Dinan

Travel Guide

Dinan featuring a river or creek, heritage elements and a bridge
Saint Sauveur Church showing religious elements and interior views
Dinan featuring a house and heritage architecture
Dinan
Dinan featuring heritage elements

Modestly-sized Dinan has the appeal of an authentic little village of Upper Brittany, bursting with history.

Located on a hill overlooking the River Rance, Dinan boasts a unique and fantastically well preserved architectural heritage, making it one of the most popular destinations in the department of Côtes-d’Armor.

Dinan is a town that is perfectly suited for exploring on foot, with its picturesque marina, historic ramparts, its fort and especially its hugely charming mediaeval old town. So come and explore this little gem in the North Brittany region, for a long weekend, on foot, by bicycle, by boat or aboard the little tourist train.

As an iconic landmark of the town, the Château de Dinan is an oval-shaped keep which forms part of the ancient ramparts, near the Saint-Louis gate. The film about the life of Bertrand Du Guesclin, the famous Constable of France, was shot around the walls in 1949. This former ducal residence is now home to the historic museum of Dinan.

Another building that you absolutely must visit during your stay in Dinan and the Rance Valley, is St Saviour's Basilica. Built over a long period from the 12th to the 16th century, this building is a pleasing mix of architectural styles, from Romanesque to flamboyant Gothic.

Dinan old town is full of cobbled streets, such as the steep Rue du Jerzual, and Rue de l’Apport, which is lined with superbly well preserved half-timbered and corbelled houses. Come and eat a crêpe on Place des Merciers, while admiring the surrounding triangular-gabled houses. During your stroll, don't forget to visit the Renaissance gate of the former Beaumanoir hotel or even the Maison du Gisant.

History buffs will be delighted by the Musée du château de Dinan, one of the oldest museums in Brittany. Its collections range from religious art treasures to antiques, as well as rooms devoted to the history of Dinan.

Climb to the top of the Clock tower to learn more about its ingenious mechanisms and to admire the sensational view over the town and the valley. Finally, for lovers of nature and the great outdoors, bicycle and boat tours are also organised along the River Rance.

Dinan also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year. Music lovers are well catered for, with the "Jazz en place" festival in the summer, and annual international Celtic harp conventions...

If you're arriving from Paris by train, book a seat on the Paris-Saint-Malo high-speed service, then take the TER service to Dinan. The journey only takes 3.5 hours. The nearest airport to Dinan is Saint-Malo-Dinard-Pleurtuit, which is 20 minutes away by car and offers connections to several UK destinations, including London. Rennes Saint-Jacques Airport also has connections to over 120 international destinations, and is 40 minutes from Dinan.

Vacancéole - Dinan Duguesclin
Vacancéole - Dinan Duguesclin
3 out of 5
37 Rue Louise Weiss, Dinan, Cotes-d'Armor
The price is S$195 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$195
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star residence in Dinan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Eglise Saint-Malo de Dinan and Dinan Clock Tower ...
7.8/10 Good! (237 reviews)
"Extrêmement bien équipé pour cuisiner, Très calme"

Reviewed on 20 Nov, 2024

Vacancéole - Dinan Duguesclin
Brit Hotel Dinan Le Connetable
Brit Hotel Dinan Le Connetable
3 out of 5
8 Avenue René Cassin, Dinan, Cotes-d'Armor
The price is S$163 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
S$163
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Dinan. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Eglise Saint-Malo de Dinan and Château ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (253 reviews)
Séjour detente en amoureux
"Excellent séjour ,2 nuits calmes et confortables. Chambre spacieuse et propre. Buffet du petit déjeuner diversifié . Propriétaires sympathiques. Espace détente très apprécié ."

Reviewed on 13 Nov, 2024

Brit Hotel Dinan Le Connetable
The Originals Boutique, Hôtel du Château, Dinan
The Originals Boutique, Hôtel du Château, Dinan
3 out of 5
6, Rue du Château, Dinan, Cotes-d'Armor
The price is S$214 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$214
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Dinan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Château de Dinan and Les Remparts de Dinan ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (184 reviews)
"Très bon week end. On a profité de la fête de la musique. L'hotel est situé à quelques pas du centre historique et des restos."

Reviewed on 23 Jun, 2025

The Originals Boutique, Hôtel du Château, Dinan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vacancéole - Dinan Duguesclin
Vacancéole - Dinan Duguesclin
3 out of 5
37 Rue Louise Weiss, Dinan, Cotes-d'Armor
Stay at this 3-star residence in Dinan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Eglise Saint-Malo de Dinan and Dinan Clock Tower ...
7.8/10 Good! (237 reviews)
"Extrêmement bien équipé pour cuisiner, Très calme"

Reviewed on 20 Nov, 2024

Vacancéole - Dinan Duguesclin
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
3 out of 5
33, rue Georges V, Saint-Malo, Ille-et-Vilaine
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified residence in Saint-Malo. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Saint-Malo Ferry Port ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (267 reviews)
Great for cyclists using the ferry.
"Very handy for the ferry. Secure internal storage for our bicycles. Just wish we could get decent firm pillows when in France. I always get a stiff neck with these soft square French ones."

Reviewed on 1 Jul, 2025

Pierre & Vacances Résidence Ty Mat
Odalys Residence Domaine de l'Emeraude
Odalys Residence Domaine de l'Emeraude
3 out of 5
La Croix De La Mission, Le Tronchet
Stay at this 3-star residence in Le Tronchet. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Saint-Malo Golf and Country Club and Cobac Parc ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
"Wow"

Reviewed on 27 Jun, 2025

Odalys Residence Domaine de l'Emeraude
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Dinan

4.9
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
5 - Excellent 86%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 14%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

No.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Dinan is an incredibly well-preserved old town. It is quite compact and has largely pedestrianised streets. However, the steep,cobbled streets can be hard going for the elderly and less mobile. Car parking is quite limited.

5/5 - Excellent

Suzanne

Dinan is a beautiful town