Dinard, France
The international crew of Paulo, Caro, Lushuana spontaneoulsy picked up our satchels and headed off to Dinard, France. This is one of several beautiful and picturesque cities on the northern coast of Bretagne, just off the English Channel. In French, the channel is called "La Manche" which actually translates as "the sleeve," The sleeve of England, as it were.
This coast is easy to reach and full of adventures! Depending on the route you take with a car, it's about 80 km (50 miles) north of Rennes. If you take the affordable, clean and friendly local buses, I recommend heading to Dinard first from Rennes, then swinging through Dinan on your way back due to times and bus availability which you can easily calculate with the tool in that link. The buses, with a carte Korrigo from the Rennes Metropole or a student ID are only around 3 euros each way. Make sure that you do not miss your buses and DO NOT wait till the last bus! They will fill up and you can get stuck in a lovely city where you don't have a hotel reservation.
In the summers, the stunning little beaches and bay will be filled with sunbathers, lovers and playful children. However, the weather in the spring and fall is usually warm enough (or at least sunny) to have a picnic and enjoy the open beach to yourself. If you'd like to swim, the Plage du Prieuré is likely your best bet.
If you are a history and architecture lover, the villas still intact in this lovely town will definitely spark your interest. Located within walking distance of each other, the Villas of Reine Hortense, Kerozar, Roche Plate, Belle Assise, Ker Annick, and Les Roches Brunes are stunning representations of the wealth and taste of the French royals.
The wonderful architecture built to last on these castle walls and cliffs will definitely catch your eye. There is a pathway that hugs the wall on the upper inside or the lower outside which you can use to wind your way along the coastline.
If you'd like to swim, the Plage du Prieuré is likely your best bet.
Check out the Tourism Office in Dinard (just off the beach at the end of the bus line) and pick up a map. There are also always festivals, galleries or concerts in Dinard, so check out the cultural calendars and pick some adventures! Most importantly, have fun! Doing some spontaneous and inexpensive traveling is something for which students are perfectly fit!
“In the summers, this stunning little beach and bay will be filled with sunbathers, lovers and playful children. ”
