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Dinard Day Trip from St Malo: Complete 2027 Beach & Belle-Époque Guide
Planning a Dinard day trip from St Malo? Just 15 minutes away – or a spectacular 10-minute ferry ride across the Rance estuary – lies one of France’s most elegant seaside resorts. While St Malo captivates with its corsair history and granite ramparts, Dinard seduces with an entirely different character: sun-drenched beaches, hundreds of extravagant Belle-Époque villas crowning cliff tops, and a promenade that turns golden at dusk. Known as the “Pearl of the Emerald Coast” and sometimes dubbed the “Cannes of the North,” Dinard earned its reputation as one of France’s most prestigious seaside resorts when British aristocrats, wealthy Americans, and French nobility discovered its beaches in the late 19th century.
The roll call of famous visitors tells its own story: Picasso painted here, Winston Churchill holidayed on the River Rance, Oscar Wilde strolled the promenade, and Alfred Hitchcock visited so frequently that the town erected a bronze statue in his honour – legend claims he based the mansion in Psycho on one of Dinard’s more dramatic clifftop villas. That deep connection with British culture continues today through the annual Dinard Festival of British & Irish Film, which draws film lovers from across the Channel every October. Of all the day trips from St Malo, Dinard offers something uniquely refreshing: the chance to swap medieval cobblestones for golden sand, swapping history for pure seaside pleasure.
This comprehensive 2027 guide covers everything needed for your perfect Dinard day trip: detailed directions by car, bus, and the famous Compagnie Corsaire sea-bus ferry; complete parking information; the iconic Plage de l’Écluse beach; the 4km Sentier des Douaniers coastal path; Belle-Époque villa architecture; the Promenade du Clair de Lune; dining across all budgets; the Barrage de la Rance tidal power station; the open-air market; and sample itineraries for every type of visitor.
Last updated: September 2026. Information verified from official sources.
Dinard: The Pearl of the Emerald Coast
Just 8 miles from St Malo | 15min Drive or 10min Ferry | Sandy Beaches | 400+ Belle-Époque Villas | Iconic Striped Tents
✅Sentier des Douaniers – 4km clifftop coastal path with spectacular Emerald Coast views
✅Promenade du Clair de Lune – Famous seafront promenade, illuminated at night, flowers in summer
✅Compagnie Corsaire Sea-Bus – Spectacular 10-minute ferry crossing from St Malo’s old port, running since 1904
✅Closest Dinard Day Trip Base – Nearest to St Malo, easily combined with Dinan (20 mins away)
Why Visit Dinard on a Day Trip from St Malo?
Dinard and St Malo sit barely a mile apart across the Rance estuary, yet they couldn’t feel more different. If St Malo is all granite walls and corsair swagger, Dinard is painted shutters, flowered terraces, and unhurried elegance. Together they make one of France’s great contrasting pairs – and their proximity makes combining both in a single day genuinely easy.
The Belle-Époque Resort That Seduced Europe
In the late 19th century, Dinard underwent a transformation that changed it forever. British aristocrats and wealthy Americans, drawn by the mild Gulf Stream climate and sheltered sandy bays, began building extravagant summer villas on the clifftops above the Côte d’Émeraude. The result – over 400 Belle-Époque villas ranging from fanciful turretted châteaux to grand Italianate mansions – is an architectural spectacle unique in France. No two villas are alike: you’ll see Moorish arches beside Norman timber-framing beside Art Nouveau ironwork beside Gothic towers, all competing for the finest sea view.
The grandest examples line the Boulevard George V and the clifftop walk between Plage de l’Écluse and Pointe du Moulinet. Villa les Roches Brunes, now an exhibition space with panoramic sea views, gives visitors a genuine glimpse inside this world of Gilded Age excess. These villas aren’t museum pieces – many remain private residences, their owners continuing a tradition of summering in Dinard that stretches back 150 years. Walking past them on a sunny morning, it’s easy to understand why Picasso, Churchill, and Wilde chose to holiday here.
