Things to do in Dinan

The Port de Dinan is the name given to the part of the city that surrounds the Rance River and is connected to the city by the steep streets of the Rue Jerzual and the Rue de Petit Fort. The port has often been noted as one of the most beautiful parts of the city with its gorgeous cobbled stone buildings, stunning views over the Rance River and an abundance of unique French restaurants and bars to explore and sample the fine local cuisine.

The Ramparts of Dinan were erected in the 13^th century when the city became a Duchy, however, the walls underwent continual improvement until the 16^th century during the Wars of Religion when its uses became redundant. The walk around the ramparts (promenade des Petits Fossés) is a great way to see the city, and the ramparts themselves are listed as historical monuments. The ramparts are 2700m long and include 14 guard towers (only 10 of which are left), 4 large gates and a castle that once protected the medieval citadel which is spread over 30 hectares.

The St-Sauveur Basilica of Dinan is a Roman Catholic church located in the city. It is historically one of the two parish churches in the Dinan, the other being the St-Malo church. The church can be quite hard to find as the bell tower is not easy to observe from the narrow streets around it, however, once you do find it, you will be amazed by its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The church contains a 14th-century gravestone rumored to contain the heart of Bertrand du Guesclin, a 14th-century knight known for his hatred of the English.

The Tour de L’Horoge is a tour up to the clock tower balcony, where you can listen to the chimes that ring every quarter of an hour whilst looking down on the beautiful city. There are a lot of steps to the top, but the effort is worth it with stunning views and the glorious internal architecture of the building. You can break up your climb with an informative film shown halfway up the stairwell about the history of the tower. As well as enjoy the clock tower balcony, you’ll also see the old German clock at the base of the tower which is no longer in use but still beautiful to behold. 

La Grande Vigne in Dinan was the home and inspiration of the painter, Yvonne Jean-Haffen. Jean-Haffen moved into the house in 1930 and used it as a studio to practice her art and ceramic work. Upon Jean-Haffen’s death, the building was passed on to the city of Dinan and is now open to the public for visitors to see first-hand the background and inspiration behind her great works of art. It is the perfect place for art lovers to gain inspiration in the beautiful city of Dinan.

La Courtine is a snug bistro just down the street from the church on the Grand Rue. The beautiful building has a rustic feel with wooden beams and stone walls with an authentic French menu creating a truly magical dining experience. The menu is small, but you can be assured that each dish has been uniquely put together using fresh local ingredients. There is a great drinks selection to accompany your meal, making the most out of the delicious French wines, ciders and spirits.