Dinan's Medieval Ramparts & Castle
Few towns in Brittany have preserved their medieval skin as completely as Dinan, whose 2.5-kilometre circuit of granite ramparts still wraps the old city like a stone embrace. Climb the towers, peer over the battlements and you'll understand why Bertrand du Guesclin, Brittany's great 14th-century warrior, called this place home.
The Ramparts Walk
Start at the Tour Sainte-Catherine on the eastern edge and follow the chemin de ronde counter-clockwise; the path is well-signed and mostly flat, threading between private gardens and open countryside views.
The best-preserved stretch runs past the Tour du Gouverneur and the Porte Saint-Malo, where you can duck through the original portcullis gateway and photograph the town's roofline of slate and terracotta from the outside.
Allow 45–60 minutes for the full loop; wear comfortable shoes as some cobbled sections are uneven.
The Château de Dinan
Anchoring the southern end of the ramparts, the 14th-century keep houses the Musée du Château, where you can climb the Tour de Coëtquen for a panoramic sweep over the Rance valley and the rooftops below.
Inside, exhibits trace Dinan's history from medieval trade to the Wars of Religion, with a small but evocative collection of stonework, armour and civic artefacts — all well-labelled in French and English.
The castle courtyard hosts open-air events in summer, so check the local programme if you're visiting in July or August.
More of Dinan
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Dinan →
