The medieval town of Dinan in Cotes d’Armor, Brittany, is like somewhere from the imagination of the brothers Grimm with its fairy tale pretty medieval streets guarded by a castle and full of enchanting houses, cobbled hills and pretty squares.
Surrounded by ramparts built between the 13th to 15th century, perched on a hill above a gentle river with a pretty little port, if you were to write a wish list for a fairy tale town, Dinan would have it all.
Guide to Dinan
When I went in late spring, which is a great time to go as you won’t find it too crowded, it was unusually overcast for the time of year, but not cold. The clouds didn’t matter, this place is quite simply magical at any time of the year. Quaint higgledy piggledy half-timbered houses lean against one another, they have been hugging for centuries, some of them date back 700 years. Church bells ring, birds sing in the trees and the town has kept its medieval integrity by deliberately limiting traffic lights and road signs so they don’t spoil the views.
When you visit Dinan, wear comfy shoes and be prepared to walk or you’ll miss the best of it. Much of the town is pedestrianised which makes it an absolute joy to wander. It’s hilly in places. Rue du Jerzual for instance, which half-way down becomes rue du Petit Fort. It’s one of the most picturesque streets, and the cobbles run from the top of the town to the port along the river Rance. But, don't worry about the steepness, there are plenty of places to stop for a break, a meal and to browse quaint artisan shops. The houses and shops on this street have really wide windowsills, The style dates back to the middle ages. Then, people didn’t go into shops, they bought from the window and the shopkeepers used the sill as a countertop.