Dinard
,Dinard is a charming seaside town located in Brittany, France. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and stunning Belle Ăpoque architecture, Dinard is a popular vacation destination. Visitors can enjoy relaxing on the beach, strolling along the scenic promenade, and exploring the quaint streets lined with cafes and boutiques.
With its mild climate and picturesque coastal setting, Dinard offers a perfect blend of relaxation and French elegance.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaĂźt" - Please
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- đ Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- đœïž Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- â Coffee: $2 - $5
- đ Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- đ Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- đïžââïž Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Discover Dinard
morning
:Start your day at the beautiful Plage de Dinard, perfect for a morning swim. Enjoy a fresh croissant from a nearby bakery as you stroll along the beach.
afternoon
:Head to the historic town center and explore the charming boutiques and art galleries. Donât miss the chance to grab lunch at a seaside cafĂ© with stunning views.
evening
:Dine at a local seafood restaurant and savor fresh oysters. Take an evening walk along the promenade to enjoy the sunset over the water.
Historic Dinard
morning
:Visit the Villa et Jardins de Rochebonne, an exquisite villa surrounded by gardens. Spend some time relaxing on the lawn and taking in the historic architecture.
afternoon
:Explore the Dinard Market, vibrant with local produce and handmade goods. Sample local delicacies and find unique souvenirs to take home.
evening
:Enjoy dinner in the historic district, where you can find an array of traditional Breton dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to admire the illuminated buildings.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful sandy beaches and scenic coastline.
- Charming historic architecture and quaint streets.
- Pleasant climate with mild winters and warm summers.
- Vibrant local markets and excellent seafood restaurants.
- Proximity to other attractions in Brittany and Normandy.
Bad
- Can be crowded during peak tourist season.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Higher costs for accommodations in popular areas.
- Public transportation options may be limited.
- Some attractions may have seasonal hours, reducing availability.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Beach Activities at Plage de l'Ăcluse
Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball at the main beach of Dinard, which is known for its beautiful sandy shores and picturesque views.
Walk Along the Promenade
Take a leisurely stroll along the stunning coastline promenade, which offers scenic views of the sea, cliffs, and charming villas.
Kayaking in the Rance River
Experience kayaking on the Rance River, where you can explore the beautiful landscapes and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature.
Cycle the Coastal Paths
Explore the area on two wheels by cycling along the well-marked coastal paths that connect Dinard to nearby towns and offer breathtaking sea views.
Visit Fort Philippe
Explore the historical Fort Philippe, which offers insights into the area's maritime history and provides panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
Dine Outdoors with a Sea View
Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at outdoor restaurants along the coast, offering beautiful views of the beach and sunset.
Sandcastle Building
Get creative and build sandcastles on the beach with your family or friends, making for fun and memorable outdoor moments.
Tennis at Public Courts
Play a friendly match at one of the public tennis courts in Dinard, providing a great way to stay active while enjoying the outdoors.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Dinard with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Plage de l'Ăcluse
The main beach in Dinard, offering stunning views of the coastline and adjacent Saint-Malo. Perfect for sunset photography and capturing the vibrant beach atmosphere.
Promenade du Clair de Lune
A picturesque promenade that runs along the coastline, providing panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs, ideal for leisurely walks and photography.
Parc de Port-Breton
A beautiful park with landscaped gardens and a view of the marina. This location offers diverse angles for nature and landscape photography.
Les Falaises
The cliffs along the coastline provide dramatic views of the ocean and the rugged landscape. A great spot for capturing the wild beauty of the French coastline.
Villa Les Rhumbs
This historic villa offers a unique architectural backdrop and is surrounded by lush gardens, making it a great location for both architectural and landscape photography.
Saint-Malo Viewpoint
Various vantage points in Dinard provide breathtaking views of Saint-Malo across the bay, especially at sunset or during high tide.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Galettes
Must-try savory buckwheat crepes often filled with cheese, ham, and egg, can be found at CrĂȘperie du Port.
Must-Try!
Moules MariniĂšres
Savor the locally harvested mussels cooked in white wine and shallots at La Cale restaurant overlooking the sea.
Tarte Tatin
Indulge in this classic French upside-down apple tart at Patisserie de la Tour.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Dinard better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Marché de Dinard
Visit this bustling market to explore fresh produce, cheese, and local delicacies. Don't miss the opportunity to try freshly made crepes from the street food stalls.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greeting Etiquette
In Dinard, it's customary to greet people with 'Bonjour' (Good day) during the day and 'Bonsoir' (Good evening) in the evening. A light handshake or a kiss on the cheek (usually two or three, depending on the local custom) is also common among acquaintances.
