MEDIEVAL MAGIC & OYSTER TASTING IN ONE DAY
Make the most of your Saint-Malo port call with this exclusive private shore excursion combining two of Brittany's greatest treasures. Experience medieval perfection in Dinan and culinary paradise in Cancale - all while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with our guaranteed timely ship return.
Your certified bilingual driver-guide meets you directly at your ship's gangway with personalized welcome. No confusion, no searching, no stress. Within moments, you're exploring authentic Breton heritage at your own perfect pace.
Tour Highlights:
Dinan - Medieval Perfection
Step into arguably France's most beautifully preserved medieval town. Walk 13th-century ramparts, descend the legendary cobbled Rue du Jerzual lined with half-timbered houses, discover artisan workshops, and explore the stunning Basilica of Saint-Sauveur. This isn't reconstructed history - it's the real medieval France.
Cancale - Oyster Capital
Discover why Cancale's oysters have graced royal tables since Louis XIV. Walk the atmospheric working port, taste fresh oysters at the famous oyster market with Mont Saint-Michel visible across the bay, and explore charming maritime streets. This is authentic Breton gastronomy at its finest.
Guaranteed Ship Return
Your peace of mind is our absolute priority. We monitor ship schedules in real-time and guarantee your return 60-90 minutes before all-aboard time. In 17 years of cruise excursions, we've never missed a ship departure. Never. Your guide stays until you're safely back aboard.
What's Included:
- Port pickup directly at ship's gangway with welcome sign
- Private luxury transportation with certified bilingual driver-guide
- Expert commentary on Breton history, culture, and gastronomy
- Guided exploration of Dinan's medieval streets and monuments
- Visit to Cancale oyster market and coastal viewpoints
- Flexible itinerary adapted to your interests and ship schedule
- Restaurant recommendations and reservation assistance
- All parking fees and site access
- Real-time ship schedule monitoring and guaranteed timely return
- Complimentary bottled water throughout the day
Why Choose Bellidays for Shore Excursions:
- 17+ years expertise in cruise shore excursions
- 100% on-time ship return record - Never missed a departure
- Atout France certified professional guides with deep local knowledge
- Private tours only - No crowded buses, complete flexibility
- Multilingual services (English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese)
- Personalized attention and authentic local experiences
Sample Full-Day Itinerary (7-8 hours)
This flexible schedule is customized to your ship's departure time and your specific interests. We adapt timing to ensure maximum enjoyment while guaranteeing safe, stress-free return.
- Port Arrival
Welcome at Ship's Gangway
Your guide meets you with personalized welcome sign directly at your ship. Quick introduction, comfortable vehicle boarding, and briefing on your perfect Breton day. No searching, no confusion - just seamless start to your adventure.
- 30 minutes
Scenic Drive to Dinan
Picturesque drive through Brittany countryside with your guide sharing stories of regional history and culture. Arrive at one of France's most beautiful medieval towns.
- 2-2.5 hours
Dinan Medieval Exploration
Walk 13th-century ramparts with breathtaking views over Rance Valley. Descend legendary Rue du Jerzual - spectacular cobbled street lined with half-timbered houses and artisan workshops. Visit Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, explore Place des Merciers with gravity-defying timber houses, discover hidden medieval details. Optional visit to charming Rance port if time permits.
- 30 minutes
Coastal Drive to Cancale
Spectacular journey along the Emerald Coast. Dramatic cliffs meet turquoise waters, charming fishing villages dot the landscape. Your guide shares Breton maritime culture stories while you enjoy endless Atlantic views.
- 1.5-2 hours
Cancale - Oyster Capital
Walk the atmospheric working port where fishing boats unload daily catches. Visit famous oyster market on the pier - taste fresh oysters just opened, with Mont Saint-Michel shimmering on horizon. Your guide explains Cancale's unique position creating world-class oysters. Walk coastal path (GR34) to panoramic viewpoints. Visit Church of Saint-Méen with maritime ex-votos. Explore village streets with seafood restaurants and artisan shops.
- 60-90 minutes
Lunch (Optional)
Choose your perfect dining experience: waterfront seafood restaurant with bay views, traditional crêperie with authentic galettes, casual oyster bar, or gourmet bistro. Your guide recommends best options and handles reservations.
- 30 minutes
Return to Ship
Relaxed drive back to Saint-Malo port. Your guide times return perfectly - you're back at ship 60-90 minutes before all-aboard time. Guide stays until you're safely aboard. Zero stress, maximum memories.
