Estate Agent Dinard France

Originally a small fishing village, Dinard was subsequently settled by Saint-Malo's rich shipping merchants who built some of the towns magnificent villas on the cliff tops. "Discovered" in the Victorian era by wealthy English and American vacationers who wanted a Continental holiday that was "not too foreign", Dinard became popular as a fashionable summer resort, and the building of villas and exclusive hotels continued.

Often described as "Très British”, Dinard has retained its Victorian charm with the many splendid high society villas bearing witness to its prestigious past.

The photos and postcards below show images of Dinard from the 1920 and 30's with many remaining largely unchanged to this day! For a larger, better quality, version of any picture, please click the picture required.

More reminiscent of the Cote d'Azur than Brittany, Dinard has been a haven for artists in the past and is presently home to an English language film festival each October. Having earnt a reputation as the "Cannes of the North", Dinard has attracted a wide variety of stars over the years. Joan Collins has been a frequent visitor, and Winston Churchill enjoyed holidaying on the River Rance. Alfred Hitchcock spent many summers in Dinard and based the house used in his most famous movie Pyscho on a Villa standing over the Plage D'Ecluse. Lawrence of Arabia lived in Dinard before his Arabic conquests and Piccasso, Monet and many other prominent artists enjoyed the stunning coast line.

One of France's best-known resorts, the combination of long sandy beaches, famous coastal footpaths, lively summer markets and easy going, low key atmosphere make Dinard a perennial favourite with French and English families alike in their search for a relaxing holiday destination.