Dinard

This elegant seaside resort in Brittany, which is against Saint-Malo, will captivate you with its undeniable charm, rich past and many mysteries.

In this article, we invite you to explore Dinard, the jewel of the French Riviera. Emerald Coast, a favorite destination of the aristocracy, movie stars, and renowned writers. Discover how this modest fishing village has transformed into one of France’s most luxurious seaside resorts, thanks to its sumptuous villas, prestigious hotels, famous casino, and British Film Festival. You’ll also set out to discover Dinard’s hidden gems, such as son Anglican church, the legend surrounding King Arthur, the home of the Black Prince and his bric-a-brac villa.

To round out your stay, here are a few must-see experiences in Dinard: enjoy some downtime on Écluse Beach, and marvel at the breathtaking view of the Mont-Saint-Michel, explore the National Museum of Natural History, or enjoy a delicious crêpe with salted butter.

The Rich and Fascinating History of Dinard

The seaside resort of Dinard, always cited with the commune of Dinan, now renowned for its elegance and charm, has not always enjoyed this reputation. Its evolution is closely linked to the growth of tourism, British influence, and the preservation of its rich heritage.

From modest origins to the splendors of the Belle Époque

Before becoming the popular destination we know today, Dinard was a simple fishing hamlet, part of the parish of Saint-Enogat; its name derives from the Gallic words «dunum» (fortified village) and «art» (elevated). The arrival of William and Lyona Faber, an English couple, marked a turning point in 1858 with the construction of the first villa, named Bric à Brac. Their initiative attracted aristocrats and the bourgeoisie, drawn by the mild climate and the magnificent coastal landscapes. Dinard thus became a fashionable resort, frequented by the elite of society, politics, literature, and cinema.

The Golden Age of Tourism and British Influence

In the early 20th century, Dinard entered its golden age with the construction of sumptuous villas, hotels, casinos, and sports facilities. The British influence was palpable, as nearly half of the vacationers were English, leaving their mark on the town through their culture and distinctive architecture. Architectural features such as bow windows, verandas, and sash windows, as well as the Anglican church, bear witness to this. The English also introduced activities such as hunting, regattas, lawn tennis, golf, and cricket, making Dinard a symbol of elegance and refinement.

Modern Dinard: between preserved heritage and cultural dynamism

Despite a decline in tourism following the two world wars, Dinard has managed to reinvent itself and modernize while preserving its heritage. Awarded the “City of Art and History” designation in 2003, the city now boasts nearly 407 listed villas. It also hosts major cultural events, such as the British Film Festival and the Palais des Arts et du Festival, enriching its cultural offerings with a variety of exhibitions, concerts, and performances. Dinard also stands out for its vibrancy, offering residents and visitors a wide range of services, shops, recreational activities, and entertainment.

Dinard's hidden treasures

The charming seaside resort of Dinard offers much more than just its luxurious villas, prestigious hotels, and iconic casino. It is home to true hidden gems that contribute to its unique and alluring character. Discover these treasures through three fascinating aspects: the elegance of its Belle Époque villas and distinctive architecture, the mysteries hidden along its beaches, and the adventure of the coastal trails, which offer exceptional panoramic views and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.

The Belle Époque Villas and Their Unique Architecture

Dinard is proud of its remarkable architectural heritage, which reflects its illustrious past. With more than 407 listed villas, some stand out from the rest thanks to their captivating history, unique design, and character. The Villa Bric à Brac, the first building erected in Dinard by an English couple, combines Gothic, Moorish, and Oriental elements. The Villa Reine Hortense, once owned by Emperor Napoleon’s daughter, offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Saint-Malo. The Villa Roches Brunes, home to the National Museum of Natural History, captivates visitors with its cut-stone facade and slate roof. These villas showcase the richness and diversity of Dinard’s architecture.

Beaches and their secrets

Dinard has eight beaches, each with its own unique charm. L’Écluse Beach, in the heart of the city, is famous for being home to the casino, the Palais des Arts, and the British Film Festival. A well-kept secret lies hidden beneath its sand: an intact German World War II bunker. Other beaches are worth a visit: Prieuré Beach, with its magnificent view of Port-Breton Park and its castle; Saint-Énogat Beach, the oldest in Dinard, known for its freshwater spring with therapeutic properties; and Port-Blanc Beach, the most pristine, surrounded by a campground and a water sports center.

