Visiting Dinan: ramparts, Rue du Jerzual and walks along the Rance

Perched above the Rance valley, Dinan is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Brittany. Nearly three kilometres of ramparts, half-timbered houses and cobbled streets running down to a small river port: the town is best discovered on foot, through its lanes and its viewpoints.

Here is what to see in Dinan, our tips for planning the visit, ideas for walks around the town and upmarket campsites to stay between the Rance and the Emerald Coast.

Dinan at a glance

The ramparts and old town

Dinan is surrounded by one of the longest stretches of ramparts in Brittany, almost three kilometres of them, punctuated by towers and gates. Part of it can be walked, with fine views over the Rance valley and the viaduct that spans it. The Jardin anglais (English Garden), behind the basilica, offers one of the best panoramas over the harbour and the viaduct.

In the old town, stroll from the Place des Merciers to the Place des Cordeliers, between half-timbered houses and façades with porches. The Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, which holds the heart of Bertrand Du Guesclin, and the Cordeliers convent complete the visit.

Rue du Jerzual and Dinan’s harbour

The town’s most famous street is the Rue du Jerzual, continued by the Rue du Petit-Fort, which drops steeply from the old town down to the harbour. Cobbled and lined with medieval houses, it is home to craft workshops, galleries and shops. You pass through the Porte du Jerzual before reaching the harbour on the banks of the Rance, where restaurants and terraces invite you to pause. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb back.

The Clock Tower and the castle

Built in the 15th century, the Clock Tower (tour de l’Horloge) dominates the town centre. After climbing its steps, the 360-degree view takes in the rooftops, the ramparts and the countryside beyond. The Château de Dinan, with its 14th-century keep, houses the town museum. For opening hours and prices, check with the tourist office: some sites close or reduce their hours out of season.

La Fête des Remparts

Every two years, on the third weekend of July, Dinan steps back into the Middle Ages for the Fête des Remparts: costumed parades, chivalry tournaments, a medieval market, musicians and street performers take over the town. The last edition took place in 2025 and the next is expected in July 2027.

Walk along the Rance to Léhon

From the harbour, the towpath follows the Rance in the shade of the trees. In a little under half an hour on foot you reach Léhon, one of the Petites Cités de caractère, with its Saint-Magloire abbey and stone bridge. An easy walk, ideal with children, which can also be done by bike.

Around Dinan

Dinan makes an ideal base for exploring the north coast of Brittany. Half an hour away, Saint-Malo and its ramparts, and Dinard with its Belle Époque villas, are easily combined. Further west, Cap Fréhel and the Fort La Latte offer some of the finest coastal scenery in Brittany. In summer, boats sail down the Rance from Dinan to Dinard and Saint-Malo.

Where to stay in an upmarket campsite near Dinan?

On the edge of town, at Taden, the La Hallerais campsite, a 4-star site, spreads over around 7 hectares on the banks of the Rance, about ten minutes from Dinan. It offers villas with a private heated pool or hot tub, a hotel-style service and a water area with a covered pool from March to November. On the coast, at Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, the Émeraude campsite, a 5-star site, has a water park with a swimming pool and multi-lane slides, half an hour from Dinan. Browse all our upmarket campsites in the Côtes-d’Armor.

Our verdict

Dinan is an essential stop on the north coast of Brittany: an authentic, compact and charming medieval town that is easily explored on foot. Come early in the morning or late in the day to enjoy the quiet lanes, leave time for the harbour and the walk to Léhon, and combine your visit with Saint-Malo and Cap Fréhel.