The only road crossing between Dinard and Saint-Malo, Rance Barrage is also, more importantly, a tidal power station. Discover the world of hydroelectric energy that lies beneath the wheels of your car…
Electricity from the tides
The power of the tides has long been used by the inhabitants of the banks of the Rance. Some old tide mills are still visible, even if they are no longer in operation.
Rance Tidal Power Station operates on the same model as these tide mills and it was at the end of the 19th century that the project was born.
Today, it generates the equivalent annual consumption of the Rennes conurbation per day.
Entry point to the Rance estuary
The sea on one side of the barrage and the Rance on the other prove two exceptional views. On the sea side, the Dinard villas of the Pointe de la Vicomté headland can be seen to the west, while to the east, Saint-Malo and its Solidor Tower can be seen in the Saint-Servan district. Take the pedestrian crossing to get to the two communes via the customs path.
Did you know that 20,000 boats pass through the lock every year?
On the River Rance side, the Pointe de Cancaval headland can be seen on the left bank, with the shipyards of Minihic-sur-Rance behind it. On the right bank, you can see the fishing port of Saint-Suliac and its pretty stone houses.
Heading up the estuary, you will arrive at the port of the medieval town of Dinan.
Croisières Chateaubriand
In a tour of Rance, enter the heart of the Emerald Coast and let yourself be guided to discover a real inland sea, a link between the countries of Saint-Malo and Dinan.
A unique construction in France to visit
Built in the 1960s, Rance Tidal Power Station was the first of its kind in the world. To understand how it works, the Discovery Space is open to the public. A fun discovery trail with a view of the engine room and guided tours are offered free of charge to visitors.