Dinan - in Brittany

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With its old centre protected behind historic ramparts on a hill 75 metres above the River Rance,  Dinan is one of Brittany's prettiest small towns, known for its well-preserved architecture. 

As a naturally defensive location beside a river valley offering access to central Brittany,  the hill upon which old Dinan stands has been occupied since antiquity. The site was besieged by the Normans in the eleventh century, in an event that is portrayed on the historic Bayeux Tapestry. The fortifications that date back to the early fourteenth century enclose the old town, with its cobbled streets and many half-timbered houses, and the impressive Château de Dinan, a symbol of the town's historic importance.

Back in 1985, Dinan was one of the first four towns in France to be classed as an Art and History town. The heart of the town is the Place des Merciers, with its small shops and and cafés. Other monuments to visit in the old town in include the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, with its 12th century Romanesque carved portal, and the Flamboyant Gothic church of Saint Malo, dating from the 15th - 19th centuries, and the Clock tower. It's worth climbing the 73 steps to the top, for the all round views over old Dinan and the countryside beyond. The other unmissable monuments in old Dinan are the very impressive 14th - 16th century castle of the Dukes of Brittany (open April - September),  and  the 13th century ramparts. Over 2.6 kilometres in length, these are among the most impressive medieval city ramparts in France.

Over the centuries, the old town of Dinan spread out  beyond the ramparts, and notably in the direction of the river Rance, the town's gateway towards St. Malo and the sea. The direct way down from the old town to the picturesque port on the Rance is the cobbled rue du Jéruzal / rue du Fort, a steep pedestrianized street that is home to many arts and craft shops. The old port is a moorage point for pleasurecraft, and the point of departure for cruises on the river, to St. Malo and Dinard.
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• Out-door activities The area around Dinan boasts numerous marked hiking trails, ideal for exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Brittany region. Cycling routes and mountain biking circuits are also popular, catering to all levels of experience. Additionally, the nearby Rance River provides opportunities for kayaking and boating, with river cruises to and from St. Malo and Dinard
• St Malo - The famous walled city at the mouth of the Rance is a UNESCO world heritage site
  
• Dinard Opposite St. Malo, on the other side of the Rance, is a classic French seaside resort, and capital of the Emerald coast
• Cap Fréhel and Fort La Latte near Plévenon. A wild headland, with 70 metre high cliffs located on the Côte de Penthièvre in northern Brittany; with its fortress and lighthouse, it is a popular destination.
• Château and zoo of La Bourbonsais. One of the finest 16th - 18th century châteaux in Brittany, beautifully renovated. The zoo, covering 10 hectares, is involved in a number of international conservation programmes.
• The Rance tidal power station - the world's largest tidal power station, generating 240Mw of electricity. Opened in 1966, it is one of only two large tidal power stations in the world.  The Odyssélec visitor centre is free.

Further afield

• Mont Saint-Michel , about 90 km to the west, is a must-see. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most iconic landmarks in France, with its abbey perched atop a rocky island. It is a unique experience, especially when the tides make the island appear to rise dramatically from the sea.

•  By air   The nearest airports are  Rennes (50 minutes) and Nantes (2 hrs), with flights to/from other parts of France and Europe.
• By train Dinan can be reached by train from Paris Gare Montparnasse in about 3 hours - high-speed train to Rennes, then change to local train. From St.Malo, Dinan can be reached in about an hour by train, with a connection at Dol de Bretagne, or by bus in 38 minutes.
• By car  Dinan can be reached from the Channel ports via Caen and the A84 motorway. It is 5h30 rom Calais, 3 hours from Le Havre, and 2 hours from Ouistreham (Caen).
• By bike  Dinan is on French cycleways 3 and 42, which cross Brittany from the north coast at Saint Malo, to the south coast in the Morbihan area.