Beaches That Defined French Seaside Style
Dinard has four sandy beaches, all clean and sheltered, but it’s Plage de l’Écluse that has made the town famous. This broad crescent of golden sand at the heart of the resort introduced one of the great icons of French beach culture: the rayé tent – the blue-and-white striped changing tent that’s been a fixture here since the 1890s and has been photographed more than almost any beach scene in France. Dozens of these striped tents still line the beach each summer, lending Plage de l’Écluse an atmosphere of nostalgic elegance impossible to find elsewhere.
The beach itself faces north, looking out across the mouth of the Rance towards the open sea and St Malo. An outdoor seawater swimming pool sits on the corniche beside the beach – perfect for a bracing swim when the tide goes out too far. At low tide, the sea retreats dramatically (the tidal range here is very high), leaving vast sandflats ideal for walking. The views from the beach towards St Malo’s ramparts across the estuary are spectacular at any state of tide.
Hitchcock, Film Festivals & British Connections
Dinard’s special relationship with Britain goes deeper than its architecture. Alfred Hitchcock was a regular visitor, and film folklore holds that the brooding clifftop villas inspired the Bates mansion in Psycho – hence the bronze statue of the director that stands on Plage de l’Écluse, one of the most-photographed landmarks in Dinard. This connection gave rise to the Dinard Festival of British & Irish Film, held annually since 1989 and now in its fourth decade (Irish cinema officially joined British film in the festival’s title in 2024). Every October, the resort hosts five days of British and Irish cinema, screenings, and masterclasses – the only festival of its kind in France, and a reminder that Dinard has always been, at heart, France’s most British resort. For ferry passengers arriving from Portsmouth, that sense of familiarity makes Dinard feel like home and somewhere wonderfully foreign at the same time.
Getting to Dinard from St Malo: Complete Guide
Dinard is the closest and most versatile day trip from St Malo – reachable in 15 minutes by car, 20 minutes by bus, or just 10 minutes on the iconic Compagnie Corsaire sea-bus ferry. Each option offers a genuinely different experience.
🚢 By Ferry: The Recommended Option (10 Minutes)
Operator: Compagnie Corsaire (Les Vedettes de St-Malo et Dinard) Journey Time: 10 minutes Cost: Approximately €9-10 per person single | €16-18 return (check compagniecorsaire.com for current prices) Season: Daily from late March to early November, plus extra dates in mid-November (2026 season: 28 March to 1 November, plus 7-15 November) Frequency: Departures every 20 minutes (up to 60 crossings a day) Departure (St Malo): Cale de Dinan, in front of the Porte de Dinan in St Malo’s ramparts Arrival (Dinard): Cale Corsaire, Promenade du Clair de Lune (right on the seafront, near the Yacht Club), with some high-season sailings using the nearby Cale de la Vallée
The Compagnie Corsaire sea-bus is far more than just transport – it’s one of the great short crossings in France. Since 1904, these launches have shuttled passengers across the Rance estuary, and the views en route are spectacular: St Malo’s granite ramparts recede behind you as Dinard’s pastel-painted villas and clifftop silhouettes draw closer ahead. On a clear day, you can see why early visitors fell instantly in love with this coast. The crossing takes just 10 minutes but feels like arriving somewhere properly and beautifully different.
💡 Ferry Tip: Book tickets online at compagniecorsaire.com to avoid queues at the dock, especially in July and August when the ferry runs up to 60 crossings per day. You book a date rather than a time – your ticket is valid on any scheduled crossing that day. Arrive at the Cale de Dinan (next to the old port) 10 minutes before departure. Dogs accepted on board (€3 flat fare). Bicycles also accepted.
🚗 By Car: The Direct Route (15 Minutes)
Distance: 8 miles (13 km) Drive Time: 15-20 minutes Route: D168 via Barrage de la Rance (the tidal dam) Toll Cost: €0 (no tolls) Fuel Cost: Approximately €2-3 each way
Step-by-Step Driving Directions:
Leave St Malo: Head south from town centre or ferry port, following signs for “Dinard/Rennes” to join the D168.
Cross the Barrage de la Rance: The D168 crosses the famous Rance Tidal Power Station dam – pause at the viewpoint for panoramic views over the estuary in both directions. This crossing is one of the highlights of the drive.