Dining Norms
When dining out in Dinard, it is polite to wait for the host to start the meal or say 'Bon appétit' before beginning to eat. Additionally, keeping your hands on the table (but not your elbows) is considered good manners during meals.
Dress Code
Dress is generally smart-casual in Dinard. People tend to dress well when going out, so wearing neat and tidy clothing is recommended. Beachwear is acceptable on the beach but should not be worn in town or restaurants.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Dinard with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Dinard, France, tipping is generally not mandatory as service charges are often included in the bill at restaurants and cafés. However, it is customary to leave a small amount, around 5-10% of the total bill, as a gesture of appreciation for good service. In casual settings, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common.
Payment
Payment methods in Dinard are quite flexible. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Cash payments in euros are also acceptable, and it's advisable to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments or markets. It's common to ask for the bill or 'l'addition' when dining out.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Dinard.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring
Spring (March to May) is a lovely time to visit Dinard as the flowers begin to bloom and the weather warms up. Expect mild temperatures averaging between 10 to 15°C. This season is ideal for outdoor activities like walking along the beach promenade and enjoying the beautiful gardens.
Summer
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in Dinard. Expect warm temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C and a lively atmosphere with various festivals and events. It's perfect for beach activities, water sports, and visiting local markets, but be prepared for larger crowds.
Autumn
Autumn (September to November) offers cooler temperatures, generally between 12 to 18°C. This is a great time for fewer crowds, beautiful fall foliage, and enjoying scenic coastal walks. The weather can be unpredictable with occasional rain, so it's wise to check forecasts before your visit.
Winter
Winter (December to February) in Dinard can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 10°C. While this season sees fewer tourists, it provides a peaceful atmosphere. Expect some rain and wind, but the coastal views and cozy cafes make for a charming experience during this quieter time.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Sentier des Douaniers
A scenic coastal trail that offers breathtaking views of the coastline and nearby islands, perfect for a leisurely hike.
Les Rochers de Saint-Malo
Located a short distance from Dinard, this area features rugged cliffs and coastal paths, ideal for adventurers looking for stunning landscapes.
Cap Fréhel
A bit further out but worth the drive, this area features dramatic cliffs, rich flora, and panoramic ocean views along its hiking paths.
La Pointe de la Malouine
A picturesque trail that offers beautiful views of the estuary and is perfect for both hiking and photography.
ForĂȘt de Villecartier
A beautiful forest a bit inland, featuring several trails for hiking, running, and enjoying nature away from the coast.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Dinard through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Dinard by plane.
Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS)
Located approximately 70 km southeast of Dinard, Rennes Bretagne Airport serves as a regional hub offering international flights.
Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE)
Located about 176 km southwest of Dinard, Nantes Atlantique Airport is the largest airport in western France, providing numerous international connections.
Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
Approximately 195 km west of Dinard, Brest Bretagne Airport offers both domestic and limited international flights.
Caen Carpiquet Airport (CFR)
About 200 km northeast of Dinard, Caen Carpiquet Airport offers flights primarily to the UK and other European destinations.
Cherbourg-Maupertus Airport (CER)
Located about 137 km northeast of Dinard, Cherbourg-Maupertus Airport handles mainly regional flights with some international options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Seniors (65 years and older)
A significant portion of the population, reflective of the town's appeal as a retirement destination.
Adults (25 to 64 years)
This group makes up a large segment of the workforce and is key to the local economy.
Youth (15 to 24 years)
Comprising students and young professionals, this group represents a vital part of the town's future demographic trends.
Children (under 15 years)
This demographic includes school-aged children and younger, showing the area's family-friendly aspects.
Foreign Residents
A smaller, but notable population of non-French residents, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the community.
The Soul of Dinard
Discover the essence of Dinard through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Sailing
Dinard is known for its beautiful coastal views and is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts. The waters around the town provide ideal conditions for sailing and other water sports.
Surfing
The beaches of Dinard offer good surf conditions, attracting surfers looking to ride the waves along the Brittany coast.
Tennis
Tennis is a popular sport in Dinard, with several clubs and facilities available for both residents and visitors.
Golf
The Dinard Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in France, offering a challenging course with stunning views of the coastline.
Walking and Hiking
With its scenic coastal paths and nature trails, walking and hiking are popular activities for both locals and tourists in Dinard.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Several eateries such as Chez la MĂšre Pourcel offer vegetarian galettes and vegan salads alongside traditional dishes.
Gluten-Free Choices
Dining spots like Le Bistro du Port provide gluten-free versions of classic French dishes and desserts to cater to dietary needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Dinard with these cultural adventures.
