Monday 21st May 2024
We had been told that Dinan was worth a visit, and it absolutely is. You can read more about the town via this link: Dinan
We had identified a motorhome aire, near to the Port de Dinan, just the other side of the viaduct. As today was Whit Monday and it being a public holiday in France, there was no charge for staying, but the hardstanding areas were full and although level, the field was high with grass.
There were lots of motorhomes parked when we arrived, many were just day-visitors and had left by early evening when there was a very heavy thunderstorm which left huge puddles everywhere. When we were leaving, another motorhome had become stuck in the mud. We were able to help with a tow-out and were given some Belgian cheese and a bar of chocolate as a gift in gratitude.
The town centre of Dinan is astonishing. You are met with medieval buildings at every turn:
Not quite is all as it seems, however. The Keratry mansion (below) was bought by Dinan town council in 1939 and moved here. It was originally built in 1559.
As far as I am aware, all the other buildings are original to the town:
There are two large churches in the town, each with remarkable features:
Eglise Saint Malo:
Basilique Saint-Sauveur:
An remarkable feature of the Basilique Saint-Sauveur, is its altar-piece:
There were also some unusual retailers. One in particular, just sold very expensive tinned fish:
The French retailers have a nice way of displaying their goods:
We also visited the Port du Dinan:
A small ship, “Donata” is moored here. It was built by British Royal Engineers volunteers in 1917.
A steep road leads from the port, up to one of the town gates. All along its length, there are more timber-framed houses:
"See-u-Later" 