Dinan is approximately 35km south from St Malo and with only a 40-minute drive, it is the perfect city for a day trip. Dinan is arguably one of the most attractive cities in Brittany with its gorgeous 3km long ramparts, cobbled-filled streets and unique art galleries and craft shops. The port is where you’ll arrive if you are travelling by sea and provides the perfect scenery to welcome you in with its stunning old stone buildings, now holding rustic restaurants and bars.
1. Port de 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.
2. Le Centre Historique
Le Centre Historique is an area of the city that still has architecture from the 1800’s, full of 19th century character and some of the buildings even have a slight lean inwards, creating a magical and gothic feel. In some of the smaller streets you’ll find unique artisan shops selling souvenirs and authentic gifts for you to remember your visit. Although Dinan is popular with tourists due to its stunning sights and architecture, there is a consistent calm ambience around the historical area with a slower and gentler pace so you will be able to feel relaxed and content with taking your time around the city.
3. Les Ramparts de Dinan
The Ramparts of Dinan were erected in the 13th century when the city became a Duchy, however, the walls underwent continual improvement until the 16th 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.
4. Explore the Rue de Jerzul and the Rue de Petit Fort
The Rue de Jerzul and the Rue de Petit Fort are the steep streets that lead down to the bridge and the river. The streets have been there from at least the 12th century, and boast beautiful art galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Expect to see gorgeous old buildings, quaint cobbled paths and unique architecture that really separates these streets out from the rest. Once you’ve wondered down the Rue de Petit Fort to the river, you can enjoy a delicious crepe from the Creperie du Port and enjoy the spectacular views of the Rance.
5. Basilique St Sauveur
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.
6. Chateau de la Hunaudaye
The Chateau de la Hunaudaye lies to the west of Dinan and makes for a fantastic day out with activities to do for the whole family. Built around 1220 by Olivier Tournemine, the Chateau protected the eastern border of Penthièvreduring from conflicts with Le Poudouvre. The castle was destroyed in 1341 during the Breton War of Succession and rebuilt in the 15th century to the buildings you can explore today including a drawbridge, 5 towers and their defenses, an inner courtyard and examples of the original living areas such as the kitchens, cellars, communal oven and the state room.
7. La Tour de L’Horoge
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.
8. Château-Musée de Dinan
The museum showcasing the city’s extraordinary past is currently in the keep of the ruined 14th century chateau. The château has fantastic views of the river, the city and surrounding countryside. The keep is made out of two tall circular towers, a moat and a drawbridge separating the keep from the outside ramparts. Inside the château you’ll find exhibitions detailing the city’s fascinating history across the floors, with stunning views to admire from all angles.
9. La Grande Vigne
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.
10. Enjoy a gourmet French dinner at La Courtine
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.
10. Enjoy a gourmet French dinner at La Courtine
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.
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