Dinard, a charming Breton coastal town in Ille-et-Vilaine, France, sits across the estuary of the Rance from its well-known neighbor, Saint-Malo. With a population of 10,000 that swells in the summertime.
Dinard boasts beautiful sandy beaches and a rich history marked by the influence of British aristocrats who flocked to this elegant seaside resort in the 19th century.
Today, Dinard celebrates its British connection during the annual Festival of British Cinema in late September. The town is also home to one of the most impressive collections of Belle Époque seaside villas along the French coast.
With so much to explore and enjoy in Dinard, it can be hard to know where to start. I have put together a guide to help you make the most of your day in this delightful town.
Key takeaways when you spend one day in Dinard:
- Dinard is a picturesque Breton coastal town with a rich history influenced by British aristocracy
- The town is known for its stunning sandy beaches and impressive Belle Époque seaside villas
- A variety of activities and attractions are available, ensuring a memorable visit to Dinard
What to do when you spend one day in Dinard: top activities
Here are the top activities to do in Dinard when you only spend one day in that beautiful city:
- Enjoy a romantic stroll along Dinard’s Promenade du Clair-de-Lune (Moonlight walk).
- Admire the stunning Belle Epoque villas at both Pointe du Moulinet and Pointe de la Malouine.
- Take a refreshing swim at the beautiful Plage de l’Écluse.
- Discover the charming Saint-Bartholomew Anglican Chapel.
- Don’t miss the remarkable Alfred Hitchcock statue.
I go into more details here below regarding the activities to do in Dinard. Hand pick a few of them, depending how long (or how late) you stay in Dinard.
1. Explore Dinard City Center
As you stroll through Dinard’s city center, you’ll soon come upon the stunning Écluse beach, nestled within a deep bay. Flanked by the Moulinet point on the East side and Malouine cliffs on the West, the area boasts luxurious developments dating back to the late 19th century, showcasing the eclectic architectural styles of the time.
Meandering along the east side, you will find the picturesque Moonlight walk (promenade au Clair de Lune) overlooking the Rance River and facing Saint-Malo. Enjoy the sheltered location, which is a haven for Mediterranean vegetation and marvel at the beautiful villas lining the path.
Take advantage of Dinard’s attractions, from vibrant markets and local Breton specialties to restaurants and bars that allow you to savor the coastal experience. For active exploration, consider hiking the coastal trails, visiting the Port-Breton park, or indulging in water activities at the yacht club.
2. Moonlight walk (promenade du Clair de Lune)
The romantic Moonlight walk in Dinard is a must-see if you spend at least one day in Dinard.
Established in 1930, it acquired palm trees during the 1930 Paris Colonial Exposition.
Starting from Bec de la Vallée, you’ll first encounter the Art Deco facade of Printania Hotel, followed by the regionalist-style Dinard Natural History Museum, which was built in 1935. Further down the walk, you’ll see the unique Villa Bric-à-Brac with its rooftop terrace and faux crenelations, built in 1860.
As you continue, you’ll come across the Villa Belle-Rive, also built in 1860, which boasts picturesque bow windows and a belvedere.
Next, you’ll reach the Dinard Yacht Club, an impressive regionalist-style building from 1932. The neoclassical facade of Villa Ker Patrick stands nearby, with a cast-iron veranda overlooking the sea.
In addition to the Moonlight walk, you can explore the beautiful villas nestled in the greenery at the southeast point of Vicomté.
While in the area, don’t miss the chance to stroll through the charming 23-hectare Port-Breton Park, which offers stunning sea views and a few delightful animals to admire.
3. Dinard Walks to Enjoy
As an enthusiast for beautiful architecture, you wouldn’t want to miss Dinard’s three main coastal walks! Immerse yourself in:
- the Moonlight walk along the Rance River (already mentioned),
- the Moulinet point,
- and Malouine point.
You’ll appreciate the remarkable architecture along the way. Do pick up the free brochure from Dinard’s tourist office with details about these architectural walks or find it on their website. Enjoy your exploration!
4. Écluse beach
The Écluse beach (Plage de l’Écluse) is the main tourist attraction in Dinard. It was the most popular and sought-after sand beach on the Emerald Coast during the Belle Époque period.
This sandy beach is in close proximity to the Grand Casino of Dinard, with several hotels overlooking the area. The classic-style Hotel Royal (1902) and the Art Deco-inspired Gallic Hotel (1927) are two noteworthy examples near Dinard’s city center.
While strolling along the Promenade des Alliés, you will come across a statue of Alfred Hitchcock, inaugurated during the 2009 British Film Festival, accompanied by his iconic birds.
