Tourism Brittany

Weekend in Dinard: discover the jewels of the Emerald Coast

Looking for sea, culture and great views? Dinard opens its doors to you for an unforgettable weekend on the Emerald Coast. Sumptuous villas, seaside strolls, remarkable heritage... this Breton seaside resort has everything you need for a charming and relaxing stay.

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Dinard's monuments and emblematic neighborhoods to visit

 

1 Dinard villas

The resort is famous for its 400 listed villas, a blend of English, Moorish and Art Nouveau styles. Built between 1870 and 1930, they embody the seaside prestige of the Belle Époque. The route around the Pointe de la Malouine offers a good overview, but you'll find them all over town - you just have to get lost a little on purpose.

 

 

Villas on the Pointe de la Malouine. Photo chosen by monsieurdeFrance: depositphotos.

Villas on the Pointe de la Malouine. Photo chosen by monsieurdeFrance: depositphotos.

 

2 Villa Les Roches Brunes

This 19th-century villa, perched on the Malouine headland, isone of the few monuments open to the public in Dinard. It is emblematic of Dinard villas. Listed as a historic monument, it hosts temporary cultural exhibitions in an exceptional setting.

 

A close-up view of the "brown rocks" villa. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock. com

A close-up view of the "brown rocks" villa. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock. com

 

3 Saint-Énogat 

Formerly Dinard's original village, Saint-Énogat retains its authenticity with its stone houses, 19th-century church and peaceful beach. The Breton soul can be found here, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. Still a village today, with its little restaurants;

 

View of Saint Malo from Saint Enogat beach as you head back towards Dinard via the Pointe de la Malouine promenade. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock. com

View of Saint Malo from Saint Enogat beach as you head back towards Dinard via the Pointe de la Malouine promenade. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock. com

 

4 La Vicomté 

A leafy residential neighborhood, La Vicomté overlooks the Rance estuary and offers striking views of Saint-Malo. Walking for a while you reach the Barrage de la Rance along the coast and river. 

 

5 Parc de Port-Breton

This 23-hectare park facing the Rance is perfect for families: small zoo, rose garden, playground, shaded paths. A green interlude just a stone's throw from the sea.

 

 

 

The most beautiful vantage points for your photos in Dinard 

 

The moonlit promenade at low tide and the landing stage for the "bâteaux de ligne" boats that allow you to go to Saint Malo by bus boat (a must-do! It's fun and practical, since you don't have to look for parking in Saint Malo) or to Cézembre, Chausey...  Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.Com: Shutterstock.com

The moonlit promenade at low tide and the landing stage for the "bâteaux de ligne" boats that allow you to go to Saint Malo by bus boat (a must-do! It's fun and practical, since you don't have to look for parking in Saint Malo) or to Cézembre, Chausey...  Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.Com: Shutterstock.com

 

1 Promenade du Clair de Lune

It runs along the coast, linking Plage du Prieuré to Pointe du Moulinet. In the evening, its palm trees light up: ideal for a romantic stroll and poetic photos of the bay. The port is also well worth a visit. 

 

2 Pointe du Moulinet

This rocky outcrop facing the sea captures Saint-Malo. Sunsets are blazing on both sides. A must for lovers of coastal scenery.

 

La pointe du moulinet in the morning seen from Plage de l'écluse / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

La pointe du moulinet in the morning seen from Plage de l'écluse / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

 

3 Plage de l'Écluse

Surrounded by sumptuous villas, This is THE beach of Dinard. A chic, family atmosphere and a beautiful view of Petit Bé (the fort in front of you), Grand Bé and Saint Malo.

 

La plage de l'écluse avec en bas la pointe du moulinet et en haut la pointe de la Malouine / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : Gwenaële Moignic de Pixabay

La plage de l'écluse avec en bas la pointe du moulinet et en haut la pointe de la Malouine / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : &nbspGwenaële Moignic de Pixabay

 

4 Pointe de la Malouine

Offering a 180° view of the English Channel, this point is home to some of Dinard's finest villas. The ocean is always in motion. You can walk along it for half an hour, starting on the left from Plage de l'écluse.

 

La pointe de la Malouine offers a beautiful array of villas. You can walk along it from below and admire the villas while skirting the sea / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.

La pointe de la Malouine offers a beautiful array of villas. You can walk along it from below and admire the villas while skirting the sea / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.

