Dinard seaside resort on the Emerald Coast
Dinard is nestled on the beautiful Côte d’Emeraude (Emerald Coast) and benefits from a microclimate that distinguishes it from neighbouring coastal towns, thanks to the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream.
This unique climate turns Dinard into one of the most prestigious seaside resorts on the Emerald Coast.
Located on the south bank of the Rance estuary, opposite the imposing fortress of Saint-Malo, Dinard has a rich history dating back to the Franco-English wars during the reign of Louis XIV.
A fort was built during this conflict at Pointe du Moulinet. It served as a strategic defensive post alongside the citadel of Saint-Malo, and guarded essential access to the Rance.
However, the Dinard we know today only came into being around 1850. Before that, the area was deserted except for the small fishing village of Saint-Enogat.
Villa Saint-Germain and Plage de l’Ecluse
Wealthy shipowners from Saint-Malo initiated the development of the new town and prestigious seaside resort when they built the first grand residences, including the illustrious Villa Saint-Germain, on the picturesque promontory overlooking the Plage de l’Écluse (Beach).
Soon after, Dinard’s charm attracted high society from England and America, drawn by the growing popularity of sea bathing. These early enthusiasts also introduced water sports and tennis to the region, turnin Dinard into a premier leisure destination.
The influence of the English community was particularly present, as evidenced by the construction of an Anglican church at the summit of Pointe du Moulinet.
A plaque, unveiled in 1936, even commemorates the centenary of the arrival of the first English residents and their lasting impact on the character and culture of Dinard.
Casino de Dinard
Dinard-Saint-Enogat became one of the most fashionable French seaside resorts of the Belle Époque and the early 20th century. It was indeed renowned for its sumptuous residences, which they called their châteaux de bord de mer (seaside castles), beach hotels, elegant gardens and prestigious casino.
During this golden age, the city was a popular destination for royalty, nobility, aristocracy, industrial magnates, politicians, and artists.
The emerald hues of the sea have inspired renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, who captured its essence in iconic works like “Two Women Running on the Beach” and “Bathers on the Beach” in 1921.
Legend has it that, in 1902, Claude Debussy found inspiration for his masterpiece “La Mer” during his stay in Saint-Énogat.
However, the seaside resort reached its peak during the Roaring Twenties, and by 1921, Dinard-Saint-Énogat became known as Dinard. The 1929 crash marked the end of this era of opulence.
Following the economic crisis, wealthy foreign tourists turned to the French Riviera, attracted by its milder climate and new trends.
Dinard nevertheless adapted. It indeed commissioned the visionary architect René Aillerie to create a seawater swimming pool and private beach cabins so holidaymakers could enjoy their beach holidays, even at low tide.
Ville d’Art et d’Histoire
The city’s commitment to preserving its architectural heritage is evident in the elegant facades of monuments, such as the Grand Hôtel Barrière at the mouth of the Rance, and the Royal Emeraude Hôtel , near the Casino on the Plage de l’Écluse.
A stroll through Dinard’s public gardens and fine sandy beaches offers a glimpse of its timeless charm.
The Promenade du Clair de Lune is a much-loved itinerary that stretches from the picturesque Pointe du Moulinet, offering panoramic views of Saint-Malo, to the peaceful Plage du Prieuré, along the mouth of the Rance.
Dinard remains a dynamic and attractive destination today. Local authorities have implemented initiatives to preserve the prestigious seaside resort, including a program to protect more than 400 old villas representative of different architectural styles (zone de protection du patrimoine architectural, urbain et paysager –architectural, urban and landscape heritage protection zone).
English Language Film festival
It is fascinating to see how Dinard’s charm continued to attract illustrious personalities, including Winston Churchill, even after the Second World War!
The cultural importance of the seaside resort extends even to the world of cinema, as evidenced by the inspiration Alfred Hitchcock drew from the Villa Saint-Germain to create the iconic house in his film “Psycho“.
A life-size statue of the master of cinema, with menacing birds perched on each shoulder, stands at the entrance to Plage de l’Écluse, testifying to his lasting influence on the seventh art.
Dinard’s connection with cinema is also celebrated every year at the British Film Festival in early October. This prestigious event brings together film enthusiasts and industry professionals to celebrate British cinema.
Department of Ille-et-Vilaine
Coordinates: Lat 48.635230 – Long -2.055066
