Dinan

Exceptionally built on the hills overlooking the river Rance and not along its valley, Dinan is a French destination where the medieval is still alive through the architecture dating as far as the 12th century. The well preserved Middle Age relics like the Duchess Anne's Tower and the Chateau de Dinan are celebrated in Dinan's Fete des Remparts, a 2 days annual festival where the glamor of the past is brought back into the present.

Town of History and Arts

Dinan is a walled medieval town from which a large section of the walls can still be walked around on. Situated in the North West of France, the town built along the River Ronce is a commune in the Cotes-d'Armor department. Once the Northernmost crossing point over the river, considered the highlight of Brittany, Dinan was listed as ''ville et pays d'art et d'histoire'', a town of art and history.

Most buildings overlooking the Rance date from the 13th, 14th or 15th century. The half-timbered houses are connected through narrow streets and reach the port of Dinan by a steep street called Rue Jenzual. The Maison du Gouverner is one of the best examples of old architecture, a house functioning as a museum open for everybody to explore.

The Middle Ages comes alive through monuments like the Duchess Anne's Tower, a tribute in honor of the richest European woman in her time (15th century) or with the Chateau de Dinan, a gate of the former defensive wall. The Tower de l'Horologe dating from 1498 and St. Savior's Basilica (12th century) both give you a mirror image of what was. The town's castle has been listed ever since 1886 as a historical monument even though it currently houses the local museum.

Reviving the Times of Knights in Shiny Armour

The Fete de Remparts is a medieval festival held every year in Dinan starting with the year 1983, usually in July. During this celebration people wear medieval costumes and try to revive the times where the knights used to duel for the sake of a lady. The town is full of colors, the parade catches everybody's attention, many street performances are held and the activities and music are fitting the main theme. Visitors can choose to participate in the celebration which is not only for locals but for everyone no matter how young or old. Even though many see it as just a role-playing game, the whole atmosphere of Dinan turns this medieval festival into a great and unique experience.

A Picturesque Medieval Holiday

Dinan is a small French town which can turn into a real historical treat once its ancient core is discovered. Called for a good reason ''highlight of Brittany'' this picturesque destination is inviting everyone to have a medieval getaway.