Promenade du Clair de Lune, Dinard

Walk in Saint-Malo

Dinard Promenade du moulinet
Dinard Promenade du moulinet
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Jean-Louis Vandevivère

The Promenade du Clair de Lune is Dinard's signature coastal walkway, a gently curving path that hugs the shoreline between Plage du Prieuré and the small coves toward Pointe du Moulinet. It's landscaped with a surprisingly Mediterranean feel-palms, agaves, and exotic plantings-so even on a cooler Breton day it has that “seaside resort” atmosphere Dinard does so well. With Saint-Malo's ramparts sitting across the water like a stone postcard, this spot is one of the top attractions in Dinard for views that feel effortless.

What I like most is how it works at any pace. You can treat it as a short scenic link between beaches, or build it into a longer walking tour of Dinard that threads together villas, viewpoints, and the town's classic seafront rhythm. In summer, the promenade's evening lighting and occasional events can make it feel almost theatrical, but outside peak season it becomes quieter and more reflective-perfect for lingering over the changing colours of the sea.

History and Significance of the Promenade du Clair de Lune

Dinard’s identity as a refined seaside resort is written into this promenade. The path was shaped to celebrate the town’s coastal scenery, but also to showcase the resort-era vision of leisure: landscaped walking, elegant viewpoints, and architecture that turns a shoreline into a stage.

The “Clair de Lune” name captures the mood the promenade aims for-romantic, evening-friendly, and designed for slow strolling rather than hurried transit. It’s not just a practical walkway; it’s a deliberate experience that expresses Dinard’s long-standing relationship with tourism, wellness, and coastal beauty.

It also matters because it frames Dinard's most famous view: the fortified silhouette of Saint-Malo across the bay. That visual relationship helps you understand why Dinard developed as a resort counterpart to Saint-Malo-less fortified, more relaxed, and built around pleasure and scenery.

Things to See and Do in the Promenade du Clair de Lune

Start at Plage du Prieuré and stroll with the water on your left, letting the view open up gradually. The promenade’s planting scheme is part of the charm, so take time to notice how the palms and exotic greenery soften the coastline and make the walk feel sheltered and intimate.

As you go, watch for the shifting architecture above you: grand villas and resort-era buildings that hint at Dinard’s Belle Époque confidence. Even if you’re not an architecture specialist, the variety is engaging-ornamental balconies, crisp façades, and the kind of detailing that feels designed to be seen from a promenade.

For the best payoff, time your walk for late afternoon into early evening. The light across the water can make Saint-Malo look almost cinematic, and the sea often takes on that emerald-grey-blue tone Brittany is famous for, especially when the tide is moving.

How to Get to the Promenade du Clair de Lune

Dinard is served most directly by Dinard-Pleurtuit-Saint-Malo Airport (DNR), with Rennes-Saint-Jacques (RNS) as the larger nearby alternative. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Saint-Malo on Booking.com. From Dinard town centre, the promenade is straightforward to reach on foot, especially if you start from Plage du Prieuré.

Dinard does not have its own train station, so the closest rail hub is Saint-Malo station, where you can continue to Dinard by bus, taxi, or a quick crossing on the Saint-Malo-Dinard boat service in season. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. If you are coming from Saint-Malo for the day, that boat crossing is often the most enjoyable approach because it turns the transfer into a scenic arrival.

If you are driving, follow signs for Dinard centre or Plage du Prieuré and use public parking areas, then walk down to the seafront to pick up the promenade. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Promenade du Clair de Lune

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon into early evening for the best light across the bay and the most romantic atmosphere along the seafront.
  • How long to spend: 30-60 minutes for a relaxed one-way stroll with photo stops, or longer if you link it to beaches and town viewpoints.
  • Accessibility: The route is generally easy for walking, but expect occasional slopes, steps, and narrow sections depending on where you enter and exit.
  • Facilities: You’ll find cafés and services more easily near the beaches and town centre ends, so plan breaks around those points rather than mid-walk.

Where to Stay Close to the Promenade du Clair de Lune

For a culture-heavy itinerary with easy access to shops, restaurants, and classic seafront viewpoints, base yourself in central Dinard near Plage de l’Écluse; if your priority is quieter coastal walking and a calmer pace, staying nearer Plage du Prieuré and the Saint-Enogat side can feel more residential and relaxed. For an elegant stay with strong seafront character, Hôtel Barrière Le Grand Hôtel Dinard places you close to the town’s classic promenade energy. If you like boutique atmosphere and a location that keeps walks easy, Hôtel Royal Émeraude Dinard is a convenient base near the heart of town. For a more wellness-oriented stay with a retreat feel, EMERIA Dinard Hôtel Thalasso & Spa suits travellers who want sea air and downtime built into the itinerary.

Is the Promenade du Clair de Lune Worth Visiting?

Yes, because it delivers Dinard's best “instant reward” experience: sea views, resort-era charm, and an iconic perspective on Saint-Malo with almost no effort. It's also wonderfully flexible-ideal for a quick scenic pause or as the backbone of a longer coastal day.