Enter Dinard: Continue on D168 into Dinard. Follow signs for “Centre-Ville” and “Plages.”
Choose parking: For beach parking, follow signs to “Plage de l’Écluse” (paid). For town centre, follow “Centre-Ville.” See parking section below for full details.
Note: Set GPS to “Plage de l’Écluse, Dinard” for the main beach, or “Office de Tourisme Dinard” (2 Boulevard Féart) for the town centre.
💡 Driving Tip: The drive across the Barrage de la Rance is scenic but the dam road is single-lane in places and can back up in peak summer. If you’re driving with children, consider stopping at the EDF Espace Odyssélec visitor centre on the dam – free entry, excellent interactive displays about tidal power, and great views. Afternoons are open access; in the morning, visits are by free guided tour booked in advance.
🚌 By Bus (20 Minutes)
Service: BreizhGo Line 516 (formerly Line 16) Journey Time: 18-20 minutes Cost: €2-4 single (approx €4-8 return) Frequency: Every 30 minutes, 7 days a week year-round Departure: St Malo Gares (bus station, near train station) Arrival: Eglise Notre-Dame, Dinard town centre
The BreizhGo 516 is the budget option – excellent value, frequent, and year-round. Particularly useful in winter when the Corsaire ferry doesn’t run. The bus drops you centrally in Dinard within easy walking distance of all beaches and the promenade. There are separate timetables for the school year and for July-August, so check the current times at breizhgo.bzh.
Parking in Dinard: Complete Guide
Unlike Dinan’s multiple free car parks, parking in Dinard is predominantly paid – particularly near the main beach. However, there are strategies to minimise costs, and the town is compact enough that parking a short walk from the beach and strolling in is straightforward.
Main Car Parks
Car Park
Location
Cost
Notes
Plage de l’Écluse
Boulevard Wilson (beachfront)
Paid (seasonal)
Closest to beach. Fills quickly Jul–Aug. Arrive early.
Centre-Ville
Town centre streets
Paid (metered)
5-10 min walk to beach. More spaces available.
Peripheral Streets
Residential streets (10–15 min walk)
Often FREE
Worth the short walk. Check signage carefully.
Barrage de la Rance
On the dam road (La Richardais)
FREE
Visit EDF visitor centre. Walk coastal path into Dinard.
💡 Parking Money-Saving Strategies
Take the ferry instead: The Compagnie Corsaire sea-bus is the best way to avoid Dinard parking entirely. Park in St Malo (free at many spots outside the walls), walk to the Cale de Dinan, and take the 10-minute ferry. Arrives directly on the Promenade du Clair de Lune.
Park on the Barrage de la Rance: Free parking at the EDF visitor centre on the dam, then walk or cycle the Sentier des Douaniers coastal path into Dinard (approximately 20-30 minutes scenic walking).
Arrive before 9am: Beach parking fills fast on summer mornings. Early arrival secures the best spots at lower cost.
Park in peripheral streets: Residential streets 10-15 minutes’ walk from the beach are often free. Worth the short walk to save parking fees over a full day visit.
Visit out of season: Spring and autumn offer easier parking, quieter beaches, and the same spectacular architecture and coastal walks – often the best time for a Dinard day trip.
Dinard is a compact resort best explored on foot. The main beach, coastal path, and villa-lined promenade are all within easy walking distance of each other. Allow 3-4 hours to properly appreciate the beaches, architecture, and views – or a full day if you want to combine beach time with the coastal path and a long lunch.
