Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
Access to ramparts
Public toilets
Car parks
Coach parking
Pedestrian streets
A brief look at Dinan’s history > Buildings with a speci
T he origins of the
name Dinan go
back a long way.
The name comes from
a contraction of two
celtic words “Dunos”
and “Ahna” meaning
hill of Ahna. She was a
Saint-Sauveur’s Basilica
goddess who was seen
During the 9th century, monks settled on Motte. This episode is depicted in the
as protector of the the banks of the Rance at the foot of an famous “Bayeux Tapestry”.
ancient “castrum” or camp. Further ups- The lords of Dinan played their part
living and guardian of tream, feudal overlords erected a wooden in the crusades. One of them, Rivallon
fortress to protect another settlement at le Roux, vowed to build a sanctuary in
the dead and was much a point where a route across country Dinan if he returned safely and around
revered throughout crossed the navigable River Rance. 1120, construction started on the
church dedicated to “Saint Sauveur”.
Armorica. The name A Benedictine priory was established In 1283, Dinan became a ducal town
in the 11th century. The township began and its first ramparts were built. These
“Anne” is found on to develop and Dinan was founded. By proved their worth in the first Brittany
the 12th century, the town had become War of Succession. In 1357, the town
every route into town – an important trading centre, surroun- managed to withstand the English for-
ded by walls built after William of ces and it was during this siege that
Saint-Anne quarter, rue Normandy’s warriors had passes throu- Duguesclin fought in single combat with
gh in 1065 and set fire to the Castral Thomas of Canterbury.
Anne, le Saut-à-l’Ane... In 1364, Jean IV, Count de Montfort,
had the gates of the town opened to ted, spanning the Rance, which had the
him and an impressive keep built (1380). effect of diverting traffic away from the
Bertrand Du Guesc0)lin (1320-1380) French troops occupied Dinan in 1488
following the defeat of Saint-Aubin-
centre. In 1879, the first station was
built in Dinan, creating a visitor attrac-
High Constable of France (137 du-Cormier. The signing of the ”Act of tion outside the walls of the town.
n), Union” in 1532 definitively bound the
Born in Broons (south west of Dina fate of Brittany to that of France. This city, birthplace of Charles Duclos-
n
he got engaged in the Breton Successio Following the Ligue at the end of the Pinot, Chateaubriand, Auguste Pavie
ort to Char les de Blois . In 1357
War in supp 16th century, the fortress and its for- and Roger Vercel, and its surrounding
in single combat
he defeated Thomas of Canterbury tifications began to decline. Dinan fol- region, celebrated in song by Théodore
n year s later, in the service of the king
at Dinan. Seve lowed the pattern of change of similar Botrel and painted by Corot, Mathurin
regio n of the “Grandes
of France, he liberated the middle-sized towns. During the 18 th Méheut and Yvonne Jean-Haffen, cer-
pagn ies” and had som e succ ess in the struggle
Com century, beautiful private residences tainly merit a lengthy visit.
the north aisle
against the English. His heart rests in were built for the Dinan bourgeoisie.
ica.
of the transept of Saint- Sauveur Basil In 1852, an elegant viaduct was erec-
6
> Tour de l’Horloge
ial attraction Rue de l’Horloge - 22100 Dinan
Tél. : 02 96 87 02 26/02 96 87 58 72
Site : www.mairie-dinan.com
Built in the closing years of the fifteenth
Dominant le profond sillon century, the belfry, known as the Tour
de la Rance, Dinan célèbre les de l’Horloge, is a solid construction af-
noces harmonieuses de l’art fording beautiful rooftop views of Dinan
and the Rance valley. Symbol of the
et de l’histoire : il suffit de re- community’s prosperity and power, the
monter, depuis le port, l’éton- belfry acquired its largest bell in 1507 as
nante rue du Jerzual pour en a gift from Duchess Anne. Town council
prendre la mesure. Direction meetings were held in the rooms on its
various floors until the Revolution.
la cité médiévale ! Open : easter to 31st may from 2 pm to 6
pm and from 1st june to 30 th september from
Là, maisons à pans de bois et 10 am to 6.30 pm.
hôtels Renaissance, couvents et basilique, château et beffroi se blotissent amoureusement derrière Admission : 2,95 €. Children (12 to 18 years) :
1,90 € / free for children under 12 years.
3 km de remparts, l’ensemble le plus important et le mieux conservé de Bretagne.
