My husband and I are planning a 6 or 7 night stay in Dinan. Should we stay by the river Rance which looks lovely and peaceful with possibly better parking options (we will have a car while we are there)? Or might it be better to stay in or close to the heart of old town Dinan which looks charming with easy access to restaurants and the castle walls? It looks like it's quite a hike between the two. We are hoping to stay in a gite or, failing that renting through VRBO. Any advice or opinions would be most welcome.
Posted by
USA
402 posts
It's your call as to which location you prefer. We liked being up in the town and felt it was more interesting than the river area. There's a sizeable hill to walk from town to river or vice-versa so I'd pick the location you'd plan on spending the most time. Parking was not an issue at all in town; there are sizeable lots near the old town. Look on Google Maps at the aerial view of Place Duguesclin, Dinan. We were there a few years ago and one of the lots you pre-paid, the other you took a ticket and paid for time used. The time used one is preferable since you don't have to guess how long you'll be parked on days where you're doing day trips. Also parking in the surface lots is free in the evening until the next morning and around lunchtime.
I'm envious you're going there! Plenty of options for day trips to places like Dinard, St. Malo, Cancale, etc. The Michelin Green Guide is well worth getting to help plan your trip.
Posted by
Atlanta
995 posts
I liked staying up in the town. It is quite a walk down to the river. Luckily, the last tram of the day was about to leave when we were ready to go back uphill. Our hotel was right across from the central square for market day, which was a charming one.
Posted by
43 posts
We were in Dinan this May. We stayed at LE 27. We loved it. It is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast. They have 2 rooms, one does have a king bed. Patrick is a wonderful host. He made dinner reservations for us each night. He provides you with a parking card for the lot that is across the street. The breakfast is a delight. He said "make yourself at home, anything you see is for enjoyment, including the liquors in the common area. You can walk to anywhere in town you would want to go.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
We will be there next month staying in an apartment I booked through booking.com. I chose the old town because that’s where we will spend our time. The apartment includes parking.
Posted by
OP
Berkeley, California, US
655 posts
Thanks everyone! I just read somewhere (can't remember exactly where) that there is now bus service between the port and the old town of Dinan. If that's the case and we can readily get between the two greatly simplifies matters. I'll see if I can find a visitors Bureau or tourist office for Dinan and see if they have any information about transportation between the two areas. Again, thank you so much for your help.