Dinan map: top 10, museums, instagrammable, walking tour, where to eat, viewpoints, nature, free things to do, rainy day

10 places on the map

Top 10

1
Steep cobbled medieval street of half-timbered houses down to the port.
3 tips
- Wear good shoes, it is very steep
- Artisan shops and galleries along the way
- Walk down, take the little train up
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
2
Picturesque riverside port on the Rance with cafes and boats.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Boat trips to Dinard in season
- Riverside terraces for lunch
- Lovely in the evening
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
3
Duchess Anne's keep and ramparts housing the town museum.
3 tips
- Climb to the top for views
- Ticket covers the Coëtquen tower
- Closed in January
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
4
Romanesque-Gothic basilica holding the heart of Bertrand du Guesclin.
3 tips
- Free entry
- Look for du Guesclin's cenotaph
- Check modern stained glass
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
5
15th-century clock tower with panoramic views over the rooftops.
3 tips
- 158 steps to the top
- Open spring to autumn
- Small entry fee
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
6
Garden on the ramparts overlooking the Rance valley and viaduct.
3 tips
- Free entry
- Best view of the viaduct
- Benches for a picnic
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
7
Square of crooked half-timbered houses on wooden pillars.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Crêperies under the arcades
- Heart of the old town
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
8
Granite viaduct spanning the Rance 40 m above the port.
3 tips
- Walk across for valley views
- Best photographed from the port
- Footpath on both sides
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
9
Large square with the knight's statue, hosting the Thursday market.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Parking on other days
- Medieval festival every two years
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
10
Pretty riverside village with an abbey, 2 km upstream from Dinan.
3 tips
- Walk there on the towpath
- Visit Saint-Magloire abbey
- Quiet stone streets
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place

Before you go: Dinan tips

Transportation

Take the train via Dol or Rennes: TER regional trains connect Dinan with Dol-de-Bretagne and Rennes, where you can link to high-speed TGV trains to Paris.
Arrive by river: in season, boats sail along the Rance between Dinard or Saint-Malo and Dinan port, a beautiful way to reach the town.
Park outside the walls: the medieval centre has narrow streets and limited parking; leave the car in the larger car parks and walk in.

Security

Mind the steep cobbles: the Rue du Jerzual and Rue du Petit Fort are steep and slippery when wet; wear grippy shoes and take your time.
Watch bags at busy events: during the Fete des Remparts and summer markets, crowds grow large; keep valuables close.
Stay safe on the towpath: the Rance towpath is popular with cyclists and walkers; keep to the right and watch for bikes.

Saving

Shop the Thursday market: Dinan's weekly market fills the squares with Breton produce, perfect for an inexpensive picnic by the river.
Eat galettes at lunch: creperies often have good-value lunch formulas with a galette, crepe and a bowl of cider.
Walk the ramparts for free: much of the town's ramparts and the Jardin Anglais are free to explore, with views over the Rance valley.

Weather/Clothing

Carry a rain jacket: Brittany's oceanic weather brings showers in any season; a light waterproof is essential.
Enjoy mild summers: June to September is pleasant and rarely too hot; pack layers as evenings by the river can be cool.
Dress warmly in winter: winters are damp and mild; bring a warm coat and waterproof boots for wet cobbles.

Cultural

Taste Breton specialities: order buckwheat galettes, sweet crepes, kouign-amann and far breton, with a bolee of cider.
Join the Fete des Remparts: held every two years in July, this medieval festival fills Dinan with costumes, markets and jousts.
Greet with bonjour: always say bonjour and merci in shops and cafes; it is expected and appreciated.

Local Hacks

Walk the towpath to Lehon: follow the Rance upstream from Dinan port to the village of Lehon and its abbey, an easy and scenic walk.
Climb the Tour de l'Horloge: the clock tower in the centre offers panoramic views over Dinan's rooftops and the surrounding countryside.
Go down the Jerzual early: the half-timbered lane to the port is busiest midday; morning gives quiet photos and open artisan workshops later.

Dinan

Top 10

Take this map with you

Before you go: Dinan tips

Transportation

Security

Saving

Weather/Clothing

Cultural

Local Hacks

1-day itineraries in Dinan

Château de Dinan and around

More cities in France