What are the best campsites for visiting Dinan?
2-star campsite in Dinan (22)
The Châteaubriand ** municipal campsite in Dinan enjoys a prime location at the foot of the ramparts and just 300 metres from the historic centre, offering the perfect setting for exploring the town on foot. It offers around fifty pitches, some of which are shaded, as well as stopover cabins suitable for hikers and cyclists. On site, you can enjoy practical facilities such as free Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, a playground, as well as amenities like washing machines and barbecues. Generally open from April to October, this campsite combines simplicity, a friendly atmosphere and close proximity to Dinan’s heritage.
3-star campsite near Dinan in the Côtes d'Armor
Located in Saint-Samson-sur-Rance, around 5 km from Dinan, the Beauséjour *** campsite offers a stunning natural setting on the banks of the Rance, facing the picturesque port of Lyvet. In a lush, peaceful setting, at the heart of the Rance valley, it welcomes holidaymakers seeking peace and a change of scenery. The site offers various types of accommodation, ranging from spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes to mobile homes and holiday cottages, as well as a wide range of leisure facilities such as a heated swimming pool, a mini-golf course and play areas. The campsite and th ’s nature area are open from May to September, whilst the holiday rentals are available from April to November, allowing visitors to enjoy the site for a large part of the year.
4-star campsite with swimming pool and mobile homes in Brittany
La Hallerais **** campsite, situated in Taden, 5 kilometres from Dinan, on the banks of the Rance, is ideal for a holiday combining relaxation and exploration. Set in a 7-hectare green estate, it offers a wide range of accommodation, from pitches for tents and motorhomes to mobile homes, chalets and unique lodgings. On site, holidaymakers can enjoy a full range of facilities, including heated swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), sports fields, a playground, a mini-farm and entertainment during the summer season, as well as practical services such as a snack bar, a grocery shop and bike hire. Open from March to November, it is an ideal base for exploring Dinan and the Rance Valley in a friendly and comfortable setting.
Cheaper campsite in Brittany (22)
Camping de l’Estuaire **, situated in Pleurtuit in the heart of the Emerald Coast, 16 km from Dinan, is a lovely place to stay for exploring the area around Dinan and the Breton coastline. Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and shops, it offers a pleasant natural setting with green spaces and a communal garden. This intimate campsite offers pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as suitable facilities, including a launderette and free Wi-Fi. Popular with cyclists thanks to its direct access to the cycle route and dedicated services, it combines simplicity with a friendly atmosphere. Open from April to September, it welcomes travellers seeking peace and quiet and a connection with nature.
Find all the campsites in the Côtes-d'Armor here.
What are Dinan’s must-see treasures?
A family stroll through the heart of the medieval town of Dinan
Start your exploration of Dinan at its charming harbour, nestled on the banks of the Rance, where you can enjoy a stroll along the quays or set off on a guided tour aboard a ‘tour boat’. As you make your way up towards the historic centre, let yourself be charmed by the famous cobbled Rue de Jérzual, a true link between the harbour and the upper town. Lined with old houses, this characterful alleyway is home to many artisans, including glassblowers, and piques your curiosity with its stalls and small galleries. As you climb, the cobbled streets reveal a timeless atmosphere, dotted with crêperies featuring medieval décor where you can enjoy a tasty break with the family.
Once you arrive in this town in the Côtes d’Armor, you’ll be instantly charmed: Dinan is home to around a hundred half-timbered houses, with colourful and sometimes crooked façades, each telling the town’s story at every turn. With its lively little squares, narrow passageways and views of the ramparts, the stroll becomes a real journey through time, perfect for sparking the imagination of young and old alike.
Discovering the castle, the symbol of Dinan
As you continue your stroll through the medieval alleyways, you’ll naturally find yourself heading towards the imposing Château de Dinan, the town’s true emblem. This 14th-century fortress, comprising a keep and remarkably well-preserved ramparts, bears witness to the town’s power during the era of Breton fe . Easily accessible from the historic centre, it is an unmissable stop for young and old alike.
The interior is open to visitors for much of the year, offering a museum tour dedicated to the history of Dinan and its defensive architecture. However, the castle may be closed at certain times during the low season, particularly in winter, so it is advisable to check opening times before your visit. Children particularly enjoy this immersion in the world of knights and fortifications, with child-friendly areas and a playful approach that brings the experience to life and makes it accessible. Around the castle, the ramparts also offer superb views of the town and the Rance Valley, perfect for extending your family walk.
A break combining history and panoramic views at the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur
Continuing your walk from the castle, let yourself be guided to the magnificent Saint-Sauveur Basilica, one of Dinan’s most iconic religious buildings. Built from the 12th century onwards, it is unique in combining two architectural styles: a Romanesque section of medieval origin and a Renaissance-style extension, which is brighter and richly decorated. This harmonious blend reflects the different stages of its history and makes it a place to visit that is as fascinating as it is peaceful.
Open to the public, the basilica offers the perfect setting for a cultural break with the family, with an interior that intrigues as much as it delights. But the real highlight is outside: behind the building, the English garden offers a breathtaking view of the Rance valley. This panorama, both peaceful and spectacular, is an unmissable stop to fully appreciate the charm of Dinan and take a contemplative break during your stroll.
Gaining height at the Clock Tower
Continuing the tour from the basilica, head for the Clock Tower, another of Dinan’s iconic landmarks that immediately catches the eye in the heart of the town. Built in the 15th century during the reign of Anne of Brittany, it was once used to watch over the town and assert ducal power. Today, whilst it no longer serves a defensive purpose, it continues to mark the rhythm of local life with the steady toll of its bell.
Visits to the tower are available and offer a unique experience, particularly for families. As you climb the steps, you’ll discover the secrets of its impressive clockwork mechanism, which is still in working order, as well as the history of this iconic building. The climb is rewarded with a panoramic view over the rooftops of Dinan and the surrounding area, a special moment that delights children and adults alike and brings the walk to a close on a note that is both fun and spectacular.
A charming getaway to Léhon
Why not extend your exploration beyond the historic centre and head to Léhon, just a few kilometres from Dinan and easily accessible on foot or by bike? The path running alongside the Rance offers a pleasant family walk, combining nature and heritage, ideal for taking the time to enjoy the scenery.
Once there, the change of scenery is immediate. This small, characterful village charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and historical treasures, starting with Saint-Magloire Abbey, whose origins date back to the 9th century and which stands as a remarkable testament to Brittany’s religious heritage. Towering above it all, the 13th-century feudal castle watches over the valley from its promontory, offering a setting worthy of a postcard. Below, the charming little medieval bridge spanning the Rance completes this poetic visit, perfect for a timeless family getaway.
Experience the rhythm of Dinan’s festivals and flavours
To round off this getaway, Dinan can also be discovered through its festive atmosphere and generous cuisine. In summer, the town comes alive with numerous events, including the famous Fête des Remparts, held every two years in July, which immerses young and old alike in a spectacular journey back to the heart of the Middle Ages with costumes, shows and entertainment. At the end of August, music lovers also enjoy the Festival Jazz en Place, which brings the town to life in a friendly atmosphere. Other events punctuate the summer season, such as craft markets, open-air concerts and street entertainment that delight the whole family.
When it comes to culinary delights, the area around Dinan is a real treat. Seafood takes centre stage, with delicious scallops, bouchot mussels from the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel and the renowned salt-meadow lamb. Those with a sweet tooth are not to be outdone, with the traditional far breton, not to mention crêpes and galettes, the unmissable symbols of Brittany. A lovely way to round off your stay on a culinary high note, with local specialities and shared delights.