Half-Day Options (4-6 hours)
For shorter port calls or afternoon departures, we offer focused half-day excursions:
- Medieval Focus: Extended Dinan exploration with brief photo stop at Cancale viewpoint
- Culinary Focus: Brief Dinan highlights, extended Cancale with oyster tasting and coastal walk
- Balanced Express: Highlights of both destinations at comfortable pace
Contact us with your ship schedule, and we'll design the perfect itinerary.
Enhance Your Shore Excursion
Customize your experience with these optional enhancements (subject to ship schedule timing):
Oyster Farm Behind-the-Scenes Visit
Meet local oyster farmers, learn cultivation techniques, taste different varieties straight from the source. Discover why Cancale oysters are world-famous. +1-1.5 hours
Extended Oyster Tasting with Wine Pairing
Comparative tasting of multiple oyster varieties (creuses vs. plates) with expert commentary and Muscadet wine pairing. Seated at premium location with bay views.
Coastal Path Extended Walk
Longer walk on famous GR34 coastal path with spectacular cliff and ocean views. Perfect for active travelers and photographers. +30-45 minutes
Artisan Workshop Visits
Meet master craftspeople in Dinan - potters, weavers, glass-blowers keeping centuries-old traditions alive. Watch them work and discover authentic techniques.
Crêpe-Making Demonstration
Learn authentic Breton crêpe-making techniques with tasting. Discover the difference between sweet crêpes and savory galettes. Advance booking required
Photography-Focused Tour
Slower pace with extra stops at most photogenic locations in both medieval and coastal settings. Your guide knows the best angles and lighting times.
Combine with Other Destinations
For extended port calls (10+ hours), consider adding:
- Mont Saint-Michel excursion (UNESCO island abbey)
- Saint-Malo walled city guided tour
- Additional coastal villages and viewpoints
Contact us for custom multi-destination itineraries based on your ship schedule.
Exceptional (Based on 43 cruise passenger reviews)
Cruise passengers consistently praise our guaranteed ship return, personalized attention, and the perfect combination of medieval history and culinary experiences.
GALLERY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CRUISE PASSENGER INFORMATION
Common questions about our Dinan & Cancale shore excursions. Have other concerns? Contact us!
DISCOVER MORE
OTHER SHORE EXCURSIONS FROM SAINT-MALO
Explore more of Brittany and Normandy with our curated private shore excursions
Mont Saint-Michel Shore Excursion
Experience France's iconic island abbey with guaranteed ship return. Private certified driver-guide from cruise port.
Saint-Malo Walled City Walking Tour
Discover the corsair city's maritime history, ramparts, and hidden gems with certified local guide.
D-Day Beaches Shore Excursion
Moving WWII history journey - Omaha Beach, American Cemetery, Pointe du Hoc. Guaranteed ship return.
READY TO DISCOVER MEDIEVAL MAGIC & CULINARY PARADISE?
BOOK YOUR DINAN & CANCALE SHORE EXCURSION
Limited availability - Reserve your personalized cruise shore excursion today with guaranteed ship return
Questions? Contact us at bonjour@bellidays.com or via WhatsApp
Guest Reviews
Patricia & James
October 2024 - Cruise Celebrity Eclipse"As oyster lovers, this tour was a dream come true. Standing at the Cancale market tasting oysters just pulled from the water, with Mont Saint-Michel visible in the distance - unforgettable! Dinan was perfect medieval beauty. Belinda's knowledge and her connections with local producers made it so much more than just tasting. Never worried about missing our ship - she had us back with plenty of time."
Helen & Richard
September 2024 - Cruise Norwegian Star"After 15 cruises, we thought we'd seen every shore excursion format. This was different. The personal attention, flexibility to linger where we wanted, insider knowledge that brought everything alive - felt like exploring with a knowledgeable friend. Changed plans mid-day to spend more time tasting oysters, and our guide adjusted everything seamlessly. Professional, reliable, unforgettable."
Marco
August 2024 - Cruise MSC Preziosa"I'm a professional photographer, and this tour gave me everything I dreamed of. Dinan's medieval streets at perfect morning light, coastal views from Cancale, tide pools at low tide - our guide understood exactly what I needed and timed everything beautifully. She even knew hidden angles tourists never see. My portfolio has never looked better. Plus zero stress about ship departure time!"