THINGS TO DO
Explore the charming medieval town of Dinan and its surroundings. Browse the town's boutiques and boulangeries, explore the beauty of the Côtes-d'Armor coastline, feast on crêpes and cidre breton and explore the cobblestone streets and picturesque views.
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Below you will find all sorts of inspiration. We have also provided links to activities and attractions that will help you plan your visit.
Walking
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Take in the breathtaking view from the Jardin Anglais, where Dinan House is situated, overlooking the ancient port and the striking viaduct across the River Rance.
Explore the town ramparts, with an entrance just down the road on Rue du Rampart, or take a rewarding walk down the steep Rue du Petit Fort leading to the port. From there you can enjoy a scenic waterside walk to the historic village of Léhon along the Rance.
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Summer visitors can cool off on arrival in Léhon at Le Pommiers open air swimming pool or just a rest at the unique little café in the grounds of Léhon Abbey.
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Seaside
St-Briac-sur-Mer, just 30 minutes away, with a lovely sandy beach, clean facilities, and a relaxed beach bar.
Dinard is perfect for enjoying moules frites on the promenade, browsing art galleries, and exploring unique shops.
If you’re a fan of oysters, Cancale is a must-visit. And for something a bit different, take a stroll through the historic walled city of St-Malo, full of charm and charactera nd only 40 minutes away from Dinan House.
Shopping
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Dinan offers a charming selection of local shops, perfect for browsing and picking up daily essentials.
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Food, fashion, gifts, jewellery, toys, books, homewares and of course several French pharmacies for your beauty fix!
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Don’t miss the vibrant Thursday morning market held in Place du Champ and Place Duguesclin. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the local culture, sample fresh regional produce, and discover unique artisan goods.
Cafe Culture
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Dinan’s café culture is a true reflection of its relaxed charm and historic character. Whether you're tucking into a Petit Déjeuner in Place des Cordeliers or enjoying a leisurely afternoon coffee in Place Duclos Pinot, the town offers countless spots to pause and soak up the atmosphere.
Many cafés spill out onto cobbled squares or quiet side streets, perfect for people-watching or reading a book in the sun. From traditional Breton crêperies to modern tea houses, each café has its own personality, welcoming locals and visitors alike with friendly service.
Gastromomy
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Dinan is full of fantastic dining options, from casual bistros to more refined restaurants.
To ease into your stay, we recommend starting with dinner at our favourite local spot: Crêperie Ahna, just a short stroll away on Rue de la Poissonnerie. It’s a popular choice, so booking is a good idea, though we’ve often been lucky without one.
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As you wander through its historic streets, you’ll discover a delightful array of spots that cater to every palate, all just a few steps from your front door at Dinan House.
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For the gastronomes in search of hidden gems, the surrounding region has a wealth of special treasures for all budgets.
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Culture
Delve into Dinan's rich history and vibrant art scene with your choice from a wealth of guided tours.
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Experience the Chateau de Dinan and the spectacular views of the town from the Tour du Coetquen, built in the 1380s.
Enjoy the quirky wonders of the Rail Museum and visit the beautiful station while you are there, then pop into the charming 16th Century building that houses the Maison De La Harpe.
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For big city lovers, the region's capital Rennes is only a 50 minute drive away and is home to the wonderful Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes.
Cycling
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A popular spot for cycling thanks to its beautiful scenery and frequent appearance on the route of the Tour de France. Dinan was first on the route all the way back in 1909, and has been graed several times since with this epic event, most recently in 2025.
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Bike rental and organised cycling trips are available with Kaouann from their location at the Porte de Dinan.
Boating
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Take a pleasure trip or aperitif tour along the Rance with Rance Evasion.
Enjoy the scenery with a quiet and ecological trip along the water with an electric boat from Dina'Vig, available at the Porte de Dinan.
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Want an adventure or fun for the family? The Rance Canoe-Kayak Club is a hop, skip and a jump across the little bridge from the port.
Family Fun
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Located in Dinan old town just a few minutes from Dinan House is the Jardin du Val Cocherel. Here you can find aviaries, a play park and mini golf to entertain the family as well as plenty of benches and a lovely snack bar.
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Dinan Bowling is a great - and nicely laid out - option for a rainy day, with a bar and pool tables to extend the fun.
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On a sunny day Les Pommiers open air swimming pool at Léhon can be reached on foot in about 30 mins or easily by car.
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La Fête des Remparts
Every other summer Dinan steps back in time for the Festival of the Ramparts, one of Europe’s most celebrated medieval festivals. The town comes alive with costumed locals and visitors, jousting tournaments, workshops, markets, parades, and medieval balls, all set against the backdrop of Dinan’s historic streets and ramparts.
It’s a magical, festive experience that brings the Middle Ages vividly to life.