Plage de l’Écluse – Dinard’s Iconic Main Beach
Cost: FREE entry to beach Location: Boulevard Wilson, town centre Facilities: Changing huts, toilets, showers, sun lounger hire, beach bar, restaurant, first-aid station, outdoor seawater pool, accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
Hemmed between Pointe de la Malouine to the west and Pointe du Moulinet to the east, Plage de l’Écluse is the beating heart of Dinard. Its broad crescent of golden sand slopes gently into calm water – one of the most sheltered and swimmable beaches on the Côte d’Émeraude. The famous blue-and-white striped tents that line the promenade have been a fixture since the 1890s and are now a symbol of Dinard worldwide. At the centre of the beach, the bronze statue of Alfred Hitchcock presides over the scene – a wry salute to the town’s most celebrated visitor. The adjacent Casino de Dinard adds further architectural drama to the seafront. Behind the beach, the Boulevard Wilson promenade is lined with Belle-Époque buildings, cafés, and restaurants with terraces. On a warm afternoon, with striped tents, seawater pool, and St Malo’s ramparts visible across the estuary, Plage de l’Écluse is one of the great beach experiences in northern France and you can see why Picasso himself painted here.
Plage du Prieuré & Plage Saint-Énogat
Two quieter alternatives to l’Écluse. Plage du Prieuré faces east towards the Rance estuary – calmer, less crowded, great for families. Plage Saint-Énogat sits in a sheltered bay to the west, with spectacular villa views. Both reachable via the coastal path (Chemin de Ronde). FREE entry.
Pointe du Moulinet
The rocky headland at the eastern end of Plage de l’Écluse. Arguably the finest viewpoint in Dinard: panoramic views encompassing St Malo’s ramparts, the Rance estuary, Fort National, and on clear days, Cap Fréhel to the west. Five-minute walk from the beach. FREE.
Promenade du Clair de Lune
The famous seafront promenade running along the Rance estuary from the Compagnie Corsaire ferry landing. Lined with exotic plants, hydrangeas, and tropical-looking gardens, it’s illuminated at night and is Dinard’s most romantic evening stroll. FREE. Spectacular at sunset, with St Malo lit up across the water.
Villa les Roches Brunes
One of Dinard’s finest Belle-Époque villas, now an exhibition and cultural centre. Perched on the rocky headland between l’Écluse and the Rance, it offers breathtaking panoramic views. Changing exhibitions throughout the year. Check https://billetterie.dinardemeraudetourisme.com/ for current programme and admission.
The Sentier des Douaniers: Dinard’s Clifftop Coastal Path
Cost: FREE Distance: 4km (Promenade du Clair de Lune to Plage Saint-Énogat) Time: 1.5-2 hours one way (allow 3 hours for full return walk) Difficulty: Easy to moderate (some steps and rocky sections) Also called: Chemin de Ronde or GR34
The Sentier des Douaniers (Customs Officers’ Path) follows the entire Dinard coastline, passing over rocky headlands, through sheltered coves, past extravagant villas, and along clifftops with dramatic views across the Côte d’Émeraude. This is arguably the finest short coastal walk in northern Brittany. Starting from the Compagnie Corsaire ferry landing on the Promenade du Clair de Lune, the path hugs the shoreline westward through Plage de l’Écluse, around Pointe du Moulinet, past Villa les Roches Brunes, and all the way to Plage Saint-Énogat and beyond. Every turn reveals another extraordinary villa perched above the sea, another view of St Malo across the estuary, another sheltered cove. It’s best walked from east to west in the morning when the light is ideal for photographing the villas.
Exploring Tips for the Best Dinard Day Trip
Arrive by ferry: The 10-minute Compagnie Corsaire crossing from St Malo is one of the best travel experiences on the Côte d’Émeraude – you arrive directly on the Promenade du Clair de Lune with no parking hassle.
Walk the coastal path first: Do the Sentier des Douaniers in the morning when the light hits the villas beautifully. Save the beach for the afternoon.
Check the tides: Dinard’s tidal range is very high, especially at spring tides. At low tide, Plage de l’Écluse can virtually disappear into sandflats (great for walking, less good for swimming). Check tide times at tide-forecast.com before you go.
Visit the market on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday: The covered market (Halles de Dinard) runs Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings – local produce, fresh seafood, artisan cheese, charcuterie. Great for picnic supplies.
Evening return is magical: The Promenade du Clair de Lune is illuminated at night. Taking the last Corsaire ferry back to St Malo as the sun sets over the estuary is one of the great simple pleasures of the Côte d’Émeraude.
