Dol-de-Bretagne

Dol-de-Bretagne is a medieval town located between St Malo and Mont-St-Michel. You will find there the oldest houses in Brittany, amongst them is the “Maison des Petits Palets”.

As well as beautiful medieval houses, you will find a cathedral built in the 13^th century.

Have a break, and enjoy a drink or a meal at one of the many bars and restaurants from the high street.

And for raining (or sunny!) days, an indoor pool with slides, Jacuzzi and steam room.

Market day is Saturday (all year round). Dol gets very busy and lively then!

And a short drive away, visit the 10 m high standing stone or the farming museum!

See my other posts about Dol-de-Bretagne.

The village of Léhon

If you are coming to Dinan in Brittany, I’d advise you to visit Léhon at the same time!

Léhon is a pretty village on the river Rance. You will find a castle, an abbey and a swimming pool there.

If you enjoy walking, follow the river on your left and you will get to Dinan port.

Just outside the heart of Léhon, you will find a remembrance museum. It's worth a visit!

Léhon is 10 minutes away from our gite in Brittany.

Fougères castle

This 15th-century fortified castle is worth a visit.

It is a good hour from our gite in Brittany.

For a whole day out, you could visit Combourg and Bazouge-La-Pérouse on the way.

Bazouge-La-Perouse – a pretty village

I always advice the guests staying in our gite in Brittany to visit Bazouge-La-Pérouse on the way to the Mont-St-Michel.

You will find pretty stone houses, St Pierre-St Paul Church, and various artists. Art exhibitions are organized all year round.

The streets are always decorated with colorful flower beds and hanging baskets. It is always a pleasure to walk round it.

If you can’t pronounce the name of this village, don’t worry! It is hard for French people to pronounce it too!!

Jerzual street in Dinan

From the old part of Dinan, you can walk down a very steep cobbled street called ‘Rue du Jerzual’ which takes you down the pretty port of Dinan.

All the way down, you will discover various craftsmen (painters, sculptors, engraver, book binder, etc) and beautiful colored half-timbered houses.

On the way back up, you will need a drink! Several cafés and restaurants will welcome you warmly!

The steep street may put you off but it is definitely worth seeing it!

Mordreuc – a pretty port on the Rance

Mordreuc is a pretty spot on the banks of the river Rance in Brittany.

Mordreuc’s famous attraction is a female seal which often sunbathes on the beach or on the jetty all year round. She loves posing for the cameras!

Mordreuc also has a small sandy beach for children to build sandcastles and is safe for swimming. Whilst there, take the time to walk round the pretty village of Mordreuc. You will see lovely stone houses with immaculate gardens and colorful flowers beds and hanging baskets.

Mordreuc is part of Pleudihen, East of Dinan about 15 minutes from our gite in Brittany.

See this link here to meet the seal!

Léhon castle

Léhon castle overlooks the village of Léhon and the Rance valley. It is free to walk round it.

Whilst there, you could also visit the Abbey of St Magloire.

Léhon is a charming village which has preserved its rich architectural heritage, hence its title ‘Petite Cité de Caractère”.

Léhon is in Brittany, just outside Dinan, 10 minutes from our gite in Brittany.

Abbey of St Magloire in Léhon / Dinan

Léhon Abbey-Church is on the River Rance. It has a 12^th century Romanesque porch, 17^th century square pillared cloister, 13^th century refectory with restored stained-glass windows.

It is free to walk round. Guided tours are also available. Contact Dinan tourism office or if you are staying in our gite in Brittany, I will be happy to book it for you.

Whilst there, take a walk round the village of Léhon.

Léhon is a charming village which has preserved its rich architectural heritage, hence its title ‘Petite Cité de Caractère”.

Bécherel fête du Livre

Bécherel is a tiny charming village, called the city of the books because there are 15 bookstores for around 660 inhabitants. Many events are organised during the year.

The Easter weekend is always filled with events (concerts, exhibitions, as well as a large number of stalls selling all sorts of books!).

It is on Saturday 4th , Sunday 5th and 6th April 2010.

Not far from Bécherel, you will find Trévérien and its plant sale on Sunday 5th April. Bécherel is about 20 minutes South of Dinan.

See my previous post here.

Combourg, Brittany France

Places to visit whilst holidaying in East Brittany......








Combourg is a pretty lakeside village dominated by the boyhood home of Romantic writer Viscount René de Chateaubriand (1768-1848), the thick-walled, four-tower Château de Combourg. The Chateau was built in the 14th and 15th century.

You can combine a visit to the castle with a visit to the local market on a Monday.

Dinan - a lovely medieval French town in Brittany

I discover Dinan when I lived in Jersey. I came to Brittany for a weekend and just fell in love with this medieval walled town.

I now live 10 minutes away and even after 7 years it is always a great pleasure to walk around the walls. Here is a description of this beautiful town.....

Dinan is famous for its cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings. A very steep cobbled street filled with local craft workshops takes you to the old port area.

Dinan has over 50 bars, restaurants and crêperies. There are plenty of small boutiques and shops. The market is on Thursday morning where you will find some fresh local produces (fruit, vegetables, fish, sea food, cheeses but also cloths).

There is a flea market in July and August Wednesday afternoon.

Dinan holds a medieval festival every other year, the “Fête des Remparts”. The town is then transformed with medieval decoration and many locals dress up in medieval costumes. The next Fête des Remparts is in 2010 so plan your visit ahead!