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The old town is most atmospheric, crammed full of half timbered buildings dating
from the 13th and 14th centuries, with cobbled rambling streets all carefully
restored and preserved. Interspersed throughout the old town are numerous
individually owned cafes, bars, restaurants and the colourful shops of butchers,
bakers and today scented candle-makers. The shops of florists, artisans, craftsmen
and weavers mingle with the ubiquitous gift and post card shops that thrive in any
town that is a magnet to tourists.
Dinan’s population is now around 11,000. Its history revolves around its feuds with
England. Notably, the Duke of Lancaster’s
invasion of 1357 when the local hero was Bertrand Du Guesclin whose brother Oliver,
having been kidnapped, was held to ransom, by his captor an English Knight,
Cambridge. Bernard challenged Cambridge in a one to one combat and won. He
continued campaigning for the King of France until he died some 23 years later.
His bronze statue commemorates him on that very battleground, the Place du Champs,
now less importantly used as a car park, which faces both the Hotel D'Avaugour and
the Cantorbury restaurant in the old town.
The 1907 fire in Cordeliers’ Street
apparently caused citizens to become aware of the importance of the preservation
of medieval half timbered buildings to Dinan’s heritage. The first listing of a
medieval house in the harbour district took place in 1928 and it was indeed great
foresight to see such early attempts of conservation that deserve congratulation
today.
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