- Dinan
Popular camping styles for Dinan
2 top beach campsites near Dinan
Beach camping near Dinan guide
Overview
Perched in a forested enclave at the upper reaches of the Rance estuary, Dinan sits pretty between countryside and coast. Medieval charms come easy to this northern Brittany town, with its half-timbered houses, castle ruins, and imposing ramparts. Once you’ve explored the cobbled streets, cafés, and crêperies (you can’t come to Brittany without enjoying a crêpe or two) of the Old Town, head out to walk, cycle, or canoe along the Ille-et-Rance canal, or cruise down to the coast. Campers will find a variety of options in and around Dinan, including aires (motorhome parks), municipal campsites, mobile homes, and glamping in a yurt.
Where to go
Rance Valley
The Rance River winds its way down from Collinée through Dinan before emptying out into the English Channel along the Emerald Coast. Dotted with locks and port towns, it’s the perfect spot for boating, kayaking, and other water sports, with plenty of options for riverside camping. At the mouth of the Rance Estuary, the picturesque medieval city of Saint-Malo is Brittany’s busiest cross-channel port, while neighbouring Dinard is a popular Breton beach resort.
Rennes
Another way to get on the water is to follow the Ille-et-Rance canal, which cuts south through the Breton countryside and continues all the way to Rennes, Brittany’s striking medieval capital. The most exciting way to undertake the trip is by houseboat, but you can also cycle along the towpaths, stopping at country campsites along the way.
Emerald Coast
Arguably the most scenic stretch of Brittany’s coastline, the Emerald Coast runs from Cap Frehel to the edge of Mont Saint-Michel bay. Wind-sculpted coastal cliffs make for spectacular hiking, but you can equally drive the coast in your campervan or caravan, stopping at sandy beaches and seaside villages along the way. Be sure to swing by Cancale, famous for its oysters, and the beach town of Saint-Cast-le-Guildo.
When to go
Summer brings the crowds to Dinan, many of them arriving by ferry from the UK at nearby Saint-Malo. To avoid the crowds and high-season prices, but still make the most of the beach weather, time your trip for late spring or early fall. Most Brittany campsites open from April through October only, but you can still find mobile homes, chalets, and motorhome sites year-round. For an unforgettable experience, add Dinan’s biennial Ramparts Festival to the diary—it takes place in July on odd-numbered years.
