Dinan, France

The quaint little town of Dinan is one of the best preserved medieval villages in Brittany, famous for its half timbered medieval architecture and is a popular tourist destination. Dinan is surrounded by 1.6 miles of rampart (the longest in Brittany) and the city has about 130 half timbered houses.

Ideally situated on the banks of the River Rance, the town quickly prospered thanks to its dual advantages: the port of Dinan established early trade links with England and Flanders, while the "vieux-pont" (old bridge) became the only land passage to the estuary, generating tolls and profits

The old town is full of half timbered houses.

The old town is very well preserved after escaping the bombs of WWII.

It feels like walking back in time surrounded by old buildings.

Lots of coffee shops and creperies.

Entrance to Gothic porch of the Franciscan Monastery (Le Couvent des Cordeliers). The 15th century arched portal is listed as a Historical Monument. and still serves as the main entrance.

The monastery is one of the Landmarks on the Medieval city of Dinan.

Between 1247 and 1249 the Franciscans moved to Dinan. In the 2nd half of the 14th and 15th century major works were undertaken such as the construction of a monumental porch, decorated pilaster with twisted fillets.

The main courtyard with the cloister on the left.

Closer view of the cloister.

Church inside the monastery.

We are now leaving the monastery.

Kouign Amann is a sweet cake make with laminated dough and is a Brittany specialty. I like the play on the name of this store: Steve Mc Kouign (Steve McQueen, the famous actor).

Kouign Amann means butter cake in Breton, a Celtic language spoken in Brittany. The Kouign Amann is flaky, sweet, salty an wonderfully buttery and it is so delicious.

The old town is made up of cobbled streets and old houses shops, and cafes.

Walking the cobblestone streets of Dinan feels like stepping back in time, and it also feels lie stepping into a medieval film set.

Street upon street is lined with impressive half timbered houses.

Old support columns on rue de L'apport

Straight ahead is La tour de L'horloge (Clock tower).

A beautiful square.

La Tour de L'Horloge was built in 15th century and was primarily intended for monitoring Dinan.

The Clock Tower (Tour d'Horloge)

This square is right behind the lock tower.

It is charming to walk around.

We are moving on and the clock tower is behind us.

Panoramic view of the square.

The medieval maison de la Harpe or former Hotel Keratry was built in 1559 the most curious thing is that, originally, it was not located in Dinan but in the Breton town of Lanvollon

In 1939 it was in danger of being demolished so the City of Dinan purchased it, dismantled and reassembled back piece by piece. Now it is the Celtic harp museum. We did not enter the museum, we only saw it from the outside, it is a beautiful building that preserves many details, even if only from the outside it is worth seeing, it is located in the historic center.

La Fleur de Sel, A Michelin Guide restaurant in the heart of Dinan.

This area is newer and was built in the early 20th century.

NEXT... Day 2-Jerzual Street