A Real Jewel
The Golden Triangle on The Emerald Coast
Accessibility is a vitally important factor when choosing your new home in France, whether it is a holiday home you want to be able to use easily or a permanent home family, friends or paying guests can come to. Few areas are more accessible or more beautiful than the ‘golden triangle’ of Dinard – Dinan – Saint Cast Le Guildo which lies to the west of the Rance estuary at the heart of Brittany’s stunning Emerald Coast. The area is named after the colour of the sea in this part of the world at certain times and it is a magical place.
The countryside and coastline are simply breathtaking, but don’t let the rugged bays and open fields belie the fact that this is also an affluent region not surprisingly beloved by Parisians who have long appreciated its charms and architecture. What may be a surprise, however, is that much of that architecture was created by and for the many British who began to come here on holiday in the late nineteenth century. The sumptuous villas they built on the coast are still very much in evidence and much of the charm of the seaside resorts of the ‘Belle Epoque’ has been preserved.
Dinard is the jewel in this crown with an elegant town centre situated behind the superb sandy beaches. Originally populated by wealthy merchants from St Malo, the sea and the estuary have long played a part in the town’s history. With its casino, yacht club, boutique shopping and quality antique dealers, this is a divine playground leading to both its nickname, the ‘Cannes of the North’ and its popularity with a host of famous names throughout the years. Thought to be rather ‘British’ in character it enjoys an annual English language film festival.
Elegant town house
A little further inland is Dinan, a wonderful medieval city and former stronghold of the Dukes of Brittany, packed with charm and history. The castle, port and narrow cobbled streets with many half-timberedhouses are a delight to discover. This is a wonderful place to wander yourself and soak up the atmosphere or to bring guests and it offers a packed cultural program throughout the year. The town is not all about history, however, as it is an important economic centre for the region and boasts an exciting array of fashionable shops and entertainment. Outside the well preserved city walls is a sprawling town where property prices are always strong and the market moves more quickly. Tourism is hugely popular and bookings for all kinds of accommodation from gites to B&B are buoyant.
Potential B&B in Dinan
Finally, back up to the coast at Saint-Cast completes our ‘golden triangle’ of beauty, activities galore and superb properties which truly hold their value. This resort is very welcoming and its seven sandy beaches once earned it the title ‘The Queen of Beaches’. It boasts over 20 km of coastal paths and offers, many activities and sports. The port is delightful and there are many lovely restaurants to choose from. Homes overlooking the sea are quite affordable so why not imagine walking straight out onto the beach in the morning; isn’t this the stuff that dreams of a new life are made of?
Exceptional location
You can be as active or relaxed as you like, but there are many ways to work up an appetite for your two hour lunch and perhaps some of the World’ finest oysters from nearby Cancale. Water sports are in abundance from surfing to canoeing and then there’s the golf. Northern Brittany has a large selection of established golf facilities including several links courses. This area really does have it all!
This region is easily accessible, being served by ‘low-cost’ operator Ryanair from East Midlands and Stansted into Dinard and by FlyBe from Exeter, Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh into Rennes. The TGV (fast train) comes into St Malo or Lamballe linking us to Paris in 21/2 hours. Ferry access is via the port of St Malo and a little further afield via Caen, Cherbourg and Le Havre.
To see more of our portfolio in this region click here.
