The Most Elegant Weekend in France
My Experience at Dinard Élégance
There’s something about the French coast that already feels like a movie set. Add vintage Rolls Royces, concours-level Aston Martins, and impeccably dressed owners, and it turns into a full-on time capsule.
That’s exactly what Dinard Élégance felt like: a weekend where style and automotive history collided on the Breton coast.
This year was my first time attending, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But from the moment I arrived at Le Grand Hôtel, it was clear this isn’t just a car show. Dinard Élégance is a celebration of eras, elegance, and the deep connection between people and their machines.
A Scenic Start: Tour d’Élégance
The weekend kicked off with the Tour d’Élégance, where the participating classic cars set off for a scenic drive around the Dinard region. There’s something special about seeing these machines out on the road, driven the way they were meant to be. And we’re not the only ones enjoying it - as we’re driving we cross paths with many enthusiasts and people appreciating the cars, waving and saying hello.
We stopped for a lunch break at the Domaine du Montmarin, a stunning estate nestled in the countryside. The atmosphere felt straight out of a period film, with the vintage cars lined up on the grass and gravel courtyard, guests enjoying champagne and scallops with a seaside view. The kind of moment that captures why events like this are about so much more than cars.
The Promenade Showcase
Back in Dinard, the beach promenade became an outdoor museum. The cars were displayed in the open for locals and visitors to admire (all for free!), set against the backdrop of the sea.
There was something incredible about seeing the mix of car enthusiasts and curious beachgoers wandering among the line-up, it just goes to show how this is really an event open to anyone and everyone.
Some standout favorites included:
Lancia Flaminia Sport Zagato 1960
Ferrari Rainbow Bertone 1976
Rolls Royce Phantom I Open Tourer Barker 1928
The Concours Starts
As we go into the evening, this is when the Concours showcase actually starts.
The concours isn’t judged on the cars alone, it’s also about how they’re presented. Owners and passengers dress in period-correct outfits, adding a theatrical flair to the event. It’s all part of the storytelling, and honestly, it makes the experience that much more immersive.
Final Day & Prize Giving
Sunday wrapped up with a day in the park, another opportunity for anyone to come see the cars, and the final prize-giving ceremony where the class winners were announced.
Beyond the awards, what stood out was the sense of community. These events bring together people from all over Europe and beyond - collectors, restorers, designers, photographers - all united by a shared appreciation for automotive history and design.
Final Thoughts
Dinard Élégance isn't the biggest event on the concours calendar, but that’s part of its magic. It’s intimate, cinematic, and beautifully French in the best way possible. If you ever get the chance, you won’t want to miss it.
Practical Info:
Dinard Élégance happens every 2 years
It is all free and open to the public to view the cars and showcase
Thank you again to the organizers for such a warm welcome and unforgettable experience.
Can’t wait to be back for the next edition.
Discover all about Paris car culture and all the best spots to visit as a car enthusiast
About
Are you new here? Join our community of motorsport fans and happy readers and subscribe to the Track Fanatics Newsletter. You will receive top tips and ideas for traveling as a motorsport fan straight to your inbox.
I’m Kalina, an automotive and lifestyle content creator, passionate about all things cars. I’m here to share all the best things to discover and experience as a car enthusiast across the world.
Track Fanatics is a community dedicated to providing travel tips, engaging content, and inspiring stories in the automotive world.
If you liked this article then you may also like:
Top Automotive Events to Attend in 2025
The Ultimate Guide to Car Museums Across the Globe
* In this article you may find affiliate links, which support me at no extra cost to you. This was a gifted event invite and hotel stay, but these are all my own honest opinions *