Dinard, nicknamed the 'Nice of the North', is a luxury seaside resort located in the Ille-et-Vilaine department, in Brittany. Overlooking the Rance river estuary opposite Saint-Malo, Dinard is distinguished by its atmosphere of elegance and refinement, inherited from the Belle Époque period. The city boasts a remarkable architectural heritage of historical Anglo-Norman villas and luxurious hotels that attract elite tourism. With its four beaches and panoramic walks, Dinard is a destination of eternal charm offering a perfect blend of Breton history and British influence.

What Our Local Experts Recommend: Walks and Iconic Villas

• Clair de Lune Promenade (Promenade du Clair de Lune) – The most famous pedestrian path, offering spectacular views of the Rance estuary and the Belle Époque villas. Recommended at sunset.
• Écluse Beach (Plage de l'Écluse) – The most central beach, framed by white and blue striped cabins, a symbol of Dinard.
• Pointe du Moulinet – Offers a breathtaking view of Saint-Malo, especially at high tide.
• Villa Les Roches Brunes – An icon of the Belle Époque, perfect for photos and guided tours.

Real Experience: Thalassotherapy and the Ferry Crossing to Saint-Malo

For a luxury and wellness experience, Dinard is renowned for its Thalassotherapy centers, which utilize the beneficial properties of seawater. We recommend combining a day of relaxation at one of these centers with a short but picturesque ferry crossing (vedette) to the fortified city of Saint-Malo. This allows you to admire the Dinard skyline from the sea and immerse yourself in the privateer history of Saint-Malo in a single day.

Gastronomy and Typical Products

• Galette Sarrasin and Crêpe – Brittany is the home of galettes (savory, made with buckwheat) and crêpes (sweet).
• Seafood and Oysters (Fruits de Mer) – Proximity to the sea ensures very fresh seafood, especially Cancale oysters.
• Kouign-amann – Typical Breton pastry made with puff pastry, salted butter, and sugar.

Beaches and Activities

Dinard boasts four main beaches: Plage de l'Écluse, Plage du Prieuré, Plage de Saint-Énogat, and Plage des Port-Blanc. In addition to swimming (depending on the tide), they are ideal for sailing activities and Kite Surfing. The tide here is spectacular and constantly shapes the coastline, offering an ever-changing natural spectacle.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Dinard
• Official Tourism Website for Dinard

Top 3 Luxury and Historical Accommodations Recommended by Our Travel Designers

• Grand Hôtel Barrière de Dinard (Luxury, Historical) – The symbol of Dinard, overlooking the Écluse beach.
• Castelbrac (Luxury, Boutique) – A former villa-aquarium converted into a boutique hotel with private sea access.
• Le Nessay (Boutique) – Located on a promontory in Saint-Briac (nearby), offering an elegant atmosphere and 360° views.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Le Saint-Pern (Dinard) – Refined cuisine focused on seafood products.
• Le Côté Mer (Dinard) – Excellent for an elegant lunch with a beach view.
• La Table d'Olivier (in Saint-Malo) – Although in Saint-Malo, it is one of the best starred restaurants in the area.