the starting point for nice walks along the coastline, and there are other nice sandy beaches nearby. The main beach is the Plage de l’Ecluse (La Grande Plage), the strip of sand between the peninsulas that defines the edges of the old town. Popular with families and vacationers, it’s crowded on hot summer days. It is clean and huge, there are a lot of facilities that visitors can enjoy. The beach huts in stripes of white and blue add to the charm of the beach.

To the west of the Pointe de la Malouine are the Plage de St-Enogat (you pass through the village of St-Enogat on the 20-min. hike east from Dinard) and Plage Port Riou, where you can see the most imposing villas. The Plage du Prieuré, a 10-minute walk from the center, has a few trees that shade the sand. The beaches have a few restaurants, toilets, showers, changing cabins, rental boats, and lifeguards (in summer). Because of the big difference between high and low tides, the municipality has built swimming pool–style basins along the Plage de L’Ecluse and the Plage du Prieuré to catch the seawater.

The Piscine Olympique, boulevard du Président-Wilson, next to the casino, is a covered, heated seawater pool open year-round.

Attractions Nearby

Boat trips can be arrange at the port of Dinard that go out to sea and along the Rance River.

Take an adventure out to the Ile de Bréhat, home to some 350 residence who live most of the year in isolation (at least until the summer crowds arrive). The tiny island (actually two islands, Ile Nord and Ile Sud, linked by a bridge, Le Pont Vauban) is in the Gulf of St-Malo, north of Paimpol. A visit to Bréhat is an adventure, even to the French. The only settlement on the islands is Le Bourg, in the south. The only bona fide beach is a strip of sand at Guerzido. While here, it is possible to stroll the footpaths around the island in a day. A number of places rent bikes, and cars are not allowed.

Not far from Dinard, on the D114 is Les Jardins de Montmarin. This garden is on the banks of the River Rance and is laid out with a beautiful formal garden in front of an 18th century mansion and a park further away from the house.

Also close by is the charming town of Dinan at the lower end of the Rance estuary. The town is best known for its historic architecture, including timber-framed houses.