What to do in Dinard for a weekend?
Dinard is perfect for a weekend getaway, combining elegant beaches, Belle Époque villas, scenic coastal walks and romantic viewpoints facing Saint-Malo. In two or three days, enjoy the Clair de Lune promenade, the Écluse beach, seaside restaurants and relaxing coastal experiences on Brittany’s Emerald Coast.
WHAT TO SEE IN DINARD? MUST-SEE MONUMENTS AND NEIGHBORHOODS
The view of Saint Malo is magical / Photo Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
1 The villas of Dinard
The resort is famous for its 400 listed villas, combining 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 beautiful overview, but you will find them throughout the town; you just need to deliberately lose yourself a little.
Villas on the tip of Malouine. Photo selected by monsieurdeFrance: depositphotos.
2 Villa Les Roches Brunes
This 19th-century villa, perched on the Pointe de la Malouine, is one 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 selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.com
3 Saint-Énogat neighborhood
The former village of Dinard, Saint-Énogat retains its authenticity with its stone houses, 19th-century church, and peaceful beach. Here you will find the soul of Brittany, far from the hustle and bustle of tourism. It is still a village today, with its small restaurants.
View of Saint Malo from Saint Enogat beach, heading back towards Dinard via the Pointe de la Malouine promenade. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.com
4 La Vicomté neighborhood
A leafy residential neighborhood, La Vicomté overlooks the Rance estuary and offers breathtaking views of Saint-Malo. A short walk along the coast and river will take you to the Rance Dam.
5 Port-Breton Park
This 23-hectare park facing the Rance River is perfect for families: small zoo, rose garden, playground, shaded trails. A green oasis just a stone's throw from the sea.
WHAT ARE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VIEWS IN DINARD?
Sunset on Saint Enogat beach in Dinard. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
1 Moonlight Walk
It runs along the coastline and connects Prieuré beach to Pointe du Moulinet. In the evening, its palm trees are illuminated, making it ideal for a romantic stroll and poetic photos of the bay. The port is also worth a visit.
A moonlit stroll at low tide and the ferry terminal, where you can take a water bus to Saint Malo (a must! It's fun and convenient, as you don't have to worry about finding parking in Saint-Malo) or to Cézembre, Chausey, etc. Photo selected by Monsieurdefrance.Com: Shutterstock.com
2 Pointe du Moulinet
This rocky outcrop facing the sea offers a panoramic view of Saint-Malo. The sunsets are spectacular on both sides. A must-see for lovers of coastal landscapes.
The tip of the windmill in the morning as seen from the beach at the lock / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
3 Écluse Beach
Surrounded by sumptuous villas, this is THE beach in Dinard. It has a family-friendly yet chic atmosphere and offers beautiful views of Le Petit Bé (the fort opposite), Le Grand Bé, and Saint-Malo.
The beach at the lock, with Pointe du Moulinet below and Pointe de la Malouine above / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Gwenaële Moignic from Pixabay
4 Malouine Point
Offering a 180° view of the English Channel, this point is home to some of Dinard's most beautiful villas. The ocean is always in motion here. You can walk along it in about half an hour, starting on the left side of the Plage de l'Écluse beach.
The Malouine headland offers a beautiful selection of villas. You can walk along the bottom and admire the villas while strolling along the sea. Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Shutterstock.
5 Port-Blanc
More rugged, this site is ideal for photographing the Breton coastline in its simplest form. Cliffs, coves, low-angled light: a real playground for wide-angle lens enthusiasts. In summer, the campground has a really great bar with a good atmosphere and a magnificent view. I also recommend it for a drink in the evening during the summer. A friendly atmosphere and beautiful view are guaranteed.
WHAT TO DO IN DINARD OVER A WEEKEND?
1 Three beaches in Dinard where you can relax in Dinard
Dinard offers several beaches that are ideal for relaxing. Écluse Beach is the most central, lined with shops and a lively atmosphere. More intimate, Saint-Énogat Beach charms visitors with its slightly more authentic setting. Finally, Prieuré Beach, backed by a lush green park, is perfect for families thanks to its calm waters and views of Saint-Malo.
The lock beach / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
2 Hiking along the customs officers' trail
The GR34, known as the "customs officers' path," runs along the coast and offers breathtaking walks. Perfect for a getaway in the heart of Brittany's natural surroundings. You feel the wind on your face as you round the bends, and then suddenly, it's gone. And the view is truly magnificent.
Walking along the sea on the promenades and customs officers' paths allows you to admire the sea and the architecture / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: shutterstock
3. Enjoy water sports
Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, or coastal walking... Dinard offers a wide range of water sports. Several clubs offer introductory lessons throughout the year if you are staying for a few days. You can also rent equipment at the outdoor pool (which is not Dinard's "official" pool, as is often believed).
4 Culture and exhibitions
The Les Roches Brunes villa sometimes offers an exhibition program. But the best thing to do is to visit the art galleries in the city center or take part in events such as the British film festival.
5 Wellness and relaxation in Dinard
Thalassotherapy, spas, and massages are the perfect way to round off a day's walking. Many hotels offer wellness packages available on a daily basis, but thalassotherapy is a must. You can also just go for a drink at the bar, where the view is magnificent.