Boulevard George V for villa-spotting: This road runs behind Plage de l’Écluse and past some of Dinard’s finest Belle-Époque architecture. The short walk from the beach to Pointe du Moulinet via Boulevard George V is the best villa-spotting route in town.
The Barrage de la Rance: World’s First Tidal Power Station
The dam you cross driving to Dinard from St Malo is no ordinary piece of infrastructure. The Barrage de la Rance is one of the engineering wonders of France – and worth a stop in its own right on any Dinard day trip.
Espace Odyssélec – Free Visitor Centre
Cost: FREE Visiting: Free self-guided visits in the afternoon; mornings are by free one-hour guided tour, booked in advance (check opening dates at edf.fr/la-rance) Location: Route du Barrage, La Richardais (on the dam, between St Malo and Dinard) Contact: espace-decouverte-rance@edf.fr
Opened in 1966, the Rance Tidal Power Station was the world’s first tidal power plant – and remained the largest for 45 years. Built where the Rance estuary meets the sea between Dinard and St Malo, the dam harnesses the high tides of the Bay of Saint-Malo to generate renewable electricity. It stretches 750 metres from Pointe de la Brebis in the west to Pointe de la Briantais in the east; the power plant section is 332.5 metres long, and the tidal basin behind it covers 22.5 km². Its 24 turbines, with water flowing through at up to 18,000 m³ per second, produce around 500 GWh a year – enough to power a city the size of Rennes, and about 0.12% of France’s electricity demand. The free Espace Odyssélec visitor centre on the dam offers interactive displays explaining tidal energy, a panoramic view of the machine room, and a full-size turbine model. The views from the dam in both directions – towards the open sea on one side, up the peaceful Rance estuary towards Dinan on the other – are spectacular. Allow 45-60 minutes for a proper visit.
Where to Eat in Dinard
Dinard’s restaurant scene reflects its elegant heritage – expect higher prices than working towns like Dinan, but quality to match. The best value is found at beach cafés and crêperies, while the waterfront bistros and brasseries on and near Plage de l’Écluse are excellent for a proper sit-down lunch.
Budget (€10-20 per person)
Options: Crêperies, beach cafés, takeaway, market picnic Expect: Galettes €8-12, crêpes €6-9, sandwiches €5-8, beach bar snacks Best For: Quick lunch, beach-side eating, market day picnic on the promenade
Mid-Range (€25-45 per person)
Options: Seafront bistros and brasseries on Boulevard Wilson Expect: Mains €16-25, excellent seafood, lunch menus €20-28, wine by the glass €6-9 Best For: Proper sit-down lunch with beach views and fresh Brittany seafood
Fine Dining (€55-90 per person)
Options: Grand Hôtel Barrière restaurant, Castelbrac hotel restaurant Expect: Gastronomic menus, exceptional wine lists, formal dining with estuary views Best For: Special occasions, serious food lovers – book well in advance
What to Eat in Dinard
Brittany Seafood: Dinard’s position on the Côte d’Émeraude means exceptional fresh seafood. Oysters from Cancale (30 minutes away), mussels, crab, lobster, and fresh fish. Plateau de fruits de mer €28-45. Moules marinières €13-16. Worth splurging on at a waterfront restaurant.
Galettes & Crêpes: Brittany’s signature dish. Several excellent crêperies in the town centre. Complete galette meal (savoury + sweet + cider) €18-25. Best value dining in Dinard.
Market Picnic: The Halles de Dinard covered market (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday mornings) sells exceptional local produce – Cancale oysters, Breton butter, artisan cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread. Buy supplies and picnic on the Promenade du Clair de Lune for the ultimate Dinard day trip lunch.
Sample Itineraries for a Dinard Day Trip from St Malo
Whether you’re a beach lover, architecture enthusiast, or want to combine Dinard with another destination, here are the best-tested itineraries for a Dinard day trip from St Malo.
Classic Day Trip by Ferry (6-7 hours total)
9:30 AM – Corsaire Ferry from St Malo
Walk to Cale de Dinan in St Malo’s old port. Take the 10-minute sea-bus crossing to Dinard. Arrive directly on the Promenade du Clair de Lune with your whole day ahead.
