Dinard, Coastal resort town in Brittany, France
Dinard is a coastal town in Brittany, France, that spreads along steep cliffs and sandy coves overlooking the mouth of the Rance River. The waterfront promenade connects several beaches and passes villas from the 19th century perched on rocky outcrops facing the sea.
A fishing village turned into a fashionable resort from the 1850s onward when wealthy visitors from Britain built the first grand residences. By the early 20th century, American and French guests followed, commissioning more villas along the shore.
The name comes from Celtic terms for fortress and elevated place, reflecting its position on a headland jutting into the sea. Along the promenades, walkers gather at sunset when the Belle Époque villas glow in the warm light.
The town sits roughly 15 miles (25 km) from Saint-Malo and is easy to reach by road. Walks along the coastal paths work best at low tide, when the beach widens and rock formations become visible.
The bay between the town and Saint-Malo shifts its water level by up to 43 feet (13 m) with the tides, transforming the landscape every six hours. At low water, a wide tidal flat appears where shellfish gatherers can be seen on clear days.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
