What to do · Dinan
Boat on the Rance between Saint-Malo and Dinan
Information
- From
- €30 per adult, one way
- Duration
- 2 h 45
- Season
- In season, one trip a day
- With a dog
- €3 ticket for the dog, on a lead or in a basket; not on the return coach
What it is
A commentated cruise that goes up the Rance estuary from Saint-Malo and Dinard to Dinan, or the other way round. It is run by the Compagnie Corsaire and lasts about 2 h 45 each way. It is the loveliest way to reach Dinan: you enter by the river, as goods did in the Middle Ages, and land at the port, at the foot of the walled town.
On the way you pass the lock of the Rance dam, the EDF tidal power station, and then see fishing villages, an old castle, a malouinière (the country houses of the Saint-Malo shipowners), the river widening like a lake and a stretch squeezed between cliffs. Before Dinan you go through the Châtelier lock. A member of the crew gives live commentary on the trip.
Prices and times
- One way: €30.50 per adult and €19 for ages 3 to 15.
- Return: €36 per adult and €23 for ages 3 to 15.
- Under-3s: free.
It leaves once a day in season from the Bourse maritime station in Saint-Malo, with a stop at Dinard a quarter of an hour later. As an example, on Saturday 3 October the departure was at 10:15 from Saint-Malo, at 10:30 from Dinard and arrival at Dinan at 14:30. The timetable changes every day, because it depends on the manoeuvres of the Rance dam and the Châtelier lock, and may be altered at short notice. The full calendar is in the company's annual leaflet.
How to return
The boat makes a single trip a day, so the return is arranged separately:
- By coach: the company offers a coach between the place Duclos in Dinan and Saint-Malo, next to the ramparts.
- If you leave from Dinard, you can return by boat from Dinan at around 17:00, depending on the date, and then cross to Dinard on the Bus de Mer, included in the Dinard–Dinan ticket. The last Bus de Mer from Saint-Malo to Dinard leaves at 19:10.
- By train: Dinan has a regional train station; check SNCF times beforehand.
If you are staying in Dinan, you can do the trip the other way round: go down the river to Saint-Malo and come back by coach.
How to book
Book online on the Compagnie Corsaire website: the calendar marks in black the days with a departure. Booking secures your place and warns you if the time changes. For discounts or membership cards, contact them by phone or email.
What to bring
A windcheater and an extra layer: on deck, over the estuary, it blows even when it is sunny. Sunglasses, water and something to eat, because it is almost three hours. With children, bring something to keep them busy on the long stretch.
When to go
In season, from spring to early autumn. In July and August, book days ahead.
On arriving in Dinan
You land at the port. From there the rue du Jerzual climbs to the upper town, or you can stroll along the towpath to Léhon. For lunch, the Crêperie du Roy is on the street that climbs towards the centre.
Tips
- Check the time the day before The timetable is set by the dam and the lock and may change; if you book, they warn you.
- Arrange the return before setting out The boat runs once a day: decide whether you will return by coach, by train or by boat from Dinard.
- Sit on deck The commentary and the estuary views are best enjoyed outside; bring a coat.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the boat from Saint-Malo to Dinan cost?
€30.50 one way and €36 return per adult; ages 3 to 15, €19 and €23. Under-3s free.
How long does it take?
About 2 h 45 each way, passing the Rance dam and the Châtelier lock.
How do you get back to Saint-Malo?
On the coach the company offers from the place Duclos in Dinan, or by train. From Dinard you can return by boat at around 17:00 and cross on the Bus de Mer.
As a familyWith a dog
Who runs it
- Compagnie CorsaireCommentated cruise on the Rance between Saint-Malo, Dinard and Dinan Visit their website