Coastal paths: wilderness and breathtaking views

Dinard’s coastal trails, stretching over 10 km along the magnificent Emerald Coast, are a must-see for those who want to admire breathtaking landscapes of cliffs, coves, rocks, and islets. These trails allow visitors to observe the rich local flora and fauna and offer spectacular views of iconic sites such as Mont-Saint-Michel and Saint-Malo. Accessible to everyone, these trails are dotted with informational signs and benches where you can rest. They also serve as the setting for treasure hunts organized by the tourist office, offering a fun and unique way to discover Dinard’s secrets.

Must-see Dinard experiences

Dinard is more than just a town to admire—it’s an experience to be savored to the fullest. Whether you have a passion for fine dining, an insatiable curiosity, or a love of sports, this seaside resort has something to satisfy every desire.

We have put together a selection based on three major themes: the Dinard market for a culinary journey, cultural events and festivals not to be missed, and water sports activities for guaranteed relaxation by the sea.

Dinard market: a culinary journey

For lovers of fresh, local, high-quality produce, the Dinard market is a must. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings in the Place du Général de Gaulle, it is one of Brittany's largest and finest markets, with over 200 stallholders.

You’ll find a wide variety of products there: seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, deli meats, meats, fish, shellfish, oysters, crêpes, galettes, cider, honey, jams, cakes, flowers, clothing, jewelry, books, souvenirs… It’s the perfect opportunity to treat your eyes, taste buds, and sense of smell while soaking up the market’s friendly atmosphere. Be sure to sample local specialties such as kouign-amann, far breton, salted butter caramel, and chouchen.

Not-to-be-missed cultural events and festivals

Dinard, a vibrant and culturally rich city, hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. The British Film Festival, held in late September and early October, is the most renowned; it celebrates British cinema through screenings, meet-and-greets, panel discussions, concerts, and exhibitions, featuring appearances by film celebrities.

Don't miss other highlights such as the Dinard International Music Festival, featuring classical and jazz concerts in July and August; the Comics and Film Festival in April; and the Garden Festival in June, which invites you to explore the city's most beautiful gardens.

Water sports and relaxation by the sea

A top destination for water sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation by the sea, Dinard invites you to enjoy its eight beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, picnicking, and many other activities such as kite flying, beach volleyball, sandball, or yoga. You can also discover a range of water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, fishing, and boat cruises. And for a moment of pure relaxation, treat yourself to one of the city’s many spas, thalassotherapy centers, and fitness centers, which offer treatments, massages, steam rooms, saunas, and hot tubs.

Conclusion

Dinard proves to be an extraordinary destinationpromising a memorable stay. This city is the perfect destination for everyone, whether you’re looking for history, culture, nature, or simply a chance to relax. As a renowned seaside resort, Dinard is ready to surprise you with its Belle Époque villas, hidden beaches, magnificent coastal trails, market brimming with flavors, diverse cultural events, and numerous water sports.

Don't wait to plan your visit! Book your stay in Dinard and come explore this gem of the Emerald Coast. It's an experience you certainly won't regret.

FAQ

Is Dinard pretty?

Absolutely, Dinard is a charming destination. This elegant seaside resort stands out for its magnificent views of the Emerald Coast and Saint-Malo.

Known for its magnificent Belle Époque villas, white-sand beaches, the Clair de Lune promenade, and its famous British film festival, Dinard offers a wide range of activities. For more information on what to do in Dinard, click [this link] or explore other search results.

Where to walk in Dinard

Dinard offers many exciting walks. Here are two recommendations:

• The Clair de Lune Promenade: a magnificent pedestrian walkway along the sea, offering spectacular views of Saint-Malo Bay, the villas, and the exotic gardens. It becomes a magical place at sunset or on summer evenings, thanks to its lighting and sound effects.
• La Pointe du Moulinet: This lookout overlooks the Rance Estuary, offering a view of the cliffs, islands, marine life, and the comings and goings of boats. It’s also a great opportunity to explore the historic villas and see the statue of Alfred Hitchcock.

Who lives in Dinard?

Dinard attracts many celebrities, including Catherine Deneuve, Hugh Grant, Virginie Efira, François Pinault, Philippe Katerine and Sidonie Bonnec. The town has long been a magnet for celebrities, thanks to its Belle Époque architecture and British Film Festival.

What's the best beach in Dinard?

According to many, Écluse Beach stands out as the most beautiful beach in Dinard. Located in the heart of the city, this vast stretch of fine sand is famous for its blue-and-white striped beach tents, which add to its unique charm.

It offers breathtaking views over the Bay of Saint-Malo and a range of activities, including scuba diving and deckchair hire.