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Dinan

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City
PlizioGo—°1096
Dinan (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Dinan

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the famous Rue du Jerzual features steep cobblestones.
  • Visit the market at Place du Champ Clos (usually Thursdays) to find great regional products.
  • A walk on the old city ramparts gives a fantastic view of the Rance valley.
  • Park outside the medieval walls; the streets in the center are often too narrow for cars.

🍽 Food

🍽
Kouign-Amann

Try this Breton butter cake at one of the traditional bakeries in the old town.

🍽
Galettes and Crêpes

Look for a crêperie around the port or on Rue du Petit Fort for authentic Breton pancakes.

🍽
Breton Cider

Order a bowl (bolée) of the local apple cider to accompany your meal.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local crafts

On Rue du Jerzual, you will find many small studios of glassblowers, sculptors, and painters.

🛍
Breton fashion

Buy a classic striped sailor shirt (Marinière) in the boutiques of the city center.

🧘
Le Jardin Anglais

A quiet park behind the Saint-Sauveur Basilica that gives a magnificent view over the river.

🧘
Chemin de halage

The old towpath along the Rance river is first-rate for a peaceful waterside walk.

Highlights of 2026

10

Dinan is widely considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Brittany, France. Perched 75 meters above the Rance River, the town's strategic location made it a vital military and commercial stronghold from the 11th century onwards. Its impressive ramparts, which encircle the old town for 2.7 kilometers, are among the most complete in northwestern France, featuring numerous towers and fortified gates. The heart of Dinan is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets lined with over 130 half-timbered houses dating back to the 15th through 17th centuries, showcasing the wealth accumulated through trade in cloth and leather. The town is famous for its association with Bertrand du Guesclin, the Constable of France during the Hundred Years' War, whose heart is buried in the local Basilica of Saint-Sauveur. Today, Dinan's economy is driven by high-end tourism and its reputation as a hub for artisans, including glassblowers and weavers. The steep Rue du Jerzual connects the hilltop citadel with the photogenic port below, which now serves as a leisure harbor and a gateway for scenic river cruises along the Rance valley.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C6681013161818161396
Rain mm716057455649505044778283

Live webcam – Dinan

See what it looks like near Dinan right now.

Trelivan · 3.9 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
12,237
Coordinates
48.45560, -2.05030

Facts

  • Elevation: 75 meters above the Rance River level
  • Ramparts: 2.7 kilometers of intact medieval defensive walls
  • Buildings: More than 130 timber-framed houses in the historic core
  • History: Birthplace of the legendary commander Bertrand du Guesclin
  • Tourism: Major destination with over half a million annual visitors
  • Access: Connected to Saint-Malo by river boat services

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Dinan (9)

Saint-Sauveur Basilica⛪ religious

An impressive religious building blending Romanesque and Gothic styles, notable for preserving the heart of the knight Bertrand du Guesclin.

Clock Tower🏺 historical

A symbolic 15th-century monument in the heart of the old town, providing a spectacular panoramic view of the historic district from its summit.

Barrage du Val🌿 nature

Barrage du Val is a lake located in Dinan, offering a peaceful setting for nature walks and enjoying the scenery.

Abbaye Saint-Magloire de Léhon⛪ religious

Abbaye Saint-Magloire de Léhon is a historic monastery located near Dinan.

Musée 39-45🏛 museum

Musée 39-45 in Dinan is a museum dedicated to the history of the Second World War.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:30💶

Ruines du Château de La Garaye🏰 castle

The Ruines du Château de La Garaye are the remains of an old castle near Dinan.

Ancien couvent des dominicaines⛪ religious

The Ancien couvent des dominicaines is a former Dominican convent located in Dinan.

La Maison de la Rance🏛 museum

La Maison de la Rance is a museum in Dinan focused on the natural and cultural heritage of the Rance valley.

Château de Dinan🏛 museum

The Château de Dinan is a 14th-century castle that currently serves as a museum.

Frequently asked questions

How much time should be planned for Dinan?
A full day is enough to explore the medieval old town, the ramparts, and the photogenic port on the Rance.
Which is the most famous street in Dinan?
The Rue du Jerzual is a steep, cobblestoned street with half-timbered houses and many artisan shops.
Can you walk on the ramparts?
Yes, nearly 3 kilometers of the old ramparts are walkable, offering fantastic views of the city and countryside.
What should you eat in Dinan?
Be sure to try Breton galettes (savory buckwheat pancakes) and local cider at the port.
Where can you park in Dinan?
Place Duguesclin provides large parking areas right at the edge of the historic center.
Dinan: where is it located?
Dinan is located in Bretagne, France.
Dinan: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Sauveur Basilica, Clock Tower, Barrage du Val.
Dinan: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Dinan: why is it worth visiting?
Dinan is widely considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Brittany, France.
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