Dinard firework display August 2010

Dinard organize each year 2 firework displays. One in July and one in August. I can’t give you the dates for the next ones (2011) as it depends on the tides! It is usually around the 20th.

It is well worth seeing it!

Montmarin chateau and gardens

Privately owned, Montmarin chateau is not open to public but the gardens are worth a visit. They are in two parts: the French style gardens (18^th century) and the Romantic garden (1885) with lawns, mixed borders, shrubs, plants and rockery.

It overlooks the river Rance. A great spot!

Plants can be purchased from their nursery.

Entrance fee: €6

Visit their web site for more information.

In Pleurtuit, turn right at the traffic lights if you come Dinan. Carry on straight on. It is sign posted for “Le Montmarin”.

It is a short drive away from Dinard and St Malo.

Both places are worth a visit.

About 30 minutes from our gite.

Diving in the sea

Diving is available everyday by any weather from “St Malo Plongée Emeraude”!

You can learn to dive in the pool or for the bravest in the sea. It is a great way to discover St Malo bay!

Children can join too. See their web site here.
From €32.

The diving club is near the ferry terminal in St Malo, near the pool (piscine du Naye).
About 40 minutes from our gite.

Kayak hire in St Malo

For sea kayaking, visit 2 sites in St Malo: Bon Secours and Rothéneuf. They have single and double kayaks.

From €12 per hour.

Windsurfs and catamarans are also available to hire. Lesson can be arranged.

Sculpted rocks near Saint Malo

A few miles away from St Malo ramparts (Intra Muros), on the way to Cancale, you will find an unusual bit of coast!

A priest called Adolphe Fouré sculpted 500 sqm of rocks between 1870 and 1895!
It is quite amazing to see.

Entrance fee €2.50

“Les Rochers sculptés” are in Rothéneuf, which is part of St Malo. About 40 minutes from our gite.

More photos here.

Karting near Saint Malo

St Malo karting is located in Saint Méloir des Ondes, near St Malo.

It is open every day in July and August from 10 am to 8pm.

Weekend and bank holiday during the rest of the year.

Children can join too from the age of 5!

For more information, visit their web site here.

Art exhibition in St Malo

80 artists are exhibiting their paintings at the “Chapelle St Sauveur” in St Malo.

They are all local artists and the theme is the Emerald coast, the coast between the Mont St Michel and Cap Fréhel.

The exhibition finishes on 19^th September 2010. Entrance fee €5.

St Saviours chapel is in the walls in St Malo (intra muros). About 40 minutes from our gite.

Karting in Cap Malo

Perfect for rainy (and sunny) days, Royal Kart is in a covered area.
Children can also have a go from the age of 7.

From €14 for a 10 minute session.

Visit their web site for more information.


Cap Malo is on the St Malo - Rennes road (N137), exist Cap Malo / La Meziere.

See my post about Cap Malo shopping centre.

The ones not keen to try karting can shop! Smaller children can visit Woupi.

Saint Malo Petit Train

--> A great way to visit St Malo!
Le Petit Train will take you through the center of the fortified city of Saint-Malo. You will discover St Malo's bay, ramparts and the homes and birthplaces of famous people such as Jacques Cartier, Chateaubriand, and the corsair Surcouf, just to name a few.
Departure from Saint Vincent's Gate next to the castle.
Journey takes approximately 30 minutes.
Visit their web site for more information. They have an English version!

Sand surfing in Brittany

If you fancy trying sand surfing (char à voile), go to Hirel and you will find the club called ‘Avel Chars à voile’.

Prices start from €12 for ½ hour for one person or €25 for a 2 seater.
Visit their web site for more information.


Hirel is on the Mont St Michel Bay between Cancale and the Mont St Michel. When it is low tide the beach become very wide, ideal for this type of sport.

Hirel is about 35/40 minutes from our gite.

The village of Cherrueix

The village of Cherrueix is on the Mont St Michel Bay between Cancale and the Mont St Michel. It is well known for sand surfing. They often organise sand surf competitions.

The bay goes on and on for miles! It is ideal for keen walkers, or for families who likes collecting shells and building sand castles!

There is a play area for children (free to use).

Free car park.

Cherrueix is about 40 minutes from our gite.

You could visit Dol on the way (or way back).

Le Tronchet Golf course

Le Tronchet Golf course also known as Saint Malo Golf and Country Club has a 9 hole and an 18 hole golf course (slope 140 and 123).

There is a restaurant overlooking the 18 hole course.

Green fees are between €25 and €67 depending on the course and time of the year.

Private lessons are available on request by professional instructors.

If you stay in our gite, I will be happy to book your green fees or your lessons for you.


Le Tronchet Golf course is about 20/25 minutes from our gite in Evran.

For more information, please visit their web site here.

Dinan market

Dinan market is on every Thursday morning until 1pm ish (!) all year round. Fresh fruit and veg, cheeses, fish, cloths, shoes, plants and flowers, souvenirs, etc. You should find what you are looking for!

The market is on Place du Guesclin.


My tips:

Go early as it gets really busy in the summer!
Park in the multi-story car park, Rue Victor Basch. You should get a parking space there. To get there, go over the viaduc, up hill, turn right at the traffic light. It will be there on your right. It is well signposted. Don't forget your basket!

The Island of Ebihens

Accessible by boat or when it is low tide, this unspoilt island is beautiful.

You can walk to it from St Jacut de la Mer. Check the tide timetable first or you might have to stay there over night if you get stuck! Watch it; there is no habitation, no hotel there!

It is a nice walk from St Jacut, even out of season.

St Jacut is about 30 minutes from our gite.