On leaving the church, you find yourself 1852. For centuries, Le Jerzual witnessed
in the Grande rue, which, along with heavy commercial traffic arriving by road
the rue de la Lainerie, is an extension or river. There are some very attractive
of the rue du Jerzual leading as far as half-timbered houses to admire here,
the site of the historic Porte de Brest. built from the 15th century onwards.
A handsome granite house from the The town wall divides off the rue du
18th century line the way and, at no. 4, Jerzual from the rue du Petit-Fort at the
stands the Hôtel de Plouër, dating from point where the 13th century Porte du
the 16th century. The Grande rue, a Jerzual stands. Traditional arts and crafts
thriving commercial street, leads to the are carried on here still and with its
La Mère Pourcel, place des Merciers place des Cordeliers which has some variety of restaurants and historic milita-
porches. ry and civil architecture, this picturesque
The most beautiful half-timbered hou- There are some narrow, interesting and site takes you back to another time!
ses are to be found on the PLACE charming little streets here that are THE RUE DU JERZUAL AND
DES MERCIERS, a fine collection with worth a detour - rue de la Cordonnerie, RUE DU PETIT-FORT 7 formed THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE (15th-
timbering and corbelling from the 15th rue du Petit Pain and rue de la Halle. This the principal access route into Dinan 16th) 8 stands in the rue du Petit-Fort.
century. Turn left into THE RUE DE picturesque network of streets encircles up until the opening of the major road The so-called “Governor’s House” num-
LA MITTRIE. In this busy, commercial what used to be called “LA COHUE” in 1783 and, subsequently, the viaduct in bers amongst the oldest in the street
street, which used to be the centre for (“the throng”) where grain, linen, drapery,
tin and coppersmiths, a plaque can be secondhand goods and vegetables were
seen commemorating the birth of the sold. The rue de la Mittrie comes out
bard Théodore Botrel. into the place du Marchix. Walking along
past the shops on the right, you come to
Dinan, City of Art and History
Chateaubriand
(Mémoires d’Outre-Tombe)
(15th/16th century) This imposing building the Sea”, p. 20). Take a seat on a terrace
probably served as a warehouse with of one of the famous restaurants or inns
a street stall on the ground floor and and enjoy the traditional cuisine on offer.
apartments on the floors above reached
by a spiral staircase. THE “VIEUX PONT”.
From its very beginnings, the town had
THE HARBOUR 9 is the site on a bridge spanning the river. The “Vieux-
which Dinan was founded approximately Pont”, or old bridge, was erected in
1000 years ago, at the foot of a rudimen- the 15th century. It lost much of its
tary château and a Benedictine priory. importance when the viaduct was built.
The harbour was the centre of intense If you continue along the tow-path you
activity, with merchants arriving from come to Léhon where you can visit the Peinture représentant le Port de Dinan
Saint-Malo bearing goods such as salt, St-Magloire Abbey. At the other end
cod and tea. For its part, Dinan expor- of the harbour, you ought to pay a
ted leather, linen, sheets and shipbuilding visit to THE GRANDE VIGNE ART
timber. Today the harbour caters for GALLERY bl. tial to improve access to the town, to the steepness of the rue du Jerzual. The
pleasure craft as well as being departure reduce the number of accidents and resulting viaduct is 250 m in length and
point for sailings down the River Rance THE VIADUCT (1852). In the middle to alleviate traffic problems caused by 50 m high.
(See chapter “Cruises on the Rance and of the 19th century, it became essen- the narrowness of the Vieux-Pont and
9
Théodore Botrel
(1868-1925) Cabaret singer
be seen buildings from the 18th and 19th Your tour is coming to an end. Walking
centuries along the small streets, you can admire
other corbelled houses, and handsome
View of remparts 18th century buildings…
Dinan, City of Art and History
To your left is the historic Dominican transept behind his tombstone. The left-
convent (also known as “Catherinettes” hand side aisle contains a very beau-
in French), founded in 1661-1664. The tiful stained-glass “evangelist” window. Auguste Pavie
Convent was turned out of the building Considerably altered in the 15th and 16th (Dinan 1847-1925)
in 1791.Transformed into a hospital-cum- centuries, the church remains unfinished Explorer and diplomat
hospice in 1822, the site now welcomes and asymmetrical to this day. It became a
the “Cultural and Economical Centre” basilica in 1954.
where every two summer, take place After a military career, he set sail in
prestigious exhibitions (Camille Claudel Leaving by the square in front of the 1868 for Saigon. Within a quarter of
in 2005, Braque in 2006, Toulouse- basilica, you come into the PLACE a century, Pavie had explored and
Lautrec in 2007…) It also houses the SAINT-SAUVEUR bo where the meat mapped former Indochina. He was
town’s library with remarkable historical market stood. Today it is the venue for instrumental in the colonization of
collections. various events, including Dinan flea mar- Cambodia and Laos and in the uni-
kets, concerts and exhibitions. At the fication of Indochina.
