Loic Lagarde

If our Britain offers breathtaking natural landscapes, it is also the heir to a rich past. Today, let's go on an excursion dedicated to Must-see monuments in Dinan-Cap Fréhel !

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Saint-Magloire Abbey

the legendary

Let's start our trip with a first stopover in the XNUMXth century, with a visit to theSaint-Magloire Abbey in Léhon. To find it, join Small Town of Character in Brittany !

 

Simon Bourcier

Today, this former monastery of Benedictine monks is a magnificent monument to discover in Brittany. We begin the visit with the abbey church (located to the right of the monument) whose walls are full of details to observe. Note in particular those that stand out in the nave (remember to observe the 8 recumbent effigies classified as historical monuments) as well as the statue of Saint-Magloire, a work by Pouche dating from 1998.

We then cross the XNUMXth century cloister which keeps, in the heart of its square pillars, a pretty medieval garden of aromatic and medicinal plants.

Then head to the XNUMXth century kitchen refectory! This room decorated with stained glass windows is an exceptional example of the great refectories of the time: it is also listed as a historical monument. The visit ends with a walk in the heart of a garden of medicinal plants on the banks of the Rance, without forgetting to climb up to the remains of the old castle of Léhon!

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Loic Lagarde
Storytellers Agency
Storytellers Agency
Storytellers Agency
Do you know the legend of the Abbey of Saint-Magloire? 

The story goes that monks from Wales would have prayed to God for a lord to offer them land in order to build a monastery there. Nominoë, sovereign of Brittany, would have granted them land on the sole condition of bringing him the relics of a Saint Breton. The monks would then have stolen the body of Saint Magloire to bring it to the heart of the abbey.

What there is to know
  • Burned by the Normans, the monument was rebuilt in the XNUMXth century before being enlarged in the XNUMXth century and then restored from the XNUMXth century.
  • Léhon is labeled Small City of Character of Brittany, so take the time to visit it 
Useful information : 
  • Located 2 km south of Dinan, it is possible to reach Léhon on foot by following the towpath or taking the main road.
  • The visit to the Abbey is free, if you wish, you can also take part in the guided tours
  • Address: village of Léhon, 22100 Dinan

The castle of Dinan

The iconic 

In the Dinan city center, we continue our journey to the XNUMXth century, via the unmissable Dinan Castle, emblematic monument of the medieval city. If the exterior conquered us with its remarkable architecture, do not stop there: the visit of the interior is worth a look.

At Lamoureux

La Tower of Coetquen, a former military tower, opens the visit with an incredible scenography explaining the art of war. From the first room, a map of the Duchy of Brittany and models tell us about the evolution of the fortifications of Dinan. The lower level is a real playground where you can try your hand at shooting a haquebute (formerly the arquebuse) on a digital target.

Le underground Mercoeur of the XNUMXth century then leads us to the famous Ducal Tower which makes us discover the daily life in the princely residences. Each level of the tower had a very specific function! The first were dedicated to storage for the castle and the kitchen, while the upper floors housed the intimate bedrooms.

We join the Place du Duc Jean IV passing under the Counter door ! If part of the Mercoeur underground crosses it, from the outside, we take the time to observe its fortified towers pierced with loopholes.

Agency the storytellers
Also worth seeing in Dinan, city of Art and History: 
  • The church of Saint-Malo
  • The Basilica of Saint-Sauveur
  • The Clock Tower
  • Follow the picturesque alleys to discover the half-timbered houses
  • The walk on the ramparts
Useful information
  • Possible visits from April to December
  • Rue du Château, 22100 Dinan

The castle of Hac

Authentic

Le Château de Hac in the town of Quiou immediately brings us back to XNUMXth century ! Topped with its two main buildings (both from different periods) and its 6 turrets, this medieval castle is an architectural gem! You will notice the incredible ocher color of its walls in limestone from the faluns of Brittany ! A detail that brings elegance and purity to the building.

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For lovers of architecture, this former hunting residence of the dukes is a masterpiece of the golden age of the Duchy of Brittany which has earned it a classification as a historical monument since 1993!

Inside, you will be seduced by the 700 m² decorated with tapestry and strewn with period furniture, in Gothic and Renaissance style. Do not miss ? The magnificent collection of safes dating from the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries and the magnificent vault on the top floor!

The remarkable visit ends with a beautiful bucolic walk in the heart of the three “gallant gardens”, where you can revel in the scents of aromatic and medicinal plants.

Emilie Revel
Storytellers Agency
Emilie Revel
To know :
  • Why the Château de Hac is a must-see monument in Brittany ? Since its construction, the building has been modified very little and still retains all its purity of yesteryear.
  • The house is still inhabited
  • The castle is a member of the Historic Residence and the Association of Parks and Gardens of Brittany
Useful information 
  • Château de Hac, 22630 Le Quiou

Fort La Latte

The famous

Let's finish our itinerary of monuments to see in Brittany by the unmissable Fort la Latte, the most visited castle in the region. Some also know it as Castle of La Roche Guyon : this is the name of one of the oldest Breton families. The legend says that a first castle would have been built by a Goyon in 937. The Fort la Latte which is so much talked about is the work of the Matignon family in the XNUMXth century.

Fort La Latte

the famous

Let's finish our itinerary of monuments to see in Brittany by the unmissable Fort la Latte, the most visited castle in the region. Some also know it as Castle of La Roche Guyon : this is the name of one of the oldest Breton families. The legend says that a first castle would have been built by a Goyon in 937. The Fort la Latte which is so much talked about is the work of the Matignon family in the XNUMXth century.

Loic Lagarde

Behind the large entrance gate, hide several vestiges of the old days such as the drawbridge, a ram or the old stables. A little further, the staircase leads us to the walkway, from where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Cap Fréhel and its lighthouse (time to take a nice souvenir photo).

Between the chapel of the castle, the courtyard, the period objects, the visit ends in beauty with the ascent of the famous keep, whose circular shape allowed enemy projectiles to ricochet! At the top, the view is breathtaking over Cap Fréhel, the lighthouse and the coast of Brittany.

The Storytellers
The Storytellers
The Storytellers
The Storytellers
To see a little further
Useful information :
  • In summer, it is possible to take part in fun guided tours (the guide is in medieval dress)
  • Address: 22240 Plevenon
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