The Area
Situated alongside the River Rance, Le Port de Dinan is the river port area of the medieval city of Dinan in the Cotes-d'armor Department of Brittany.
Dinan is easily reached from the cross-channel ferry terminals being 30 minutes drive from St Malo, less than 2 hours from Caen and 2 hours 15 minutes from Cherbourg. The airport at Dinard is a 15 minute taxi ride from the port and Rennes airport is just under an hour away.
There is a cycle track (mainly on a disused railway line) from Dinard to the port and a small ferry which takes bicycles links St Malo with Dinard (not in Winter). Once in Dinard the cycle journey takes around 2 hours at a moderate pace.
The port is well served with restaurants, bars and a bakery and the picturesque town centre of Dinan can be reached by walking up the steep cobbled street of the Rue du Jerzual or alternatively it is just a short drive to one of the town centre car parks.
Dinan is one of the most beautiful and best preserved, medieval towns in Brittany. With its 3km long ramparts, half-timbered houses, attractive port and cobbled streets filled with art galleries, there is much to explore and discover.
The old town of Dinan is a warren of narrow streets offering a wide choice of small shops and restaurants in a truly medieval setting. For a view over the town and surrounding area, climb the 158 steps to the top of the Tour de l’Horloge where you can see as far as Mont St Michel on a clear day. A tour of the ramparts will bring you to the Jardin Anglais which also offers superb views over the viaduct to the port and the Rance Valley.
The river port is considered by many to be the most attractive part of Dinan. The quayside is lined with old stone houses, many now restaurants, overlooking the boats and leads to a15th century bridge crossing the River Rance. The old tow paths provide pleasant walks on both banks and taking the path under the impressive 40m high viaduct, a 20 minute walk will bring you to the picturesque small village of Lehon with its ancient abbey.
From the port the steep cobbled Rue du Petit-Fort leads up to the old town passing ancient half timbered houses and many small artisan shops selling arts and crafts.
Places to Visit
St Malo
A 30 minute drive from Dinan is the city of St Malo, nicknamed the Corsair City, St Malo has a long connection with explorers and long-haul sailors. The old walled city with ramparts facing out to sea, overlooks long beaches and a lively port. To relive its turbulent past and the saga of its great historical figures, take a walk along the ramparts. Follow this by wandering through the maze of cobbled streets where you will find a good choice of small shops and, not to be missed, lunch or dinner in one of the many seafood restaurants. A ferry service operates from just outside the walls of the city across the bay to Dinard from where there is a Voie Verte cycle track back to Dinan.
Mont St Michel
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont St Michel is one of the most visited places in France and at just 40 minutes drive from Dinan, well worth a visit. Wander up through the steep cobbled streets, lined with small shops and restaurants, to the magnificent Abbey overlooking the bay.
The Emerald Coast
Coves, inlets, tiny strips of sand; the Emerald Coast offers a wide choice of beaches; the name comes from the distinctive colour of the sea here. The fine sand, waves and castles are the main attractions of the seaside resorts along the coast. Among the most popular seaside towns are Cancale (famed for its oysters), Dinard, Saint-Lunaire, Saint-Briac-sur-Mer, Lancieux, Saint Cast le Guildo and Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer. The resorts offer a gentle pace of life and a wide range of activities for all the family.
Away from the Coast
A short drive from Dinan will bring you to the Gallo-Roman remains in Corseul or a slightly longer drive takes you to the pretty small town of Jugon Les Lacs where you can take a stroll beside its picturesque lake.
Visit Becheral known as "The village of books" various festivals are held here during the year.
Head east to Dol de Bretagne where you can see the unfinished 
cathedral, a jewel of Breton Gothic architecture, on your way stop at the fortress town of Combourg, the childhood home of the author François-René de Chateaubriand.
A longer drive will bring you to the walled city of Fougères with it's impressive moated castle.