The 13 things to do in Dinard

Want a weekend in Brittany? Discover our selection of the best tours and walks to do in Dinard.

The little town of Dinard faces Saint-Malo on the estuary of the Rance. It is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the Côte d’Émeraude. Indeed, this seaside resort still bears the elegant impression of the aristocratic tourism of the nineteenth century and the Belle Époque. To prepare your stay, discover our selection of must-sees to visit in Dinard.

Its flamboyant villas perched above a sea with deep green reflections make up a landscape with British accents. Whether for a simple visit or for a full weekend, the city is definitely worth a visit.

1. The promenade of the Clair de Lune

If there’s a ride to do in Dinard, it’s this one. The promenade of the Clair de Lune is ideal for enjoying the charms of the Côte d’Émeraude and the Rance.

This pedestrian walk winds by the sea, from the beach of the Priory at the Bec-de-la-Vallée’s anthem. There is a nice view of the Rance estuary, Saint-Malo and Saint-Servan.

It is also perfect for discovering Dinard’s unique architecture and beautiful villas. More surprisingly, the promenade is decorated with Mediterranean vegetation with intoxicating scents.

Contrary to what her name might suggest, the walk of the Clair de Lune can be enjoyed at any time! Guided tours are regularly offered by the Tourist Office during the day.

In the summer, once dark, a sound and light animates the walk. But as far as we are concerned, it is at sunset that we appreciate the most its charms.

2. The beach of the lock

If you plan to visit Dinard, you will not be able to make the impasse on the pretty beach of the Lock . With her blue and white striped beach cabins, she wears a perfume of another time. Lined with big hotels and a casino, she would almost make us travel in a novel by Marcel Proust...

In practice, this large sandy beach in the heart of the city is very lively all year round. With its shops, terraces, animations and activities, it attracts a cosmopolitan audience in a family atmosphere.

In addition, it also welcomes a beautiful pool of sea water. Particularly popular in the summer, the beach of the lock is also worth a visit in less time.

What more beautiful spectacle than a stirred sea reflecting a tortured sky?

3. Other beaches

Do you want to enjoy the sea while avoiding the crowd of the beach of the Lock? There is a lot to do in Dinard, as the 9 km coastline of the city offers three other beaches.

First, the beach Saint-Énogat is located in the old quarter that is surnamed "the cradle of Dinard". Lined with hard cabins and beautiful villas, it welcomes a nautical club, children’s clubs in summer as well as a mini-golf.

Then, the big beach of the Priory is a family beach with nautical activities, fitness equipment and beach restaurants. Finally, the beach Port-Blanc is the wildest of all, and there is a pleasant campsite.

4. The Pointe du Moulinet and its villas

Every traveler who visits Dinard must explore the tip of the Moulinet. For a long time, this rocky block was only welcoming a few fishermen’s houses and the small mill he holds his name.

But from the end of the 19th century, visitors to the resort had a heart attack on the scene. As a result, many villas were built. With their diverse styles, they are real architectural curiosities that deserve to be addressed.

Moreover, the promenade on the tip will take you from the height to admire splendid views of the surrounding area. If you wish to dive into the history of the place, the guided tours of the Tourist Office will accompany you.

5. The villa « Les Roches Brunes »

Dinard's iconic building, the villa "Les Roches Brunes" deeply marks the city's landscape. His majestic silhouette stands at the top of a cliff on the tip of the Malouines.

Built in 1893 in a "neo-Louis XIII" style, it is representative of the deeply referenced architectures of the Belle Époque. The villa is now listed on the Historic Monuments repertoire and was lightened in 2007 in the municipality. Since then, she regularly hosts exhibitions and concerts.

If you are looking for a cultural activity to do in Dinard, ask for the program! At the opening hours, you will be able to stroll through the villa and enjoy its incredible terrace, which seems suspended above the streams.

6. The market

What to do in Dinard by a nice morning? Visit the market, which is one of the largest in the region! The halls of the Concorde welcome you every morning under their modern window.

Three days a week, a large open-air market is located around these halls. In the beautiful season, it gathers up to 300 merchants and a crowd of visitors who rush to the terraces of the cafés.

