Saint-Suliac and the Rance Valley

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The Rance is a pretty river which rises in the Monts du Méné in Côtes d’Armor and flows into the English Channel between Dinard and Saint-Malo in Ille-et-Vilaine.

Picturesque villages and ‘Malouinières’ (country houses)

Its valley has superb scenery which changes with the rhythm of the tides. At the estuary you can visit the dam and tidal power station which harnesses the power of the tides which sweep up the estuary to produce electricity.

A trip along the banks of the river takes you through picturesque villages and past pretty ‘Malouinières’ country houses. Saint-Suliac is one of the little ports, most typical of the region. Founded in the 6th century by a Breton monk, this historic fishing village is classed as one of the « Loveliest Villages in France ». Take a stroll through its tiny lanes past granite cottages where fishing nets are still hung outside and walk along pretty footpaths to viewpoints like Mont Gareau which has breathtaking panoramic views of the river, the valley and the village.

Montmarin at Pleurtuit, overlooking the estuary, was originally a ‘Malouinière’ country house, built in 1760. At the end of the 18th century it became a port and shipyard, employing no less than 1,200 workers. Then, in the mid-19th century it became an ornamental garden. After being devastated by storms at the end of the 20th century, the 6-hectare gardens have now been beautifully restored and open onto a magnificent lake from where a succession of terraces lead down to the River Rance. Just a few minutes’ drive away, at La Richardais, you can see more than 300 works by the sculptor Manoli in an open-air museum where the artist lived for over 25 years. Creator of many public works, Manoli created figures, animals and abstract works using salvaged material, granite, ceramics and metal.

Dinard and its villas

After following the River Rance as far as the sea, enjoy the view of the estuary and Saint-Malo from the pretty seaside resort of Dinard. During the Belle Époque sea bathing became fashionable and wealthy families flocked to Dinard. Luxury villas sprang up all along the coast and today, along with the casino and art galleries, they give elegant Dinard its irresistible charm. Walk along the Promenade du Clair de Lune from Plage du Prieuré beach to the Pointe du Moulinet and soak up the wonderful atmosphere. The Chemin des Douaniers coastal footpath runs beside the sea to the lovely resorts of Saint-Lunaire and Saint-Briac, equally refined, but quieter and more family-orientated.

How to get to the banks of the Rance

The ‘Bords de Rance’ are on the border between Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes d’Armor. The easiest way to get there is via the N137 dual-carriageway between Rennes and Saint-Malo. The nearest TGV railway station is at Saint-Malo, now only 2½ hours from Paris. There is an airport at Dinard-Pleurtuit. The area is very easy to get to at any time of year.

Take note of these 2 highlights when planning your next visit :

The Fête des Doris is a convivial maritime festival at the end of August which brings together ‘doris’ (traditional Rance boats), gigs and old sailing vessels and their crews, all passionate about the history of Newfoundland fishermen. The flotilla sails from harbour to harbour throughout the weekend, much to the great delight of spectators !
The Dinard Film Festival at the end of September, beginning of October, is the emblematic celebration of British cinema in France.