Dinan, a typical Breton town near Mont St Michel

For those who stay in Mount Saint Michel area for little longer than a single night, there is a lot to discover around...especially if you want to get a feel for Brittany !

To see the granit stone houses or the trails along the ocean (Sentier des Douaniers), no need to go as far as Brest at the tip of Brittany peninsula...There are several places that we have included in a day itinerary from Mount Saint Michel accommodation. Dinan is one of them. See Dinan on a general map.

Dinan is without doubt one of the most attractive and best restored small cities in Brittany. With its 1.8 mile-long ramparts, great concentration of half-timbered houses (about 130), attractive port on the Rance river and cobbled streets filled with art galleries and craft shops, it’s worth a day of any curious traveler's time. 

 

Did you know that one of the most famous medieval turnament between Dugesclin and Thomas of Canterbury took place in Dinan in 1359? (There is still a granit stone in a square in Dinan to remember that day).

Also, the city of Dinan counts not less than 70 classified historical monuments (and the 3km ramparts, the 4 doors and medieval towers count for 1!).

If you want to take a look, there was a reportage yesterday on the French TV. Comments are in French but you can get most of it and visit the city following a local harp player.

Reportage on TF1 about Dinan - January 30th, 2014