Dinard

This very British resort, dominating as it does the Rance Estuary from its headland position, offers a magnificent panoramic view of both the Rance River and the English Channel. Dinard remained undiscovered until the 1850s, when it was still just a little fishing port with a charming windmill. But tourism was soon to change all that, as holidaymakers enjoying its mild climate and beautiful coastal scenery realised Dinard's potential as a seaside resort. Today more than 400 listed Belle Epoque villas bear witness to its prestigious past as one of the most fashionable resorts on the Brittany coast, in the days when the Brits introduced tennis to the locals and the French and international intelligentsia holidayed here.

From late spring to autumn Dinard is particularly popular with British holidaymakers, especially those who hail from the Channel Islands. The resort attracts families, although singles and couples are also welcome at any time of year.

Dinard is located on the northeast coast of Brittany (Côte d'Émeraude/Emerald Coast) in northwest France, at the entrance of the Rance Estuary. Dinard Airport (DNR) is the nearest airport.

From large sandy beaches to tiny inlets, there is something for everyone on the Dinard coastline. The four main beaches (Ecluse, Prieuré, St Enogat and Port Blanc) are all equipped with first aid posts in summer, and beach huts, deck chairs and umbrellas are available. In summer the Plage de l'Ecluse (aka La Grande Plage) is the liveliest, with entertainment, keep fit sessions and various tournaments taking place there. Watersports on offer include wind-surfing, sea kayaking, diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing and yachting.

Dinard boasts 8km (5 miles) of marked coastal footpaths. Many of the resort's famous Belle Epoque villas overlook the sea, and can be seen from the walkways. Boat excursions up the Rance Estuary are popular. Activities in Dinard itself include horse riding, cycling and go-karting (21 rue de la Ville es Meniers). There are also tennis courts (Parc de Port Breton, boulevard de la Libération), two mini golf courses (St Enogat Beach and Prieure Beach), an Olympic-size swimming pool (Digue de l'Ecluse) and an 18-hole golf course. More activities, including paintballing, climbing and mountain biking, are available at the Dol de Bretagne, 25.5km (16 miles) east of Dinard, and there is hot air ballooning in Pleurtuit, near the airport.

Dinard is popular with families: its sandy beaches have lifeguards on duty in summer; beach clubs welcome children with all sorts of games and activities; the resort hotels often have swimming pool and kids clubs; and many of the restaurants in town are child-friendly.

The main shopping streets in Dinard are rue Levavasseur, rue du Marechal Leclerc and boulevard du President Wilson. The shopping scene is rather eclectic, with holidaymakers able to pick up everything from cheap and cheerful holiday souvenirs to fashion, gifts and food. There are lots of small art galleries too.

This relaxed family-orientated resort has an equally low-key nightlife scene. You won't find any raucous nightclubs in Dinard, but there are plenty of cafés and bars to choose from, as well as the odd disco. Holidaymakers can also try their luck at the Casino Barriere de Dinard (4 boulevard Wilson, Plage de l'Ecluse), which has roulette, 115 slot machines, poker and Black Jack tables and a good seafood restaurant. There is also a cinema (2 boulevard Albert 1er).

Dinard's dining scene is dominated by French eateries, and this being Brittany there is no shortage of crêperies to choose from. The Prieure (1 place du General-de-Gaulle) is a popular restaurant serving big helpings of traditional food in charming nautical surroundings. It is also blessed with great views of the estuary. Other options include cafés, brasseries, bistros and fine dining restaurants, as well as a few bars a huitres (oyster bars).

Dinard is easily negotiable on foot. Taxis are readily available too. Boats and buses run from Dinard to St Malo, and there are ferries daily to Jersey and Guernsey.

A rocky islet dominated by an imposing Benedictine abbey (constructed between the 11th and 16th centuries), the historic settlement of Mont Saint-Michel (website: www.ot-montsaintmichel.com), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an impressive sight. This important European pilgrimage spot can be reached in just over an hour by bus from St Malo and is well worth a visit for the photo opportunities alone. An excursion to the Old City of St Malo, one of Brittany's premier tourist resorts, is another must. Spend a morning exploring the charming narrow streets of the Old City (surrounded by 6m/20ft thick walls), check out the St Vincent Cathedral, then spend the afternoon on one of several golden sand beaches, taking in the dramatic natural setting.

Spend the day aboard a restored pirate ship and explore the Bay of St Malo in style. On board the Renard (the Fox), based in St Malo's Grande Porte Tour Ouest, you will be invited to help the crew with some of the manoeuvres and with handling the rigging (if you want to) and even fire a canon! Or you can take to the skies and get a bird's eye perspective of the coast from a small lightweight aircraft (available from Dinard Pleurtuit Airport).

Dinard Pleurtuit Airport (DNR)