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Dinan
Dinan is in the eastern part of Brittany, south of St Malo and Dinard and north of Rennes.
Dinan is a very impressive walled town, a highlight of a visit to Brittany, and is set on a hillside overlooking the river Rance.
The ramparts surrounding the town are more or less intact, and cover almost three kilometres. Although there is only one small section where you can walk on the ramparts themselves, you can often follow next to the ramparts enjoying the views - through the Promenade des Grand Fosses or along the promenade de la Duchesse Anne for example.
The extensive historical centre of Dinan, radiating out around Place des Merciers and Place Saint Sauveur, is a very nice place just to wander around, stopping off for the occasional traditional crepe (pancake) of course. As you amble through the medieval heart of the town admiring the ancient half-timbered houses you will come across various places of interest:
- Dinan Chateau, part of the ramparts that surround the town, in the 'donjon' ('keep' or 'dungeon'). Built in 1384, it now houses the town museum and is to the south of Dinan centre.
- The Saint Malo church, in a mix of renaissance and gothic styles, has some interesting modern stained glass windows
- Basilique Saint-Sauveur is an 'interesting' mix of roman and gothic styles, worth a visit
- Tour de l'horloge - a 15th century clock tower with great views across the town
- be sure to follow rue du Jerzual (and on into Rue du petit-Fort) down the hill from the north-east of Dinan to the port for more attractive houses and quayside buildings, and to cross over the bridge for a good view as you turn and look back at the town
Dinan is listed as a 'ville et pays d'art et d'histoire' - essentially reserved for towns that demonstrate they are trying to make the most of their setting, attractiveness and architecture.
Dinan: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
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Plan a visit to Dinan, France
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Map of Dinan, France |
Places to visit - Dinan
- Combourg Town and castle
- Dinard Coastal town
- Dol-de-Bretagne Town, Brittany
- Cancale Town
- Saint-Malo Important port town
- Plancoet Town
- Emerald Coast Brittany coastal region
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos
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