Three days are enough to fall for Dinard. Here is the itinerary we recommend to our guests, designed to be done on foot or by bike from the Bella Cruz apartment, with one day out around the Rance estuary.
Day 1 · Dinard on foot, from beach to villa
In the morning, start with Prieuré beach, 100 metres from the apartment: a large, calm family beach facing Port-Breton park and its animals. On market days (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday), head up to the Halles esplanade to stock up on local produce: oysters, galettes, seasonal fruit and vegetables.
In the afternoon, take the Clair de Lune promenade, one of the loveliest walks in Brittany. This footpath follows the Rance estuary past flower gardens with views over Saint-Malo, and leads you to Écluse beach, the heart of the resort, with its seawater pool and the statue of Alfred Hitchcock, spiritual patron of the British Film Festival.
At the end of the day, carry on to Pointe du Moulinet for the sunset. The Belle Époque villas lining it tell the story of Dinard's golden age, when the English aristocracy spent their summers here.
Day 2 · Saint-Malo by boat, Cancale for lunch
Leave the car behind: a shuttle boat links Dinard and Saint-Malo in about ten minutes. Times depend on the season and the tides, so check the day before.
Wander through the walled city and walk round the ramparts: the view of the sea and the islets is spectacular. At low tide, walk out to the Grand Bé, where Chateaubriand is buried, or to Fort National. Careful: these are only reachable at low tide, so check what time you need to head back.
For lunch, drive to Cancale (about 30 minutes from Saint-Malo), the oyster capital, and enjoy them facing the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. In the evening, back in Dinard, have dinner on the promenade or at one of our favourite places.
Day 3 · Medieval Dinan and Cap Fréhel
In the morning, drive to Dinan (about 25 minutes): ramparts, half-timbered houses and the Rue du Jerzual winding down to the river port on the Rance. It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Brittany.
In the afternoon, head west to Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte, less than an hour's drive away. Pink sandstone cliffs, heather moorland and views as far as the eye can see: a coastal path links the two sites, perfect for a family walk.
On the way back, stop at Saint-Briac-sur-Mer or Saint-Lunaire, two charming seaside villages a few minutes from Dinard.
And with children?
- Port-Breton park and its animals, right opposite Prieuré beach.
- Rock pooling at low tide on the rocks of Saint-Énogat (respecting the minimum sizes and permitted areas).
- The pony club and the beach clubs in summer.
- The boat crossing to Saint-Malo, always a highlight.
All our ideas by age (sailing, surfing, outings) are gathered in our article Your kids and teens will love it!