SAINT-SAUVEUR’S BASILICA corner of the rue Saint-Sauveur stands
(12th-19th) bn. Built in the 12th century the Hôtel de Serizay, a 17th century pri-
as the result of a vow made by a cru- vate town house. Around the square can
10
“The good burgh of Dinan, feudal jewel and proud coronet of
walls set in green, is one of those towns whose image remains
forever fixed in the memory, one of the rare places
The Tour of the Remparts we unreservedly admire.”
A. Robida
RED TRAIL
In the 13th century, the ramparts’ perime- THE CASTLE (14th) (OR KEEP) . On leaving this handsome example of TOWER (15th) . This is an artillery
ter measured 3 000 m in length, enclosing Leaving by the main door of the Donjon, military architecture, continue to your fortification in the mode of 15th century
an area of 30 hectares. Despite being take the curtain wall to your right to pass
right, taking the rue du Château. Pass military architecture. As with others like
breached in places, the Dinan ramparts above THE WICKET GATE (13th) . through THE SAINT-LOUIS GATE it, it contains casemates or firing galleries,
remain the most extensive (2648 m) and It is thought to have been constructed (1620) . It was built to replace the but its main defence was its naturally
the oldest in Brittany. after the meeting of Dinan overlords at walled up Porte du Guichet. It features steep-sided site.
the Ducal Estates in 1283. the traditional defensive layout tried and
A START AT THE TOURIST tested at the time, including drawbridge,
OFFICE . THE COËTQUEN TOWER (15th) . portcullis, wooden doors and machico-
This 15th century tower comprises three floors lations.
Turn on your right and after climbing a and complements the museum’s collections
few steps, go into what is one of the most with temporary exhibitions housed in the two Go down the rue du Général
prestigious monuments in Dinan. vaulted rooms above. Recumbent tomb sta- de Gaulle to reach
tues have been placed in the lower room. THE PENTHIÈVRE
11
POTERNE CARDINAL (14th) wall from the rue Michel to the Saint-
was a guard turret. However, its far Malo’s gate enables visitors to enjoy a
from prominent situation also provided magnificent view over Le Jerzual, the rue
an access route by means of an arched du Petit-Fort and the Rance.
doorway from which you can reach the
banks of the Rance. THE GOVERNOR’S TOWER , a
massive edifice with an 8 m thick hor-
At the other end, to the north, THE seshoe wall, is one of the artillery towers
SAINTE-CATHERINE’S TOWER constructed in the 15th century. Its two
is one of the oldest in the ramparts upper floors are both armed with 6
dating from the 13th century. Ideally loca- casemates, or firing galleries. Continue
ted as a lookout post, it reveals a brea- your way along the curtain wall and, after
thtaking panoramic view over the valley, passing through a gateway, you find your-
River Rance, viaduct and harbour. self in the rue de l’Ecole. Leave the intra-
muros through the Saint-Malo’s Gate. Parapet walk by night
Taking the rue des Remparts then the
rue Haute-Voie and rue Michel, head THE SAINT-MALO’S GATE . The An impenetrable and independent for- on your way following the line of the
down to the gate on the left just after original building was constructed in the tress with various systems of defence, rampart along its base. A few metres fur-
house number 7 to get to the para- 13th century with two round towers and this edifice nonetheless saw royal troops ther on you have the option of climbing
pet walkway and to the top of THE ogival door with portcullis and wooden pass beneath its archway in 1598… but up the defensive slope to enjoy a view
JERZUAL GATE (13th-14th) , an panelled doors. In the 15th century, a only because sympathisers had opened of the whole section of fortifications.
imposing and strategic entranceway. square tower was constructed in front the doors. You then come to THE GRANDS
Recent restoration work on the curtain which could house a drawbridge. On coming out, turn left and continue FOSSÉS WALK .
12
to house artillery. The whole building was
topped by an artillery parapet walkway.
> In a few clicks, plan your stay in Dinan and the Pays de Rance in advance !
In a few clicks, this interactive CD-Rom offers a full, practical guide to A 3 min video shows the numerous attractions
discovering the outstanding heritage of Dinan, classed as a Ville d’Art et of Dinan and the Pays de Rance.
Dinan, City of Art and History
de Rance.
