Visit Dinan during your vacation in Saint-Malo
If you’re staying at Camping La Ville Huchet, your campsite in Saint-Malo, a trip to Dinan is one of the outings we often recommend to our guests. Just 30 minutes from the campsite, this medieval town perched high above the Rance valley offers a real change of atmosphere: cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, ramparts, craftsmen’s workshops, a bucolic port…
Dinan combines everything we love about small Breton towns with a strong heritage.
Here we guide you to make the most of your visit, with a simple, family-friendly itinerary. best days.
Discover Dinan: a medieval city full of character
Dinan is one of Brittany’s best-preserved towns. The town’s charm begins as soon as you arrive: half-timbered houses, lively squares, steep streets, ramparts offering superb views…
It’s a visit that appeals as much to families as to those curious about history or heritage.
The town can easily be discovered in half a day, but we often recommend devoting a full day to it, to combine the upper town and the walk along the Rance.
Start at the port: a gentle arrival ideal for families
Although many visitors start in the upper town, we recommend starting at the port.
It’s a calm, open atmosphere, ideal for a coffee break before climbing up to the historic center. The quays are lined with pretty old buildings, and the view of the viaduct is always impressive.
From the port, the ascent to the upper town is via Rue du Jerzual, one of Dinan’s most beautiful passageways. This cobbled alleyway, lined with artisan workshops, links the two parts of the town. It’s a bit steep (warn the kids!) but a real part of the experience.
PRACTICAL INFO – The port of Dinan
- Public toilets nearby
- Distance from Camping La Ville Huchet: approx. 30 minutes
- Ideal for starting your tour
- On-site restaurants and cafés
Rue du Jerzual: Dinan’s medieval soul
It’s the emblematic street that everyone remembers.
Potters’ workshops, designers, stone houses, flower-filled windows… Rue du Jerzual is a condensed version of Dinan’s identity.
The climb may require a little patience, but there’s something for everyone. A word of advice: don’t take a stroller 🙂
We often recommend taking the time to look at the stalls: it’s part of Dinan’s charm and a good way to take a break.
Practical tip: if you prefer to avoid the climb, you can start in the upper town and walk down the Rue du Jerzual to the port, making the visit accessible to all ages.
The upper town: ramparts, timber-framed houses and lively squares
Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll discover the most iconic part of Dinan.
Place des Merciers and half-timbered houses
This is where the most beautiful medieval facades are concentrated. Corbelled houses, old signs and narrow streets create a warm, almost theatrical atmosphere.
Saint-Sauveur Basilica
An interesting stop-off point for understanding the city’s history. The interior is luminous, and the outdoor square offers a small space in which to relax.
A walk on the ramparts
Very popular with families, it offers an unobstructed view of the Rance valley, the port and Dinan’s rooftops.
Allow around 20 minutes for a short tour, which offers some truly stunning views.
Walk to the English garden: a superb view of the Rance valley
The English Garden is one of the places we like to recommend.
Easy to access, it offers a magnificent panorama of the viaduct, the port and the meander of the Rance. It’s often where visitors take their best photos.
For families: the garden is flat and shady, providing a welcome break.
A gourmet break in Dinan
Dinan is also a great place to eat, with restaurants to suit all tastes and tastes. For a simple, family-style break, the crêperies and cafés around the Place des Cordeliers are a sure bet. But if you’d like to try something a little more distinctive, here are a few recommendations that we particularly like.
For a sweet break or a snack, Miette is a sure bet. The place is warm and welcoming, the products are carefully prepared, and it’s perfect for a gourmet break between two visits. To take away or enjoy on the go, this is the kind of address you’ll remember.
On the catering side, Atypic offers convivial cuisine based around large, generous skewers. The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for a no-fuss lunch or dinner, more suited to adults or teenagers than very young children.
Across the harbor on the Lanvallay side, Rogers-Bontemps is an address we like to recommend. It’s both a pub and a restaurant, overlooking Dinan harbor from the other side. They brew their own beer, offer daily specials at lunchtime, and burgers and platters to share in the evening. The atmosphere is very pleasant, often lively with parties, and perfect for prolonging the day after a stroll.
For a more modern atmosphere and a slightly more “city” setting, Brasserie Zaï Zaï, near the station, offers a varied menu with tapas, meats, burgers and salads. The place is spacious and contemporary, and works very well for a meal between adults.
Finally, for a coffee break or a sweet treat to take away, it’s impossible to miss Steve Mc Kouign‘s kouign-amann. Perfect for restoring your strength before continuing your visit… or for the return trip to the campsite.
Not all of these addresses are designed with children in mind, but they complement the more classic offerings in the historic center. It’s up to you to choose according to your mood of the day… and how much energy you have left after Rue du Jerzual.
Extend your visit along the Rance River
If you want to combine town and country, the walk between Dinan and Léhon is one of the most beautiful in the region.
The towpath offers a calm, green atmosphere, much appreciated by families.
And for those who have already discovered Léhon via our article on the Vallée de la Rance, you’ll recognize the peaceful atmosphere that makes this stretch of the canal so charming.
Practical information – Dinan
- Distance from campsite: 30 minutes by car
- Recommended duration: 1/2 day to full day
- Difficulty: moderate (steep Rue du Jerzual)
- Restaurants: many options in the upper town and at the port
- Parking: parking lots near the port and upper town
Read also: our article on the Rance Valley, to extend your discovery of the region
After your day out in Dinan: back to peace and quiet at Camping La Ville Huchet
After exploring the medieval streets, ramparts and panoramic views, what a pleasure to return to Camping La Ville Huchet, your 4-star campsite in Saint-Malo.
You can relax in your accommodation, enjoy the pool, or simply take the time to share the day’s discoveries before preparing for the rest of your stay.
Ready to discover Dinan? We at the campsite already have some ideas for you.