From vegetables to crustaceans to a multitude of local specialties, the market offers what to delight gourmets.

7. Culinary specialties

Let's get a little closer in the food register. Because in this area too, visiting Dinard is a rich experience. In the market, don’t miss the uncontournable stand of galettes-saucisses, a real local curiosity that attracts the crowds.

In the restaurants of the city you can taste all the specialties that make up the rich Breton terroir. Black wheat pancakes, salted butter caramel pancakes, kouign amann ... Beautiful, good, butter!

8. The British Film Festival

On the culture side, there are beautiful activities to do in Dinard. Our favorite? The British film festival. For over 30 years, this annual event has delighted filmmakers and lovers United Kingdom .

Each year, he honours author films and short films under the auspices of a prestigious jury. When you were told that an out-of-the-box wind was blowing on Dinard...

9. Alfred Hitchcock’s statue

As a Breton cousin of Deauville, Dinard has decidedly asserted his film-fibre. Thus, she erected a statue in honour of the great Alfred Hitchcock, spiritual sponsor of the British film festival.

Wind tie and seagull on the shoulders, the figure of the director fits perfectly in the local landscape. During your visit to Dinard, don’t miss this beautiful look at the history of cinema.

10. Saint Bartholomew Anglican Church

As mentioned, the influences of the British aristocratic tourism of the Belle Époque are felt throughout the city. However, St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church may be the most obvious illustration.

Behind its discreet walls hides a pepite so British English Gothic style. Stained glass windows, dark woodwork and embroidered cushions make up a warm and delightful painting. A curiosity to visit in Dinard!

11. Port-Breton Park

The park of Port-Breton faces the beach of the Priory, comprising a beautiful landscape where sea and greenery are located. Its 23 hectares are treed and flowered, and they also offer an ideal animal park for families.

Today, the park was originally the garden of the manor house of Port-Breton, built in 1920 by a British aristocrat. So, if you want to immerse yourself in the prestigious past of the city, it’s a visit to Dinard.

12. A boat ride

To perfect your stay in Dinard, why not explore the marine surroundings by boat? Indeed, thanks to the boat rental in Dinard , you can enjoy all the splendour offered by the Emerald Coast.

So you can discover the Breton coastline and go through Saint-Malo . But as always on the Breton coast, we recommend you first check the weather, and pay attention to the tides.

13. A bike route: the Emerald Edge Rance circuit

Want some fresh air? The region is rich in accessible and comfortable bike routes. From Dinard, we recommend the Emerald Edge Rance circuit. On 38 km, this loop will make you cross beautiful seaside villages and take a pleasant green path.

How to get to Dinard?

To Dinard, train station . However, the city is located near Saint-Malo, at 2:15 a.m. Paris TGV. From Saint-Malo, you can reach Dinard by car (account 20 minutes ) or by ferry ( 10 minutes of crossing ).

To find the schedules, visit the tourist office website. Dinard also has a small airport, but it has only been served since London and Nottingham In the United Kingdom. Take advantage of it Skyscanner , a smart flight comparison that will allow you to get to Dinard by finding you a flight at the best price.

If you choose to drive to Dinard, parking spaces are available including in the city centre.

Keep in mind that Dinard is a small town that you will easily explore on foot. Much of the attractions cited in this selection are located in a pocket handkerchief.

Where to stay in Dinard?

Historically tourist destination, Dinard offers an important accommodation offer. The hotels are numerous and, for the most part, very hulls. To find the most interesting offers, think about using a Compare hotels .

A few guest rooms and vacation rentals also welcome you, often in traditional stone buildings. Finally, for small grants, campsite de Port-Blanc , located along the beach of the same name, is an excellent option.

Dinard is a seductive seaside town in many ways and deserves to be explored. Close to the city, the cute village of the Richardais , the dam and the EDF Martial Plant of the Rance are also worth a look.

Why not visit Dinard for one or two days during a longer stay in the area? De Cancale to Saint-Malo , the Côte d’Émeraude is full of treasures.