���������������������������������������
��
���������������������������������������
��
���������������������������������������������
����������������������������������
��
�������������������������������������������
���
������������������������������������������
���
���������������������������������������������
������������������������������������
���������������������������������������
��������������������������������������
����� Pays de Rance.
��������������������������������������
����
����������������������������������
���
����������������������������������������
�����������������������������������
�������������
�����������������������������������������
�������������������������������������
���������������������������������������
�������������������������������
����������������������������������
������
Link to our regularly updated website www.dinan-tou-
risme.com
����������������� �������������������� ������������������
14
T he commercial capital of the Pays de Rance not only preserves the
riches of its past, it also succeeds in making the most of its present.
Among the colourful floral displays of the half-timbered houses
highlighting the town’s particular character are
dynamic art and craft workshops, open ready to
welcome visitors throughout the year.
15
Blue Trail
Pays de Rance, land of
contrasts and colours
> LÉHON. This Little City of Cha- the historic 18th century washhouses at
I
racter has a rich history and a wealth of “La Huballerie” and “La Basse Roussais”.
f you are looking to “get of f the monuments such as the Royal Saint-Magloi-
beaten track”, we have three re Priory and the ruins of the Château de > TRÉVRON is a rural commune offe-
Léhon, on top of the hill, dominating houses ring “green” tourism with rambling, gîtes
“colour-coded” trails to sug gest from the 17th and 18th centuries.To the west d’étape accommodation and a first class
for exploring the architectural and of Léhon can be seen the Saint-Esprit Cal- angling river. Trévron’s small historic
vary cross (15th century). treasures are the Château du Challonge
natural mosaic that makes up our (15th -16th century), a Celtic cross in the
> CALORGUEN has a rich and inte- place de l’Eglise (12th -14th century), the
region. Naturally, we have the beauty res-ting cultural heritage with its Church Huballerie cross (15th century), Pestivien
of the scenery and the rivers, of Saint-Hubert (1584-1788-1838), his- manor (12th century) and Saint-Laurent
toric houses of character, windmills and Church (15th -19th century).
the unique light reflected on rocks, lock-gates of Boutron and Le Mottay. A
water and sky and the richness of stroll along the banks of the Ille-et-Rance
canal is very pleasant here. Don’t miss
land and forest. Add to that the
special cultural heritage of our com-
munes with their civic, religious and
military buildings that are rather
special. Menhirs, dolmen, medieval
mot tes, churches, abbeys, chapels,
C alvary crosses, châteaux, manors,
wells and springs, traditional villages
and windmills of fer an endless
cultural pageant and the chance to
journey through time. Our towns are
keen to safeguard this environment
and to share it with others. So, don’t
be afraid to follow where your
curiosity and desires lead and,
at the end of the day, you can
enjoy the satisfaction of having
really experienced this landscape
of contrasts and colours.
16
> SAINT-CARNÉ was called “Seint
> Château de Léhon Karnay” in the 12th century and has quite
a rich historical heritage - the Crosses
Bourg de Léhon - 22100 Léhon of “L’Ourmée” and Le Chesne-Ferron
Tél. : 02 96 87 40 40 (Mairie de from the Middle Ages, those of Le Chaf-
Léhon) - Fax : 02 96 85 08 04 faux and “La Touche” from the 18th cen-
Ruins of the feudal Château de Léhon. tury and the “Pont-Roux” from the 17th
Built on a rocky outcrop, the feudal châ- century. The village “des Loges” with its
teau overlooks the abbey and houses of 17th century houses and the Château du
the old town. Its towers and curtain walls
Chesne-Ferron (15th-17th century) are
are open to visitors.
picturesque. See also the Pont Perrin Things to see : St-Malo Church (1868), township spread around the “Benedictine
Open : 1st april to 31st october daily
from 10 am to 7 pm. 1st november lock-gate by the Ille-et-Rance canal. presbytery (1753), monolithic cross - La Priory of La Madeleine du Pont” (at the
to 31st march from 10 am to 7 pm at Croix Miellée, Quengo manor, rebuilt in harbour). Things to see : the church
weekends. During school holidays : > BOBITAL is a commune whose the 17th century, Vau Rouault 18th century (1844-46), the “Old Town” with 18th cen-
daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Entrance origins are recorded as far back as the manor and historic houses in the village of tury houses, the site of the “Old River”,
free. 12th century. Granite workings employed Le Creux. Return to Dinan via Bobital. former course of the Rance, also called
more than 300 workers between 1922 “La Courbure”, and the Vieux-Pont at the
and 1985. Bobital has the advantage of harbour (15th to 20th century). Panoramic
being close to two lakes created by dams
on the River Guinefort. There is the
Yellow Trail views over Dinan.