9:45 AM – Sentier des Douaniers Walk
Walk the coastal path westward from the ferry landing. Past Villa les Roches Brunes, around Pointe du Moulinet, along the clifftops with views of St Malo, past the extraordinary Belle-Époque villas. Allow 1.5-2 hours for the full 4km path to Plage Saint-Énogat and back.
12:00 PM – Beach & Lunch
Return to Plage de l’Écluse. Hire a striped tent if in season, take a dip (or use the seawater pool). Lunch at a beach café or waterfront bistro on Boulevard Wilson.
2:00 PM – Town Explore & Villa-Spotting
Stroll Boulevard George V for the finest villa architecture. Visit the Alfred Hitchcock statue on the beach. Browse the town centre shops. Visit Villa les Roches Brunes if currently open.
4:30 PM – Evening Ferry Back
Stroll the Promenade du Clair de Lune as the light drops, then catch the ferry back to St Malo. The crossing at sunset, with the ramparts lit gold across the water, is unforgettable.
Dinard + Dinan Combined Day Trip
With only 20 minutes between Dinard and Dinan by car, combining both in one day is very achievable. A perfect contrast: beach elegance in the morning, medieval authenticity in the afternoon.
Morning Dinard (9am–12pm): Ferry across, coastal walk, beach, coffee on the promenade
Drive to Dinan (20 mins): Head south via D766. Arrive in time for lunch on Place des Merciers.
Afternoon Dinan (12:30–5pm): Rue du Jerzual, medieval ramparts, riverside port
Drive back to St Malo (25 mins): Arrive in time for evening at the ferry port or a final walk on the ramparts.
Half-Day Dinard Day Trip (3-4 hours)
If you have limited time, focus on the essentials:
Corsaire ferry crossing (10 mins) – The journey IS the attraction
Promenade du Clair de Lune (20 mins) – Stroll from ferry landing towards the beach
Plage de l’Écluse (45 mins) – Striped tents, Hitchcock statue, seawater pool
Pointe du Moulinet (30 mins) – Best views in Dinard, five minutes from beach
Quick lunch (45 mins) – Beach café or crêperie
Ferry back to St Malo (10 mins) – Return with afternoon free for St Malo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Dinard day trip from St Malo worth it?
Absolutely. Dinard offers something entirely different to St Malo – sun, sand, and Belle-Époque elegance rather than medieval fortress walls. With just 10 minutes on the Corsaire ferry separating the two, there’s no reason not to include a Dinard visit on any St Malo trip. The beach, the coastal path, the extraordinary villa architecture, and the ferry crossing itself all make Dinard one of the most rewarding half-days on the entire Côte d’Émeraude. Many visitors say the contrast between the two towns makes each one more interesting.
How do I get from St Malo to Dinard by ferry?
Compagnie Corsaire operates the sea-bus between St Malo and Dinard. Depart from the Cale de Dinan (in front of the Porte de Dinan in St Malo’s ramparts). The crossing takes 10 minutes, with departures every 20 minutes daily from late March to early November (plus extra dates in mid-November) and up to 60 crossings a day. Tickets cost approximately €9-10 single. Book online at compagniecorsaire.com or buy at the dock – online tickets are for a date, not a set time, so you can take any crossing that day. The ferry has run this crossing since 1904 – it’s one of the most historic short crossings in France. Departures from Dinard are from the Cale Corsaire on the Promenade du Clair de Lune.
Can I visit Dinard and Dinan in the same day from St Malo?
Yes – this is one of the best day trip combinations in Brittany. With Dinard 15 minutes from St Malo and Dinan just 20 minutes from Dinard by car, a morning in Dinard followed by an afternoon in Dinan is very comfortable. Spend the morning on the ferry crossing, Plage de l’Écluse beach, and the Sentier des Douaniers coastal walk. Then drive 20 minutes south to Dinan for lunch at a crêperie on Place des Merciers, followed by the medieval ramparts, Château de Dinan, and the famous Rue du Jerzual. Return to St Malo in time for evening. An outstanding day combining the best of the Côte d’Émeraude.