 

5 Port-Blanc

Wilder, this site is ideal for photographing the Breton coast in its simplest form. Cliffs, coves, low-angled light: a real playground for wide-angle lovers. In summer, the campsite offers a really great bar with a great atmosphere and a magnificent view;

 

 

Things to do in Dinard over the weekend

 

1 three Dinard beaches to relax on 

Dinard offers several beaches ideal for relaxing. La plage de l'Écluse is the most central, lined with shops and a lively atmosphere. More intimate,La plage de Saint-Énogat entices with its authentic setting. Finally, the Prieuré beach, set against a verdant park, is perfect for families thanks to its calm waters and view over Saint-Malo.

 

La plage de l'écluse / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

La plage de l'écluse / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

 

2  Hiking and walking in Dinard 

The GR34, known as the "sentier des douaniers", runs along the coast and offers breathtaking walks. It's the perfect way to get away from it all, in the heart of the Breton countryside.

 

Longing out to sea on the promenades and customs path allows you to admire the sea and the architecture / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: shutterstock

Longing out to sea on the promenades and customs path allows you to admire the sea and the architecture / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: shutterstock

 

3  Water activities in Dinard

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing or longe-côte... Dinard offers a taste of all the nautical pleasures. Several clubs offer introductory courses all year round.

 

4 Culture and exhibitions

The villa Les Roches Brunes offers a program of exhibitions.The galleriesin the town center and events such as the British Film Festival complete the cultural offering.

 

5 Wellness and relaxation in Dinard

Thalassos, spas and massages are the perfect complement to a day's walking. Many hotels offer wellness packages accessible by the day, but the Thalasso is a must. You can also just go and have a drink at the bar, where the view is magnificent;

 

The little extra:  Markets and local flavours

 

Dinard is a real stopover for gourmands / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : symbiot via dépositphotos

Dinard is a real stopover for gourmands / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com : symbiot via dépositphotos

 

While not all monuments can be visited, local produce can be discovered on a daily basis in the halles or at artisans' shops. The Dinard market is very famous. The galette-saucisse is a Breton institution that can be tasted at the Dinard market in particular. 

 

The sea is rising and Saint Malo can be seen in the distance from the lock beach / Photo Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

The sea is rising and Saint Malo can be seen in the distance from the lock beach / Photo Jérôme Prod'homme (c)

 

 

Five restaurants between €15 and €50 in Dinard

 

1 L'abri des flots -an institution in Dinard, on Place de la République. Seafood but also creative cuisine. Dishes between 16 and 45 euros, menu at 38 (google rating 4.3 but author's favorite).

2 La Vallée - Sea view, seasonal Mediterranean cuisine. Dishes between €25 and €48. (Google rating: 4.5, April 2025)

 

The Valley Hotel on the right of the photo in the Valley Spout between Lock Beach and Moonlight Boardwalk / Photo shutterstock.

The Valley Hotel on the right of the photo in the Valley Spout between Lock Beach and Moonlight Boardwalk / Photo shutterstock.

 

3. L'Arsaour - Breton and Asian fusion flavors in a design setting. Menus around €35. (Google rating: 4.7, April 2025)

4. Ombelle - Local products sublimated by refined cuisine. A safe bet at around €45. (Google rating: 4.8, March 2025)

5. La Gonelle - Fresh seafood, panoramic terrace overlooking the cove. Budget: €28 to €50. (Google rating: 4.4, May 2025)

 

And the little extra: the "Castor Bellux" pizzeria on Churchill Street, with a superb atmosphere and dishes that aren't expensive at all. 

 

View of the villas on the Pointe du moulinet in Dinard / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.Com :  Laurent Lafond de Pixabay

View of the villas on the Pointe du moulinet in Dinard / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.Com :  Laurent Lafond de Pixabay

 

Getting to Dinard from Paris

 

  1. By car: 4h50 via A11 to Rennes, then RN137 to Dinard (367 km).
  2. By train: TGV Paris Montparnasse → Rennes (1h30), then TER to Saint-Malo (1h), then bus or cab (15 min).
  3. By plane: Dinard airport offers seasonal flights. Flight Paris-Rennes + car (1h) or train to Saint-Malo + bus.
Jérôme de France

Jérôme de France

Jérôme is “Monsieur de France”, the author of this site. 
An author, he has written numerous columns and features for various media on heritage, tourism and gastronomy. Passionate about history and beautiful sites, he shares with you his tips for traveling in France and preparing your stay by knowing what you'll be able to see. A gourmet, he gives you recipes for France's great and small culinary specialties. Discover also a part of French culture. 

Jérôme de France

Jérôme de France

Jérôme is “Monsieur de France”, the author of this site. 
An author, he has written numerous columns and features for various media on heritage, tourism and gastronomy. Passionate about history and beautiful sites, he shares with you his tips for traveling in France and preparing your stay by knowing what you'll be able to see. A gourmet, he gives you recipes for France's great and small culinary specialties. Discover also a part of French culture.