From Lanvallay, head towards Combourg
> LE HINGLÉ is famous for granite church, historic presbytery and several then Saint-Solen which will take you to
working which was the main activity in wayside crossesto discover. the beautiful forest of Coëtquen where
the town from the 19th century up until > LANVALLAY has stood on the hill you have a choice of two foot-path or
the 1960s. Up to 1800 workers from the > BRUSVILY. and the surrounding land on the right bank of the Rance since mountain-biking trails. Further on is the
whole area were employed. The Barrage have been settled since at least the early the 6th century when it grew up around Château de Coëtquen (14th-15th cen-
du Guinefort dam is worth a visit. Middle Ages as several crosses confirm. a hermitage. From 1000 AD, another tury).
16, rue le Pont de la Haye - 22100 Léhon - Tél. : 02 96 39 65 89 Saint-Piat. museum offers a wide range of general
Fax : 02 96 87 91 26 - Site : www.militaire-musee.com information on the apple as well as a fine
collection of cider-making implements
Open : daily (including weekends and public holidays) from 10 am to 12.30 pm and equipment. Audio-visual presntation
and 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Green Trail and cider-tasting.
Admission : 5 € / chidren (10 to 16 years) : 3 € / free for children under
10 years accompanied by an adult. Ouvert : avril, mai, juin et septem-
bre : de 14h à 19h sauf le dimanche.
> TADEN is situated on the historic
Juillet/août : de 10h à 19h.
Roman way from Corseul to Avranches and
Tarifs : adulte : 3,50 €. Enfant : 2 €.
offers a rich cultural and natural heritage.
Next to the 14th century Church of St.-
Pierre stands the tomb of Claude Toussaint
Marot de la Garaye, seigneurial lord here in
the 18th century. Nearby is the 14th century
“Manoir de la Grand’Cour” where events
and exhibitions are organized in season.
Head down towards the Rance. In front
of you stretches the “plaine de Taden” sur-
18
> Manoir de la Grand’Cour > La Maison de la Rance
Tél. : 02 96 87 63 50 - Fax : 02 96 39 86 77
E.mail : taden.mairie@wanadoo.fr
Site : www.villetaden.com
Logis porche, or gatehouse lodge, built at
the beginning of the fourteenth century. A Quai Talard
rare example from this period in Brittany, (Port de Dinan)
the residence is embellished with several 22100 Lanvallay
chimneys and a tower containing a spiral Tél. : 02 96 87 00 40
staircase and topped with a lookout pa- Fax : 02 96 87 73 40
rapet. Classed as a historic monument in
E.mail : maison.rance@cc-codi.fr
1993. For details of its programme of regu-
lar events and exhibitions as well as opening Open : april to november + school
times, contact the Mairie (Town Hall). holidays from 2 pm to 6 pm except
Admission : 3€. mondays. July/august from 10 am to
7 pm daily. At other times of year,
on sundays from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Admission : adults : 3,90 €. Chil-
dren (12 to 18 years) : 3 € / free to
children under 12 years.
INFORMATION
20
SEA TRIPS
www.dinan-tourisme.com
21
S it uat e d in the R ance e st uary at the crossroads of r iver and land rout e s, Dinan is with
explor ing the r ichne ss and diversity of the Emerald C oast and the “C ô t e s d’Ar mor ”. A
wor th making a det our t o visit lie within a 30 km radius of our medieval city. The se 5 t rails
o f a longer st ay in and around Dinan.
> Trail 2
La Richardais : Visit of the Rance
tidal power station followed by a
cruise on board “Le Chateaubriand
II”to explore the scenery along the
banks of the
Cape Fréhel
> Trail 1
Jugon les Lacs is a small picturesque and rural town of special
cultural interest situated near a 70 ha lake in an ideal location for those
who love walking, fishing and watersports. Beautiful 17th c. houses in the
town centre.
Cape Fréhel headland, one of the most spectacular natural sites on the
Côtes d’Armor with 400 ha of heathland and Fort La Latte (14th-17th c.),
fine example of Vauban-style military architecture. The Bourbansais castle and zoo
22
hout doubt the ide al place t o st ay when
A large number o f t our ist at t ract ions
s enable y ou t o make the most
> Trail 3
The estate grounds at the Domaine de la Bourbansais offer a chance
to visit a zoo, château and French gardens, as well as to enjoy a unique
display by a pack of 50 hunting dogs and a show of eagles.
Cobac Parc, a leisure park, features a host of leisure activities and water
attractions in a green setting.
23
24