What is the Dinard Film Festival?
The Dinard Festival of British & Irish Film is an annual five-day celebration of British and Irish cinema, held each autumn since 1989. The 2026 edition, the festival’s 37th, runs from 7 to 11 October 2026; dates for the 2027 edition have not yet been announced. The festival screens feature films, short films, and retrospectives, with the main award, the Hitchcock d’Or, named in honour of Dinard’s most celebrated visitor. It’s the only festival dedicated to British and Irish film in France, and a reminder of Dinard’s uniquely close ties with Britain. For Portsmouth ferry passengers, it’s a wonderful reason to time a late-season visit – the town is especially atmospheric in October, the Corsaire ferry still runs, the beaches are uncrowded, and the festival brings the town alive. See dinardfestivaldufilm.fr for programme and tickets.
Is Dinard good for families with children?
Dinard is excellent for families. Plage de l’Écluse is a sheltered beach with gently sloping sand, good facilities, a first-aid station, and a seawater pool – ideal for children. The Corsaire ferry crossing is a genuine adventure for young travellers (Compagnie Corsaire describe it as “the ideal first time at sea for kids”). The Sentier des Douaniers coastal path is manageable for older children. The Barrage de la Rance EDF visitor centre has free interactive displays that appeal to children interested in engineering. The Alfred Hitchcock statue on the beach provides excellent photo opportunities. Pram and pushchair access is good on the main promenade and beach, though the rocky sections of the coastal path require care.
When is the best time to visit Dinard from St Malo?
June to September for beach swimming, with July and August the busiest months (and hardest for parking). May and June are excellent – the Corsaire ferry is running, the town is blooming, and crowds are manageable. September and October are arguably the best months of all: warm enough for the coastal walk, uncrowded beaches, the film festival in October, and the evening light on the villas is extraordinary. The Corsaire ferry runs until early November, making autumn a superb season for a Dinard day trip. Winter is quieter, the ferry doesn’t run, but the architecture and coastal walks are still magnificent and completely tourist-free.
Plan Your Portsmouth Ferry Journey
⚓
St Malo Ferry
Complete guide to the Portsmouth to St Malo ferry – ships, timetables, facilities, cabins, and booking tips
Dinard offers something that feels increasingly rare in popular tourist destinations: genuine elegance that hasn’t been sanitised or theme-parked into submission. The Belle-Époque villas are still mostly private homes. The beach still has its striped tents. The 10-minute Corsaire ferry still crosses the same estuary it has since 1904. And the views from Pointe du Moulinet – St Malo’s ramparts golden in the afternoon light across the Rance – are exactly as spectacular as they were when Picasso, Churchill, and Wilde stood in the same spot.
With this complete guide, your Dinard day trip from St Malo is fully planned: the 10-minute Corsaire ferry crossing, the iconic striped tents at Plage de l’Écluse, the 4km Sentier des Douaniers coastal walk past extraordinary Belle-Époque villas, the Promenade du Clair de Lune, the world’s first tidal power station at the Barrage de la Rance, and the best seafood and crêperies for every budget. The Pearl of the Emerald Coast is waiting – and it’s just 10 minutes across the water.
🚢
Book Your Ferry
Arrive at St Malo via Portsmouth ferry and take the Corsaire sea-bus to Dinard in just 10 minutes
🌊
Hit the Beach
Plage de l’Écluse: iconic striped tents, sheltered golden sand, seawater pool, views of St Malo
🚶
Walk the Coast
4km Sentier des Douaniers past Belle-Époque villas and clifftop views of the Côte d’Émeraude
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Sunset Return
Stroll the Promenade du Clair de Lune at dusk, then ferry back to St Malo as the ramparts glow gold
Dinard Awaits – 10 Minutes from St Malo
The “Pearl of the Emerald Coast” is the closest and most versatile day trip from St Malo. Iconic striped tents, Belle-Époque villas, France’s most historic short ferry crossing, and a 4km coastal path that shows you why the British aristocracy fell in love with Brittany 150 years ago.
Safe travels, and may Dinard’s Emerald Coast charm exceed every expectation.
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