Dinard, France
Dinard is one of those spots that feels like a hidden gem along the Brittany coast. It started as a quiet fishing village but became the place to be in the late 1800s when wealthy Brits built their fancy summer homes here. You can still see those old, elegant villas perched on the cliffs, giving Dinard a cool mix of history and coastal beauty.
It’s easy to see why people fell in love with this place—the beaches are gorgeous, and the views across to Saint-Malo are stunning. You can take a chilled-out walk along the Promenade du Clair de Lune, hit the markets, or relax on the sand at Plage de l’Écluse. It’s got a laid-back vibe, but there’s also a bit of history in the air, especially with the annual British Film Festival that nods to Dinard’s past as a British hotspot.
If you're traveling solo, Dinard is perfect. It’s easy to explore on foot, there’s plenty to see without feeling overwhelmed, and whether you’re after some downtime or a little adventure, this town’s got you covered. Just take it easy and soak up the blend of French and British influences while enjoying the ocean views.
Where to Stay
Hotel Barriere Le Grand Dinard
I decided to stay in Le Grand Hôtel Dinard, and it didn’t disappoint. I stayed in one of their suites, which had a stunning view overlooking the water and Saint-Malo. The room was spacious, newly renovated, and in perfect condition. When I arrived, I was welcomed by the manager, who was really friendly and made sure everything was set up for a comfortable stay.
The bed was ridiculously comfortable—probably one of the best hotel beds I’ve slept in, and I slept like a rock every night. One thing I really appreciated was the climate control in the room. It wasn’t one of those centralized systems, so I could adjust everything to my own comfort, which made a big difference.
Breakfast each morning came with a lovely view of the sea, and there was an omelet bar, which is always a plus. Room service was quick and the food was fresh, so no complaints there. Housekeeping was also super efficient—they’d get the room cleaned up while I was at breakfast, and turn-down service was always taken care of by the time I returned in the evening.
All in all, it was a perfect spot to relax and unwind, with a nice mix of luxury and comfort. I’d definitely recommend Le Grand Hôtel Dinard if you're ever in the area looking for a bit of solo indulgence.
Lunch Recommendation: Chez Pedro
I was wandering through Dinard when I stumbled across Chez Pedro—a Mexican spot I hadn’t heard of before. It sort of called out to me as I walked by, so I popped in and asked if they had a table for lunch. The staff was super friendly and welcoming, which instantly gave the place a good vibe.
The menu was fully homemade, and everything sounded tempting. I went with guacamole, chicken tacos, and chile con carne. Each dish was fresh, flavorful, and just hit the spot. It’s rare that you can say every single thing on the plate was spot-on, but that was definitely the case here.
As I was leaving, the kitchen staff waved goodbye, which was a nice little touch that made the experience feel personal. Oh, and I’ve got to mention the bathroom—it was spotless. You could practically eat in there, which you definitely don’t expect at most places, even in such a prime location.
If you’re ever in Dinard and craving some good Mexican food, Chez Pedro is a solid choice. Friendly service, fresh dishes, and a laid-back vibe made it a great lunch stop.
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