If you only do one walk in Dinard, this is the one that captures the town’s personality most clearly. It feels curated without being artificial, and it shows why Dinard has long been one of Brittany’s most stylish seaside addresses.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (74)

Moonlight Walk, located at trottier Yvette, Pl. Jules Boutin in Dinard, is a sunny, sheltered promenade between Plage du Prieuré and Pointe du Moulinet that's ideal for a leisurely stroll; visitors praise its spectacular coastal views, the chance to pass elegant villas, see the mouth of the Rance and the ramparts of Saint-Malo, and enjoy pleasant evenings in summer when lights and music add atmosphere, with many recommending finishing at Écluse beach for a delightful outing suitable for all ages.

Mano Mathew
3 years ago
"Very beautiful beach and must visit. The view is spectacular. All ages can explore this beautiful place."
Susan Orton
3 years ago
"Wonderful"
Mark Strong
3 years ago
"Views"

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This promenade works well for families because it is easy to follow and naturally breaks into small “mini destinations” like viewpoints and beach access points. The best approach is to keep the plan simple: short walk, quick play stop on the sand, then continue when energy returns.

Choose a calm weather window if you can, because children enjoy it most when the walk feels comfortable rather than windy and exposed. It’s also a good option for a low-stress afternoon when you want scenery without a major hike.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the promenade is Dinard at its most romantic, especially toward evening when the light softens across the bay. The combination of palms, sea air, and Saint-Malo’s skyline makes it feel like a classic coastal “date walk” that doesn’t require planning.

Pair it with an aperitif stop nearby and you have an easy, memorable rhythm for the evening. If you’re visiting in summer, the illuminated atmosphere can make the walk feel even more special.

Budget Travelers

This is one of the best-value experiences in the area because it is completely free and delivers genuinely memorable views. You can build an excellent low-cost day around it by combining the walk with beach time and a simple picnic or bakery stop.

It also helps you see a lot without paying for attractions, which is useful if you’re saving your budget for transport, a boat crossing, or one special meal.

FAQs for Visiting the Promenade du Clair de Lune

Getting There

It runs along Dinard’s coastline between Plage du Prieuré and the small coves and viewpoints toward Pointe du Moulinet. It’s a seafront route, so once you’re by the water it’s easy to orient yourself.
Head toward Plage du Prieuré or the seafront, then follow the coastal path signage once you reach the waterfront. If you start at the beach, the promenade naturally reveals itself as the landscaped shoreline route.
Many visitors come by boat in season, then walk up into Dinard and follow the seafront to the promenade. If boats are not running, buses and taxis make the transfer straightforward.
Driving can be convenient if you’re combining Dinard with other coastal stops, but parking can be busy in peak season. If you can, arrive earlier in the day so you’re not hunting for a space.

Visiting Experience

Thirty minutes is enough to get the main views and the distinctive atmosphere. If you can spare an hour, it becomes more enjoyable because you can stop and linger at viewpoints.
Yes, because it’s one of the quickest ways to understand Dinard’s appeal without committing to a full schedule. It also pairs naturally with a beach stop for a simple, satisfying half-day plan.
It is best in fair weather because the views are the main reason to go. In wind and rain, a shorter segment can still be scenic, but it won’t feel as relaxed.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it’s one of the town’s most natural self-guided routes because it links beaches, viewpoints, and landmark façades. Even without a formal tour, most visitors end up walking at least part of it.
Independent walking is usually best because you can set your own pace and stop whenever the view feels right. A guided option is only worthwhile if you specifically want architectural or resort-history storytelling.
Walk the promenade, then return via Dinard’s streets toward cafés and shops for a change of scenery. That combination gives you both the coastal and “resort town” sides of Dinard without complicated navigation.

Photography

Yes, especially for wide views across the bay toward Saint-Malo and for villa-and-coast compositions. The landscaping also helps with foreground interest, which makes photos feel more layered.
Late afternoon and early evening usually give the most flattering light across the water. Morning can be quieter if you want fewer people in the frame.

Accessibility & Facilities

Much of it is manageable, but access points can involve slopes and steps depending on where you join the path. If mobility is a concern, choose your entry point carefully and keep the route flexible.
Yes, there are spots to pause, but the easiest café breaks are at the promenade’s ends near beaches and town areas. Planning your rest stops around those points tends to work best.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Dinard’s central areas near the main beaches and town streets offer the most choice and convenience. It’s an easy transition from coastal walking to a relaxed sit-down break.
Yes, that’s one of the best ways to do it. Walk until you find a beach access point that feels right, pause for sand time, then continue when you’re ready.

Nearby Attractions to the Promenade du Clair de Lune

  • Plage du Prieuré: A calm, family-friendly beach that makes an easy starting point and a natural break stop during the walk.
  • Pointe du Moulinet: A classic Dinard viewpoint area with dramatic coastal panoramas and a satisfying “end of the walk” feel.
  • Plage de l’Écluse: Dinard’s most famous central beach, perfect for pairing with cafés and a longer seafront day.
  • Sentier des Douaniers Coastal Path: A longer, wilder stretch of coastline walking if you want to extend beyond the promenade's landscaped sections.
  • Saint-Malo Intra-Muros: The walled city across the water, ideal for a same-day pairing if you want fortifications and resort scenery in one itinerary.

The Promenade du Clair de Lune, Dinard appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Malo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Clair de Lune, Dinard
Saint-Malo: 3 km

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