Description:

The area was first officially settled in the 9th century by monks and was later named after the Dinan family who took over the area around the 10th century.

Dinan is a medieval delight  with well preserved stone ramparts and walls which enclose a unique 11th century town centre.  Dinan is well known throughout France as a place of art and history.

Dinan is a Sub Prefecture (sous prefet) of Saint Brieuc.

Dinan, with its historic buildings and half timbered houses, 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 is in department Cotes d'Armor in East Brittany to the south of Saint Malo and north of Rennes.

Dinan is set on a hillside overlooking the river Rance and covers an area of 3.98km2.  The part of Dinan situated directly on the left bank of the Rance is known as the Port of Dinan and is connected to the old town, built on the hill, by the steep Rue Jerzual.

Thursday is market day in the main square of Dinan.  Here you can find traditional Breton fare alongside food, clothes and book stalls.   For any other groceries there is a Monoprix Supermarket.

Dinan also has lots of shops for every taste - for modern clothes and essentials try 'La Grand Rue' or for a more traditional atmosphere 'La Rue du Jersual' is home to art and handcraft shops.

Dinan has all the facilities and services you can expect from a large town including schools, dentists, doctors, a hospital and a good transport system.

For entertainment the centre of Dinan is filled with over 50 lively bars, cafes and restaurants or alternatively you could visit the town theatre, the cinema or one of the two swimming pools.

The city is a treasure trove of medieval architecture with almost 3 km of ramparts, 12 towers, statues, churches, squares, gateways and gardens.   Although it is best explored on foot there is a tourist train which visits many of the main sights.  Alternatively the old port can be explored on a tour boat 'Vedette Jamam IV'.

Climb the 158 steps of the 15th century 'La Tour de l’Horloge', one of the most important monuments in Dinan, which offers an amazing panoramic view of the town and the 'Vallée de la Rance'.  The current record is 3 minutes and 47 seconds!

Dinan's Chateau, the 'Tour du Coetquen', is the town castle complete with a watchtower terrace with amazing views.  The castle holds a small museum of the town and has medieval tombs in the basement.

The 'Rue du Petite Fort' is a fantastic example of architectural conservation.  The rue is a lane which drops 300ft and is 750m long from the old town to the old port.  Fortunately there are lots of cafes at the bottom for a scenic drink!

Dinan hosts 3 main festivals throughout the year.  The 'Festival de Harpe Celtique' is held in July and sees players from all over the world meet for concerts and masterclasses.  The 'Fete de la Pomme', held in November, celebrates everything to do with apples, featuring over 600 varieties and has lots of entertainment whether you are a professional apple grower or an interested visitor.

Dinan is home to probably the largest celebration of medieval culture in Europe, and includes exhibitions of jousting, drama, dance, music and ancient crafts - 'Fete des Remparts'.  The Fete is held every 2 years and is next on this July!  The highlight of the weekend is a jousting competition and a parade of all the costumed participants through the town.  This is an event not to be missed!

Worth a visit:

• Visit the art deco railway station which has its own railway museum.
• Have a look at 'The Governor’s Tower', a 15th Century artillery tower with 8 meter thick walls.
• Walk along the soil ramperts of the 'La Promenade des Petits Fosses', which stretches from the 'L’Hotel de Ville' to the 'Donjon'.
• Stroll through the beautiful 'Le Jardin Anglais' which was open in 1852 on the ancient parish cemetery.
• Admire the medieval timber framed houses on the 'Place des Merciers' (the Haberdashers Square).
• Saint Malo church is a great fusion of gothic and renaissance styles with beautiful modern stain glassed windows.
• Visit the 'Basilique St-Sauveur', a religious Site where the 'Heart of Bertrand Du Guesclin', who saved the town in a battle against the English,  is buried.

There are lots of sports on offer in the Dinan region.  In particular Golf, Horseriding and Biking can be enjoyed alongside Canoeing in the Rance river.