A Proper Cold Winter’s Day in Dinard
The first Sunday of 2026 and the first brocante of the year in Dinard, it felt exactly like winter reminding us it’s still in charge. It was cold. Properly cold.
The kind of day where the weather keeps changing just to keep you on your toes. One minute bright blue sky and you’re thinking this isn’t too bad actually, the next minute icy sleet comes out of nowhere and you’re pulling your scarf right up over your chin. Gloves on, gloves off. Hood up, hood down. Then the sun reappears, as if nothing happened.
And yet… it was great to be there again.
04 January 2026
Wandering the Stalls at the First Dinard Brocante of the Year
That first brocante of the year always feels like a little milestone. Same streets, same familiar dealers, tables piled high with old plates, chipped bowls, glasses, random objects you can’t identify but feel oddly drawn to.
Cold hands digging through boxes, stopping every so often to warm them up again. Nobody lingering too long in one place, but nobody rushing off either.
Everyone was bundled up and slightly grumpy about the cold, but in a good way. The shared understanding kind. Yes, it’s freezing, but we’re glad we came.
Lunch Was Needed. Very Needed.
Eventually, we gave in and went in search of warmth. Lunch helped. A lot.
We stopped at Le Wilson, a friendly café-brasserie in Dinard, just a short walk from Plage de l’Écluse. It was our first time there and despite the cold outside it was already busy, which always feels reassuring.
The first experience of œufs cocotte did not disappoint and felt like a small winter victory. Warm, simple, comforting and exactly what was needed. The cafê was warm and welcoming with people chatting over lunch, that easy, convivial atmosphere that makes you relax straight away.
After a blustery morning wandering the brocante, it was exactly the right place to thaw out. We’ll definitely be back!
Before heading home, we squeezed in a quick walk along the beach. Not a long one.
The sea was restless, the sky already darkening again and the wind made it very clear this wasn’t the day for lingering. Still, it was beautiful in that wild, wintery way before the stormy skies rolled back in.
Cold, windswept, a bit damp... but completely worth it!
For anyone staying nearby, the Dinard brocante is on the first Sunday of every month, all year round. It’s an easy trip, about 30 minutes from Quai du Val and perfect for a slow wander, a bit of treasure hunting and maybe lunch by the sea afterwards.
Even in winter. Especially in winter, actually.
Getting to Dinard from Quai du Val
From Quai du Val in Léhon, it’s an easy drive of around 30 minutes (25 km) to reach Dinard, making it a simple and popular day trip.
Leave Léhon heading towards Dinan, then follow signs for Dinard / Saint-Malo (D168). Continue on the D168 until you reach Dinard, where you can follow local signs for the town centre or the seafront, depending on where you’d like to park.
For more inspiration and ideas on things to do in Brittany this month and next, take a look at our Seasons at Quai du Val blogs, or head back to our Itineraries & Days Out to check out more of our adventures!