Often described as the resort town to Saint-Malo’s historic port, Dinard offers a different atmosphere across the Rance estuary. Here you’ll find grand Belle Époque hotels, elegant villas and restaurants that feature in the Michelin Guide. This walking route leads through the centre of town before following the surrounding coastal paths for a true sense of what makes Dinard unique.
If you’re spending more time here and want a longer coastal walk, take a look at this Île des Ébihens Tidal Walk, only a 20 minute drive from Dinard.
Suggested walking route
This route explores Dinard’s beaches, Belle Époque villas and dramatic coastal paths along the Emerald Coast.
Must-See Places
- Plage de l’Écluse – Dinard’s main beach, famous for its colourful striped tents and lively seaside atmosphere.
- Pointe du Moulinet – A scenic headland offering some of the best views across the bay toward Saint-Malo.
- Dinard Market – A lively market known for local produce, seafood and Breton specialities.
- Saint-Enogat – The original village of Dinard, with a quieter beach and charming seaside streets.
- Saint-Enogat Beach – A wide sandy beach popular with families and locals.
- Belle Époque Villas – Dinard is famous for its colourful Belle Époque villas built during the town’s golden age as a Victorian seaside resort.
- Alfred Hitchcock Statue – A bronze statue overlooking the sea, celebrating Dinard’s long-running British Film Festival.
- Prieuré Beach – A beautiful sheltered beach with views across the Rance toward Saint-Malo.
Bars & Cafés
France is often best experienced sitting on a terrace with a coffee or a glass of wine, watching the world pass by. Here are a few favourite spots along the route.
Bars
- Le Sunset Bar – A relaxed beach bar overlooking Plage de l’Écluse, perfect for a drink while watching the sun set over the sea.
- Les Vedettes – A lively bar near the waterfront known for cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere during the summer months.
- Le Sadi Carnot – A classic French bar in the centre of town popular with locals.
- 333 Café – An elegant cocktail bar inside the Grand Hôtel Barrière.
Cafés
- Merci Monsieur – A modern café serving excellent specialty coffee, pastries and light brunch dishes.
- L’Entre Deux – A small and welcoming café known for homemade cakes and good coffee.
- Coffee7 – A favourite for espresso and pastries in the centre of town.
- La Parenthèse – A welcoming crêperie and tea room serving homemade cakes, galettes and seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
Restaurants
Dinard is known for its seafood restaurants, elegant seaside dining and traditional Breton crêperies.
- Ombelle – A refined restaurant, featured in the Michelin guide, offering seasonal dishes and beautifully presented plates.
- Lou à la plage – A relaxed beachfront restaurant overlooking Plage de l’Écluse.
- Le Café de la Plage – A well-loved restaurant in the centre of Saint-Enogat, just steps from the beach and known for its relaxed atmosphere and reliable seafood dishes.
- Le Printania – A restaurant in a historic hotel with a Breton flair, featuring views of the estuary and Saint-Malo.
- Ritournelle – Further out of town but worth the trip. A small and creative restaurant known for fresh seasonal cooking.
If You Have More Time
Saint-Lunaire
A walk or short drive west of Dinard, Saint-Lunaire offers beautiful beaches, a dramatic headland and a quieter seaside atmosphere.
Ferry to St-Malo
Take the 15 minute trip across the rance estuary to explore the walled city of Saint-Malo.
Dinard Tidal Pools
Swim in one of Dinard’s tidal pools, often warmer than the sea and located on both beaches along this walk.
Download a mobile-friendly walking map of Dinard with the full route, cafés and restaurants.