Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Medieval town · Saint-Malo, Bretanha
Dinan
Walled medieval town about 30 km from Saint-Malo, on a hill above the river Rance, with ramparts, a castle and more than a hundred half-timbered houses.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Dinan
Dinan is about 30 km south of Saint-Malo, on a hill that overlooks the river Rance at 75 metres above it. For centuries it had the northernmost bridge to cross the river, which made it a transit point between Normandy and the northern Brittany coast.
The town is surrounded by ramparts and was defended by a castle. Inside them there are more than a hundred half-timbered houses, many with upper floors jutting out over the street.
The Rue du Jerzual and the Rue du Petit-Fort slope down on cobbles from the centre to the river port on the Rance, with artisan workshops along the way.
At the port, the old bridge and the waterside cafés close the visit. The climb back up is steep.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day.
Best time
From April to October, when days are longer. Summer weekends get busy.
How to get there
By car, about 30 km from Saint-Malo. By train there are connections with a change; there are also regional buses. Check the timetables.
Tip
Walk down to the port via Rue du Jerzual and, if you don't want to climb back up, check whether there's transport between the port and the town centre.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Dinan
Is it worth going to Dinan from Saint-Malo?
Yes, for those who want to see a well-preserved walled medieval town; it can be done in half a day.
How to get there without a car?
There is a train with a change and regional buses. Check the timetables before you go.
What not to miss?
The ramparts, the half-timbered houses and the slope of Rue du Jerzual down to the port on the banks of the Rance.