5. Moulinet point (pointe du Moulinet)
At Moulinet point, you’ll find yourself on a small peninsula with stunning panoramic views of Saint-Malo’s walled city and the Dinard area.
This remarkable location is home to a collection of elegant 19th-century seaside villas like the Villa Saint-Germain (1870) overlooking the beach. As you explore further, you’ll come across the Tudor-inspired Villa “La Garde”.
The neo-Gothic “Granit House” also stands out, proudly perched above the beach.
Lastly, the Château des Deux-Rives dominates the isthmus of the point and an open-air swimming pool, enhancing the area’s natural beauty.
6. Malouine point (pointe de la Malouine)
Malouine point in Dinard is well-known for its exceptional villas and rich history. Developed since 1879 by Auguste Poussineau, the elevated location of this promontory by the sea represents the prestigious status of its homeowners, providing fantastic views of the landscape.
While strolling along the Écluse beach, you will successively see remarkable villas such as Kerozar (1880-1890), Belle-Assise (1888), and Roche-Plate (1890) with its vibrant polychrome bricks. At the end of the point, you will find the only neo-Louis XIII style villa in Dinard, “Les Roches-Brunes” (1893-1896).
Moving further along the shoreline, you will discover more impressive villas, such as “Cézembre” (1892) adorned with mythical creatures, and “Keremerance” (1900) featuring a sundial.
A nearby staircase leads you down to the shore, where you can admire the supporting walls of these stunning buildings.
Additionally, at a distance from the coast, you will find three other remarkable villas of the Malouine point: “Bel Esbat” (1892) with a wooden balcony and bow-window, l’Ajonc (1906), and Bambino, showcasing its white and blue facade.
As you explore the area, you will undoubtedly appreciate the significance and beauty of Malouine point as an essential part of Dinard’s rich landscape.
7. Anglican chapel of Saint-Bartholomew
In Dinard, a must-see location is the Anglican chapel of Saint-Bartholomew, built in 1871.
Showcasing an Anglo-Norman style, this chapel highlights the significant presence of the Anglo-Saxon community in Dinard during the late 19th century. As the community grew, the chapel was expanded in 1890.
The exterior, quite modest, resembles traditional Breton chapels. The interior features exposed wooden beams, characteristic of English medieval churches.
Over the years, the chapel has welcomed notable British visitors, such as authors Agatha Christie and Oscar Wilde, Prime Minister Winston Churchill, King Edward VII, Lawrence of Arabia, and more recently, Hugh Grant. You can find the chapel at 6 Avenue George Clemenceau.
8. Antikcostume museum
At the heart of Dinard, located on 8 Rue des Frères Boussac, you’ll find the Antikcostume museum. This museum offers a free exhibition of historically accurate, hand-sewn costumes. The shop presents you with a unique opportunity to dress up in an original way!
What to Do in Dinard When It Rains
If you find yourself visiting Dinard and it starts to rain, there are still some activities to enjoy, although options may be limited.
You can consider a short trip to nearby Saint-Malo by car or boat. Make the most of the rainy weather by visiting the aquarium or the Micro Zoo, depending on your interests.
Things to Do Around Dinard
While you are in Dinard, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Saint-Malo nearby! A little further away, Dinan is another must-see town close to the Emerald Coast, featuring half-timbered houses and city walls.
Check out both Dinard and Dinan, as each has its unique charm! If you have around an hour to spare for a drive, you can also spend a day at Mont Saint-Michel to discover the magnificent abbey and the extraordinary setting of the mount in its bay.
Remember, there are many beautiful places to visit in Brittany (and close) while you’re here.
How to get to Dinard
Traveling to Dinard by car
If you plan to visit Dinard by car from Paris, simply take the A11 highway towards Rennes, which will take approximately 3 hours. From Rennes, continue on the RN137 four-lane road for around 45 minutes until you reach the Rance Dam and Dinard.
Traveling to Dinard by train and bus
Unfortunately, there isn’t a train station in Dinard anymore. Therefore, you’ll need to go to the Saint-Malo train station. From Paris, you can take a TGV at the Paris-Montparnasse train station, which passes through Rennes, with a journey time of about 2 hours and 15 minutes. From Rennes, you can also take a regional train (TER) along the same route. Check the timetable and fares on the TER Bretagne website.
Once you arrive at Saint-Malo train station, you can catch a bus to Dinard. It takes about 30 minutes and the bus lines (from BreizhGo) you can take are either numbered 14 or 16 .