Enjoy in the delightful town of Dinan travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

Dinan is a most attractive walled towns in France, 75 m above the river Rance. Dinan is a magical, sometimes mystical, well restored, well preserved, walled medieval town, complete with imposing ramparts, towers and a Castle. It’s full of art, history and wonderful buildings - so allow at least a full days visit or even better, stay overnight and enjoy some of its many restaurants, bars and cafes. A beautiful half timbered 15th century house ideally situated in the breath-taking rue du Petit Fort. This delightful, cobbled, traffic-free street is regarded by many as the most picturesque in all of Dinan. It links the old port with the heart of the captivating medieval town. The house is full of character with beams and a large ancient fireplace.

The old town is most atmospheric, crammed full of half timbered buildings dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, with cobbled rambling streets all carefully restored and preserved. Interspersed throughout the old town are numerous individually owned cafes, bars, restaurants and the colourful shops of butchers, bakers and today scented candle-makers. The shops of florists, artisans, craftsmen and weavers mingle with the ubiquitous gift and post card shops that thrive in any town that is a magnet to tourists. Old world charm is everywhere. Picturesque 15th and 16th century half-timbered houses with their pointed gables and wooden porches line cobbled streets, while a 14th century castle and ramparts that completely encircle the town state clearly that this was once a major military stronghold. A museum housed within the castle keep offers a fascinating insight into some of this local history. The Governor’s House is a delightful late 15th Century house with three half timbered sides built on a granite base to protect the floors from damp. It covers 140 square metres however; the internal tour only covers two of its four floors and is not worth expending even the two Euros to see.
The wonderful Citadel of DINAN has preserved almost intact its three-kilometre encirclement of protective masonry, with street upon colourful street of late medieval houses within. Rue du Petite Fort is a truly impressive example of conservation and preservation. This lane descends steeply, dropping some 75 metres in its 750 metre length, from the old town to the picturesque River Rance and the old port of Dinan. The walk up and down is invigorating, scenic and very interesting and even more enjoyable when you envisage a cooling or warming drink waiting to be ordered at one of the many picturesque cafes at the bottom of the valley along the riverside and old port.

Dinan is a small but astonishing town concerning cultural activities : a five-room cinema, a well reputed theatre, several festivals and events all year round. (Fête des Remparts, harpe festival, festival of tales, Fest Noz…).
For those wanting to have fun and party, Dinan is ideal with one of Brittany’s most famous “Rue de la soif” (a street containing only bars) with it’s dozen of bars, eclectic by the decorating or by the music they play (drum n’bass, dub, reggae, ska, electro, jazz, rock, funk …).As soon as the sun comes out, the terraces invade this charming pedestrian street and evenings are alive and memorable!!!