Dinan & Dinard Two names, one river, two very different worlds

Coastal landscape, view of Dinard, Brittany — Dinard

Two ideal destinations for a day trip from our cottages

Dinan and Dinard are two of Brittany’s most iconic towns jand are located an hour’s drive from Into the Prairie.

They share a prefix, a river, and a long history of fortification, yet as locals will quickly tell you, they offer two entirely different atmospheres. The prefix “Din”, from Breton, refers to a fortified hill. Both towns rise above their surroundings, but while one looks out to the sea, the other watches over the river.

Separated by around 20 kilometres along the Rance estuary, visitors often ask: Should I go to Dinan or Dinard?

Dinan The medieval stronghold above the Rance

If you enjoy history and stone streets shaped by time, Dinan is the place to start.
Perched above the Rance valley, it is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France, still encircled by nearly three kilometres of ramparts.

Discover Dinan

The atmosphere

Quiet, artisan-led and timeless. Cobblestones, half-timbered houses, discreet gardens and a strong sense of continuity.

A must-see

The Rue du Jerzual, a steep, cobbled street linking the port to the upper town. Lined with small workshops and craft studios, it remains one of the most evocative walks in Brittany.

Down by the river

At the foot of the hill, the Port of Dinan offers a slower pace, ideal for a walk along the water or a relaxed lunch or a coffee at Les Roger Bontemps before heading back up into town.

A taste of Dinan

For a stylish & delicious tearoom and home décor shop, go to Perlépampille.
For a family orientated restaurant/cantine for streetfood, brunch or afternoon tea, go to Miette.
For fine dining and locally inspired dishes, go to Colibri.

Dinard Light, villas and the Emerald Coast

If Dinan is stone and shaded alleyways, Dinard is sunny promenade and sea air.
Once a fishing village, it was transformed in the 19th century into a refined seaside resort, shaped by British influence and Belle Époque elegance.

Discover Dinard

The atmosphere

Open, elegant and coastal. Grand villas, striped beach tents, wide beaches and long promenades overlooking the sea.

A must-see

The Promenade du Clair de Lune, a coastal walk winding past villas and gardens, with everchanging views across the bay towards Saint-Malo.

The beach

The Plage de l’Écluse, framed by the casino and historic villas, is the heart of the town, lively yet spacious.

A taste of Dinard

For sea views and local produce, go to the Café de la Plage.
For Michelin-starred dining with panoramic views of the Emerald Coast, centred on seafood and seasonal produce, go to Pourquoi Pas (Castelbrac Hotel).
For a great children’s menu and locally sourced good food, go to La Cour de Récré.
For Cocktails, tapas, local beers, natural wines & good vibes, go to Les Vedettes Dinard.
For a Thalasso & Spa, go to Emeria.

Dinard, seaside houses and beach — Dinard

So, Dinan or Dinard? No nee to choose, see both…

Dinan... Dinard... Both towns showcase two charming sides of Brittany and are well worth a visit. As they are close to one another, you can easily fit both into a single day.

Which town for which experience?

Visit Dinan for

Medieval architecture and historic town,
Artisan workshops and old streets,
The calm of a river valley.

Visit Dinard for

Sea air and sandy beaches,
Coastal walks and open views,
The elegance of historic seaside resorts.

How to see both?

By boat

A scenic cruise along the Rance allows you to travel between the two towns at a gentle pace, passing tide mills, small ports and quiet villages.

By bike

A greenway links the two, offering a peaceful and scenic ride through the Breton countryside.

Our local tip

Start your morning in Dinan with a walk through the old town and a pastry from a local bakery. Then head to Dinard for the afternoon, ending the day with a drink by the sea as the light softens over the coast.

Dinan, medieval town on the riverbank, Brittany — Dinan

Miette restaurant, Dinan Brittany — Dinan

Dinan, La Cohue central market, Brittany — Dinan

Explore Dinan and Dinard, stay at Into the Prairie

Set between countryside and coast, Into the Prairie offers an ideal base for exploring both Dinan and Dinard.

Easily reached for a day trip, these two towns reveal complementary facets of northern Brittany, one shaped by river, stone and craft traditions, the other by sea air, light and coastal elegance.

After time spent wandering medieval streets or strolling along seaside promenades, the serenity of the Prairie provides a natural return to the countryside, at a gentle distance from the bustle of the tourist hotspots.

Book a stay

Marie holiday cottage near Dinan and Dinard, Brittany