Dinan
Dinan in Brittany is a charming riverside town, full of medieval history, with a 13th century castle and ramparts that encircle this well-preserved sanctuary where time has stood still.
Wander
through Dinan's narrow cobbled streets, lined with pretty half-timber houses,
and discover the Flamboyant Gothic St Malo church,
the Basilica of St Saveur and the
40m high Tour de l'Horloge (clock
tower). Climb the 158 steps to the top for some fantastic views of the town and
surrounding area. For even better views, why not take a walk along the
ramparts, which, at nearly 2.7km long, are the oldest and most impressive in
Brittany? In July the Fête des Remparts
(Feast of the Ramparts) takes place, a marvellous festival recreating life in
medieval times with street celebrations, a market and a jousting tournament and
many people dressed in medieval costume. The Château
de Dinan is now a museum dedicated to the town's history and
Dinan's famous hero, Bertrand du Guesclin,
a Breton knight who became a military commander during the Hundred Years' War
is remembered with 4 different memorials across the town. In 1357 the English
laid seige to the town but it resisted. When Thomas Canterbury kidnapped
Guesclin's brother he settled the matter by single combat in the Place Champs Clos opposite the Place Dugesclin, wich is named
after him and where today you will find the town market on a Thursday morning.