Enclosed by nearly three kilometres of ramparts, the town of Dinan and its 14th-century castle proudly overlook the Rance river. Below, the small marina is the starting point for some lovely walks along the estuary, while above, corbelled houses complete the tour of this town with medieval charm.
A charming medieval city between the land and the sea
- For centuries, THIS is where Dinan’s people lived and worked, and today it’s a great place for a riverside drink or meal. But the best thing about IT is the access it provides to lush riverside paths that amble along the gentle Rance River Valley.
2. THIS 15th century house consists of two buildings, each of four fl0ors. The groundfloor is divided into three rooms: kitchen, store, and a large warehouse. In each room there is a granite fireplace, a sink, dresser, and cupboards.
3. A gatehouse is mentioned in historical texts dating to 1123, with the current gatehouse being built in the first part of the fourteenth century. A single tower 15 meters high, IT defends access to the town from the port. From the mid fourteenth century the defense was reinforced with a drawbridge.
4. Mentioned as early as 1123, IT links the port to the upper part of the city. Lined with many half-timbered houses, THIS astonishing cobbled street was until the late eighteenth century the main axis to cross the city in spite of the steep slope. It leads downhill at a steep angle all the way to the old bridge and the river, to become rue du Petit Fort as it approaches the water. These are two of the best-preserved streets in Brittany, lined with art galleries, antiques shops and restaurants.
5. Previously called the Duchess Ann Walk, IT was opened to the public in 1853. Under the conventions of the time, exotic trees were mixed with native species in an elegant pattern. Refined through the years, the garden has several outstanding tress such as an impressive gingko biloba.
6. From the end of 14th century, the council of burgesses controlled the town. The increase in power and status clearly called for the construction of a landmark building. With a heitght of 43 metres, IT was the town hall of the municipality up to the French Revolution. The upper platform was a watchtower.
7. It should be the start of this CITINERARY, just that Dinan is full of treasures… IT is a great place to learn about Dinan’s history, the
8. IT is nearly 1000 years old and is one of the earliest castles, due to the fact that it appeared in the Bayeux Tapestry. IT was listed for protection as a monument historique in 1886. The Duke of Mercœur was governor of Dinan. During this period, the city was one of his main stringholds. The keep, separated from the rest of fortifications, was linked with the Coetquen Tower and the Guichet Gate to create a massive fortress. The Guichet Gate was then walled and reopened only in 1932.
9. Masters of Dinan from the 1280s, the Dukes of Brittany transformed the city into a veritable fortress. Built in the first third of the fourteenth century, THIS tower was the first fortification in the city. Designed to defend the walls, the structure is equipped with many arrow slits, or loopholes.
ANSWERS
- The Old Port
- La Maison du Guverneur
- La Porte du Jerzual
- Rue du Jerzual & rue du Petit Fort
- Jardin Anglais
- La Tour de l’Horloge
- Dinan-Cap Fréhel Tourisme – Bureau de Dinan
- Château de Dinan
- La Tour Beaufort
MAP
SOURCES & RESOURCES
- Brittany’s Dinan by Rick Steves
- Dinan: A Treasure in Brittany
- Dinan – Les remparts de Dinan
- Dinan, medieval city but not only…
- Explore Dinan in 10 Remarkable Landmarks
- Le château de Dinan – Ville d’Art et d’Histoire
- What to do in DINAN
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