Plage du Prieuré

Imagine a stretch of golden sand washed by the calm waters of the Emerald Coast — this is the picturesque Prieuré Beach (Plage du Prieuré). Located in the eastern part of the resort town of Dinard, this beach is considered one of the quietest and most inviting spots in all of France for a family holiday.

Prieuré Beach. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main highlight of this place is its stunning surroundings. The beach is framed by rocky cliffs topped with majestic Belle Époque villas. Stretching along the shore is the famous Promenade du Clair de Lune ("Moonlight Walk"), offering visitors panoramic views of the bay and neighboring Saint-Malo.

Thanks to its calm waters and clean sand, Prieuré has earned a high reputation among travelers. It is not just a place for swimming, but a true symbol of Brittany's aristocratic charm, where nature harmoniously blends with the exquisite architecture of the past century.

To plan your visit to this picturesque stretch of the Brittany coast, it's worth checking its exact location in advance. The beach is located within the city limits, so finding it is easy, even on foot. Below are the main contact details and coordinates for your navigator.

The primary pleasure here is classic beach relaxation in a tranquil atmosphere. You can enjoy swimming in the clear waters or sunbathing on the soft sand. For active leisure enthusiasts, water sports are available, including paddleboarding, while the presence of a public seawater swimming pool is an excellent bonus for families with children.

Be sure to find time for a stroll along the Clair de Lune promenade. In the evening, when the lights come on and music plays, this place is filled with a special romance. Along the way, you can stop by cozy cafes for a serving of traditional ice cream or a refreshing drink while admiring the silhouettes of old mansions against the sea.

If you're looking for cultural experiences, visit the small chapel nearby. It houses the tombs of 14th-century knights, allowing you to combine relaxation on the coast with a study of the region's rich history. During the summer, lifeguards and equipment rentals are available on the beach, making your stay as comfortable as possible.

Getting to this secluded corner of nature is quite fast. The beach is located in the eastern part of the city, and the walk from the central beach, Plage de l'Écluse, takes only about 10–15 minutes along the scenic promenade.

If you are arriving from other regions, the neighboring city of Saint-Malo is the best reference point. From there, buses and taxis run to the coast, and the journey is no more than 5–10 kilometers. For those who prefer the railway, the nearest major stations are in Paris or Rennes, with regular train services available.

For travelers with their own cars, municipal parking lots are located near the promenade. During the summer period, cycling routes are also very popular, allowing you to enjoy the sea breeze on your way to the beach.

This shore is inextricably linked to the golden age of the resort, when at the end of the 19th century, Dinard became a favorite holiday destination for British and American aristocracy. It was then that the magnificent Belle Époque villas began to appear on the rocky cliffs, which today give the beach its unique aristocratic charm.

Interestingly, the name of the city itself is shrouded in legend. It is believed to originate from the words "Din" (fortress) and "Arthur," linking these places to the legendary King Arthur, who allegedly landed here in the 6th century. Although the city developed actively in the 19th century, it still retains the atmosphere of the country's "most British" resort.

The area's cultural heritage is complemented by an ancient chapel of a former monastery located right next to the sands. Inside lie the 14th-century knights Olivier and Geoffroy de Montfort, making a walk in the vicinity a true immersion into France's deep Middle Ages.

To simply soak up the atmosphere and take a dip in the sea, 1–2 hours is usually enough. This time allows for a leisurely stroll along the water's edge and a short rest on the soft sand.

However, if you plan to combine your beach time with a tour of the historic villas and a visit to the ancient chapel, you should set aside at least half a day. Many tourists prefer to stay here until evening to enjoy the sunset on the promenade and have dinner at one of the nearby cafes.

Access to the coast remains free at any time of day. The beach is open 24/7 from Monday to Sunday, allowing you to admire the seascapes at dawn as well as by moonlight.

Keep in mind that lifeguard stations and equipment rental points usually operate on a specific schedule only during the summer season, typically from morning until evening.

Exploring the surroundings after your time on the beach will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of the Emerald Coast. Very close by, you will find both historical monuments and cozy gastronomic establishments where you can continue your evening.

A short walk will lead you to ancient city gates and bastions, which serve as reminders of the region's glorious defensive past. Each attraction on this list is within easy reach.