The little extra: MARKETS AND LOCAL FLAVORS IN DINARD
Dinard is a real stopover for food lovers / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.com: symbiot via dépositphotos
While it is impossible to visit all the monuments, local products can be discovered every day in the market halls or at artisans' workshops. The Dinard market is very well known. Galette-saucisse is a Breton institution that can be enjoyed at the Dinard market in particular. Of course, you'll find everything that makes Brittany's cuisine so famous, such as seafood. You can prepare a small seafood platter in your rental or simply enjoy some Cancale oysters. A real treat.
The tide is rising and Saint Malo can be seen in the distance from the beach at the lock / Photo Jérôme Prod'homme (c)
WHERE TO EAT OR HAVE A DRINK IN DINARD?
5 restaurants between $15 and $90
1 L'abri des flots – an institution in Dinard, located on Place de la République in the heart of the city. Seafood dishes as well as creative cuisine. Dishes between €16 and €45, set menu at €38.
2 La Vallée – in the hold of the valley's beak. Over a century of flavors here with seafood and seasonal cuisine. Dishes between €25 and €48.
The valley hotel on the right of the photo in the valley between the lock beach and the moonlight promenade / Photo shutterstock.
3. Chez Didier Meril – Right in front of the church. Gourmet restaurant. Menus start at €39, with €60 for a menu in the middle of the extensive range on offer. The view over Saint Malo Intramuros is magical.
4. Ombelle – Boulevard Wilson in the city center. Local products enhanced by refined cuisine. A sure bet at around €45.
5. La Gonelle – on the Clair de Lune promenade. Fresh seafood, panoramic terrace overlooking the cove. Budget: $35 to $70. (Google rating: 4.4, May 2025)
And my favorite: the pizzeria "Castor Bellux", on Churchill Street, not far from the casino and the Éclue beach, with a great atmosphere and very inexpensive dishes. All the regulars in Dinard know it and keep coming back.
View of the villas at Pointe du Moulinet in Dinard / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.Com: Laurent Lafond from Pixabay
3 PLACES TO HAVE A DRINK IN DINARD
1 On the seawall at Ecluse beach. Especially in front of the casino in the rotunda that juts out onto the beach (but also along the seawall). This is Dinard, so there is always a certain elegance, even in these cafés and small brasseries that line the beach. And the view of the beach and the Îles de Saint-Malo is superb.
2 Au Davys. Along the Yves Verney esplanade. A Dinard institution and a bar worth visiting for its truly astonishing 1960s decor.
3 At the Thalasso bar in Saint Enogat. It is open to the public. The view is truly magical (it's windy, but who cares).
4 At the Port Blanc campground. In summer, it overlooks the beach and the atmosphere is super friendly.
5 At Sunset. At the far end of the beach by the lock, heading towards the tip of the windmill. Go there in the evening at sunset to take a magnificent photo of the sun setting at the foot of the Villa des Roches-Brunes.
The view from Sunset at sunset. Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Jérôme Prod'homme
What to see around Dinard?
The choice is yours! You can start by heading across the water to Saint Malo, which is very easy to do by sea bus. Visit Intramuros and then return at your leisure, as there are frequent return trips (except in the evening, so be careful). You can also immerse yourself in the Middle Ages by going to Dinan, a 20-minute drive away.
Otherwise, here are 15 places to see around Saint Malo and Dinard.
Getting to Dinard from Paris
- By car: 4 hours 50 minutes via the A11 to Rennes, then the RN137 to Dinard (367 km).
- By train: TGV Paris Montparnasse → Rennes (1 hour 30 minutes), then TER to Saint-Malo (1 hour), then bus or taxi (15 minutes).
- By plane: Dinard Airport offers seasonal flights. Flight from Paris to Rennes + car (1 hour) or train to Saint-Malo + bus.
An article by Jérôme Prod’homme for Monsieur de France, written with passion and pleasure to describe France, tourism, and gastronomy.
You can't imagine the myriad colors you'll discover in the sky above Dinard / Photo chosen by Monsieur de France: Jérôme Prod'homme.
FAQ – Romantic Dinard, weekend breaks, and the most beautiful spots
What are the most romantic places in Dinard?
The most romantic spots in Dinard are the Clair de Lune promenade at sunset, the Pointe du Moulinet facing Saint-Malo, and the Écluse beach in the evening. These places offer soft lighting, a peaceful atmosphere, and ideal sea views for a stroll with your partner.
Where can you see the most beautiful sunset in Dinard?
The most beautiful sunset in Dinard can be seen from the Pointe du Moulinet and the Clair de Lune promenade. These two spots offer unobstructed views and a particularly romantic atmosphere, allowing you to admire the golden light on the sea, Saint-Malo, and the islets.
What to do in Dinard as a couple for a weekend?
For couples, a weekend in Dinard consists of walks along the coastal path, a drink overlooking the sea, a romantic dinner, and a relaxing session at the thalassotherapy center. The beaches, viewpoints, and elegant atmosphere of the resort are perfect for this.
What are the most beautiful viewpoints in Dinard for taking photos?
The most beautiful views in Dinard can be found at Pointe de la Malouine, Pointe du Moulinet, on the Clair de Lune promenade, and from Port-Blanc beach. These locations offer spectacular views of the sea, the villas, and Saint-Malo.
Is Dinard a good destination for a romantic weekend?
Dinard is an excellent destination for a romantic weekend thanks to its seaside promenades, Belle Époque villas, elegant beaches, and wellness centers. The atmosphere is calm, refined, and ideal for a getaway for two, far from the hustle and bustle.
