Harbour

Dinan

Maximum length: 82 ft
Maximum draught: 5 ft

River port of 100 berths on the Rance, 18 km upstream of the Rance tidal dam, at the foot of Dinan's medieval ramparts in the lower town of Le Port.

Guide

Approach and anchoring

Access from Saint-Malo via the Rance tidal barrage lock at La Richardais, then the maritime Rance and the Chatelier lock at Lyvet which separates the tidal section from the canalised section to Dinan. Allow about three hours from the barrage up to Dinan at 5 knots, and reach the Chatelier lock at least 30 minutes before the end of a lockage period. Max draught 1,6 m in the canalised section. Lock operating hours depend on the Rance dam schedule.

Practical

100 berths along the Vieux Pont quays. Book a berth by e-mail with the capitainerie, which sits on the left bank. Water and electricity on the quay. The shower and toilet block is dated and due for renovation. Bakery, restaurants and grocery within 200 m, with a row of restaurants looking onto the harbour. The walled upper town sits 75 m above the port, reached by the Jerzual street or by car.

Ashore

Rue du Jerzual climbs from the port through the ramparts to the medieval old town, 400 m on foot with a 75 m climb. Ramparts of Dinan run 2,6 km around the upper town, with the 14th century Château de Dinan keep. Voie verte along the Rance toward Saint-Malo, 30 km car-free cycle route.

History

Dinan was a fortified trading town from the 11th century. Bertrand du Guesclin, Constable of France, fought a famous duel here in 1357 and his heart is buried in the Basilique Saint-Sauveur in the upper town.