The jewel of the Emerald Coast, this town of art and history, which is more chic than nearby Saint-Malo, offers an irresistible retro charm. Walking, casinos and culture, the "Nice of the north" has plenty to offer...
What would you say to a trip back in time? That's what awaits you in this little seaside resort, where the swanky villas bear witness to the splendour of days gone by. Once the small port of terre-neuvas, fishermen who set sail to fish for cod off Newfoundland, in the 19th century Dinard became the favoured holiday resort of the British aristocracy.
Start your visit at the Pointe du Moulinet and take a stroll along the promenade du Clair-de-Lune, the verdant path that is to Dinard what the Promenade des Anglais is to Nice. Among the palm trees and Atlas cedars, you can enjoy a breath-taking view of the walkway, which is lit up on summer evenings. If you're hungry, stop off at one of the seafood restaurants overlooking the sea... You'll pass the Bec de la Vallée slipway, before arriving at plage de l’Écluse, right in the heart of Dinard. Hit the shops, treat yourself to an ice cream or try your luck at roulette in the elegant casino: place your bets!
Continue your seaside walk to Pointe de la Malouine, which offers a fantastic view over the corsair city of Saint-Malo and the islands of Chausey, either walking along the shore, or through the streets dotted with lavish villas typical of the Belle Époque.
Prefer cycling? No worries! Dinard offers five marked cycling routes and you can take cycling route 4, which connects Mont-Saint-Michel and Roscoff. Sports enthusiasts can also enjoy an array of water sports, such as kayaking, land sailing or jet-skiing.
When it comes to nature, don't miss the tree-lined park of Port-Breton, which is home to many species of animals, including donkeys, wallabies and llamas: plenty to entertain the children!
As for culture, the town hosts the British film festival, which pays homage to UK cinema. Who'll win the Golden Hitchcock award this year? Such suspense...
There are several ways to get to Dinard. The town has an airport two and a half miles from the centre and has connections to Paris via the nearby Saint-Malo link. Alternatively, Dinard is four hours from Paris by car via the A11 motorway. Once you're there, you can get around on foot, by bus or by taxi, though to go off the beaten track car rental is your best bet.
