In short
- About 60 km (1 hour) from the Mont, south of Saint-Malo.
- Walk the ramparts, the half-timbered Place des Merciers and the steep Rue du Jerzual down to the port.
- See the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, where the heart of Bertrand du Guesclin is kept.
- The Fête des Remparts medieval festival is held every two years in July; the next edition is planned for 2027.
Why go
Dinan sits on a hill above the River Rance, its old town still ringed by walls and gates. Inside are cobbled streets of timber-framed houses, the Tour de l'Horloge (clock tower), the castle keep and the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, which holds the heart of Bertrand du Guesclin – the Breton warrior and constable of France who also commanded at Mont-Saint-Michel. It is the most complete medieval townscape in this part of Brittany.
Rue du Jerzual and the port
The Rue du Jerzual and its continuation, the Rue du Petit-Fort, drop steeply from the upper town through the Jerzual gate to the port on the Rance, lined with craft workshops and galleries. At the bottom, an old stone bridge crosses the river beneath a tall viaduct, and riverside cafés face the boats. Walk down, and take your time coming back up.
Ramparts, gardens and the Fête des Remparts
Sections of the ramparts can be walked, with views over the valley from the Jardin Anglais behind Saint-Sauveur. Every two years in July, the Fête des Remparts fills the town with a medieval market, parades and tournaments; the 2025 edition took place on 19–20 July and the next is planned for July 2027.
Dinan: private guided walking tour
Ramparts, Place des Merciers, Saint-Sauveur and the Rue du Jerzual with a private guide in French or English.
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Dinan: step back into the 15th century
A costumed guide leads a lively walk through medieval Dinan and its ramparts (in French).
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From Saint-Malo: Dinan, Fort la Latte and Cap Fréhel
A private full-day tour along the Emerald Coast to Cancale, Fort la Latte, Cap Fréhel and medieval Dinan.
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Getting there and staying
Dinan is about an hour from the Mont by car (via Pontorson and Dol-de-Bretagne) and 30 minutes from Saint-Malo; by train, change at Dol-de-Bretagne. From Saint-Malo, a private tour links Dinan with Fort la Latte and Cap Fréhel. Hotels in the old town include the Hôtel de la Porte Saint-Malo by the town gate and Hôtel Le D'Avaugour on the ramparts; the Mercure Le Jerzual is down by the port.
Hôtel de la Porte Saint-Malo
DinanA hotel by the Porte Saint-Malo gate in Dinan's old town.
See on Booking.comHôtel Le D'Avaugour
DinanA hotel on Dinan's ramparts with a garden over the old town walls.
See on Booking.comMercure Dinan Port Le Jerzual
DinanA hotel by the port of Dinan on the Rance, at the foot of the Rue du Jerzual.
See on Booking.comSee all hotels in Dinan on Booking.com
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Frequently asked questions
Is Dinan worth visiting from Mont-Saint-Michel?
Yes, especially if you like medieval towns. Combine it with Saint-Malo in one day or stay overnight.
How long do I need in Dinan?
Half a day covers the old town, the ramparts and the walk down to the port.
When is the Fête des Remparts?
It is biennial, in July. The last edition was 19–20 July 2025; the next is planned for 2027.
Sources and official information
Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.
MontSaintMichel.com is an independent guide, not the official site of the Abbey or of the Mont. Some links are affiliate links: tours and tickets go to GetYourGuide and hotels go to Booking.com, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
