Dinan's Port Quarter (Le Port)
Tumbling down a steep wooded valley to the River Rance, Dinan's Port district is one of the most photogenic medieval waterfronts in all of France. Half-timbered houses lean over the quayside, fishing boats bob at their moorings, and the 13th-century Viaduc de Dinan frames the whole scene like a postcard from another century.
Getting Down to the Water
The classic approach is on foot via the Rue du Jerzual, a cobbled medieval street that descends steeply from the old town through a corridor of artisans' workshops, potters and weavers who still occupy the ancient ground-floor ateliers.
The walk takes about 15 minutes downhill (and a lung-testing 20 back up); if you'd rather save your energy, a seasonal shuttle bus runs from Place du Guesclin to the port on summer afternoons.
Arrive before 10:00 to catch the morning mist rising off the Rance and have the quay almost entirely to yourself.
Life on the Quayside
Quai des Talards and Quai de la Rance are lined with crêperies, cider bars and seafood bistros that set out terrace tables the moment the sun appears — grab a table at La Maison du Port for galettes and a glass of Breton cider right on the water's edge.
From the port you can hire a kayak, join a river cruise up to Saint-Malo or simply watch the pleasure boats navigate the old lock that connects the tidal Rance to the canal basin.
The towering railway viaduct overhead — 40 metres high and built in 1852 — provides a dramatic industrial counterpoint to the medieval timber frames below.
More of Dinan
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Dinan →
