Dinan
Dinan and the Rance Valley
Surrounded by almost 3km of ramparts, the charming medieval town of Dinan and its 14th century castle proudly dominate the River Rance. The town has no less than 71 listed buildings ! Among them figure the 47m high Tour de l’Horloge which overlooks the whole town, the Basilica of St Sauveur, Couvent des Cordeliers and not least, the 600 year old castle also known as the Tour Palais des Ducs de Bretagne. In addition, the marina at Dinan has 12 restaurants ! The famous Rue du Jerzual hill leads down to the lower town and delightful, bustling harbour and marina where you can board a boat for a lovely river cruise along the winding Rance estuary, the ancient transport route from Normandy to Brest. Another great way to discover the town is at the huge Thursday morning market which is held on the Place Duguesclin and the Place du Champs Clos or at the daily indoor market in the town centre. The town has something for everyone, so come with your partner, family or friends. You can even immerse yourself totally in the Middle Ages for a weekend as every 2 years in the middle of July, the town returns to its medieval roots with shows, displays, taverns, tournaments, stalls and entertainment. And admission is free if you come in period costume !
Dinan, a life-size history book
Go right back to medieval times as you walk along the steep Rue du Jerzual whose half-timbered houses with pointed gables would have been teeming with weavers, tanners, etc. from 14th to 18th century. Today the street has craft workshops where you can watch glass-blowers and gilders at work. Carry on to the Place des Cordeliers and Place des Merciers which have half-timbered houses typical of Dinan in a mix of styles from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Not far from there, the 12th century Basilica of Saint-Sauveur combines Byzantine, Persian and Romanesque influences and is characterised by the fact that it is asymmetrical and unfinished. The heart of illustrious local knight Bertrand Du Guesclin, who freed Normandy and then Brittany during the hundred Years’ War, is buried in the basilica. But another person made the town really famous – Anne de Bretagne withdrew there in the 15th century after the death of her husband, King Charles VIII. Dinan – seat of stars!
Along the Rance
Starting from Dinan harbour, the banks of the Rance are a truly superb setting for a walk. Spend some time in the charming, traditional village of Léhon, 1.5km to the south, whose historic remains recall the important position it held in medieval times. Its Benedictine Abbey has preserved its cloister and all of the convent buildings; its castle up on the hill overlooks the bridge over the Rance. These wonderful heritage buildings along with the houses in the historic village centre attract visitors all year round. Further to the north, walk along the estuary to the village of Taden which features many well-preserved old dwellings and a pretty 16th century manor house. You can continue the walk along the old towpath. The west bank of the estuary is a series of pretty little harbours, mills and ‘Malouinières’ (country houses built by ship owners or privateers) from Saint-Samson through Plouër, Langrolay, Le Minihic and La Richardais.
Straddling Côtes d’Armor and Ille et Vilaine, the Rance Valley is crossed by a succession of bridges, viaducts and locks with plenty to see and do. Madame Le Both who owns a B&B in Plouër sur Rance suggests : « You can discover the Rance Valley between Dinan and Dinard on foot along the GR34, by bike along the traffic-free ‘greenway’ from Dinard, … in total the area has a network of more than 300km of trails and routes and it is possible to go as far as Nantes along the canals. There are numerous often unexpected views of the Rance Estuary, one of the most beautiful in France. ». Of course, the Emerald Coast between Dinard and Cap Fréhel has many treasures to discover too.
How to get to Dinan
There are many ways to reach Dinan from both upstream and downstream : the ferry terminal at Saint-Malo, the railway station at Dinan and the RN176 main road which leads to Dinan and the Rance."
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