A wander around Dinan in December

One of the things we enjoy about December is seeing Dinan dressed for Christmas. We like heading into town towards the end of the afternoon, giving ourselves time to browse the shops before the lights come on, then stopping somewhere for a drink or something to eat.

It’s a lovely place to look for presents, with independent shops selling everything from local food and chocolates to pottery, jewellery and books. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the streets, popping into galleries and finding things you hadn’t set out to buy!

December is also a good time to explore the nearby towns. There are shops to browse and places to stop for coffee or lunch throughout the month, with Christmas markets and festive events on selected dates adding another reason to visit.

See our 2026 Christmas markets guide for dates and details →

Léhon’s Christmas market at the abbey

Léhon’s Christmas market takes place over one weekend in December, just a short walk from Quai du Val. Having it so close means you can leave the car behind and wander over to Saint-Magloire Abbey.

The setting is a big part of its appeal. Stalls in and around the historic buildings make it a lovely place to browse for handmade presents and local produce, and you can combine your visit with a walk through the village or along the river.

If you’d like to include the market in your stay, check our Christmas Markets Guide before choosing your dates. At other times, a wander around Léhon’s stone streets and abbey grounds is still an easy outing from the house.

A December day out in Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo makes a good December outing, combining a walk by the sea with shopping, lunch and a look around the old town.

We like having time to wander without too much of a plan. On a clear day, a walk along the ramparts is hard to beat, although the wind can certainly remind you it’s December! A warm coat helps, as does knowing there’s a coffee or a crêpe waiting afterwards.

Inside the walls, there are plenty of shops to explore and places to stop for something to eat. 

You can also plan your visit around the Christmas market and our Christmas Markets Guide has the dates and links to the published programmes.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Brittany

If you’re spending Christmas at Quai du Val, a little planning beforehand will help you settle in and enjoy it. Pick up your food and Christmas treats in advance, and book early if you’d like to eat out, checking which restaurants are opening over the holiday.

Then you can spend the day however you please: a leisurely breakfast, Christmas lunch together, a walk beside the Rance or even a trip to the beach.

With the towpath just outside, it’s easy to fit in some fresh air between cooking, eating and opening presents. 

With space for seven guests, there’s room to bring family or friends together for a Christmas away!

Between Christmas and New Year

We like these days for keeping plans flexible. Head into Dinan for a browse, take a walk along the river or make the most of a bright afternoon at the coast.

From Quai du Val, you can follow the towpath beside the Rance towards Dinan Port, or head in the other direction for a longer walk. It’s easy to get outside without having to organise a whole day out.

For a change of scenery, we enjoy heading to the coast around Dinard, Saint-Briac or Saint-Lunaire. A winter beach walk is well worth wrapping up for, especially with a stop for coffee or lunch afterwards.

We tend to work around the weather. A bright morning is a good excuse to get outside; a wet afternoon might mean a long lunch or some time back at the house with a book, a game or a film. There’s no need to fill every day, sometimes it’s simply nice to have time for the things you don’t get round to at home.

New Year in Brittany: Celebrations and Dinard’s Sea Dip!

A meal together at the house, dinner out or a few days away with family and friends; there are plenty of ways to spend New Year here.

If you’re planning an evening out, book ahead and check menus and opening times. For organised celebrations, look at the local programme closer to your stay.

For something a little more bracing, Dinard’s famous annual festive sea dip brings crowds to the beach, with brave swimmers heading into the winter sea, many in fancy dress! That’s what you can see in our photograph. 

This year’s dip takes place on Thursday 31 December 2026 at Plage de l’Écluse, with a warm-up at 2.30 pm before everyone heads into the sea at 3 pm. Whether you’re joining in or staying firmly wrapped up on the shore, it’s a lively way to round off the year!