The best road cycling routes around Bécherel

From the popular piety of earlier centuries, it was part of life in Brittany that everyone who could in any way do so undertook a great pilgrimage to the seven cathedrals of Brittany, the so-called “founding saints”. This was called “Tro Breiz” (Tour through Brittany) in Breton. Estimates suggest that in the 14th century, up to 40,000 people had to cover a distance of almost 700 kilometers for this purpose. It is said that if one did not complete the Tro Breiz during their lifetime, the pilgrimage would be continued, if necessary, in the coffin. Some years before the turn of the millennium, the “Tro Breiz” – albeit in a different form – was revived. In the modern variant, the route is spread over seven years, with one of the pilgrimage destinations visited each year. The prominent seven saints are: + Saint Maclovius: Founder of the diocese of Saint-Malo and patron saint of the city. + Saint Samson: Founder of the diocese of Dol-de-Bretagne and one of the most famous Breton saints. + Saint Briocus: Founder of the diocese of Saint-Brieuc and its monastery. + Saint Tugdual: Founder of the diocese of Tréguier and one of the most important saints in Breton history. + Saint Paul-Aurelianus: Founder of the diocese of Saint-Pol-de-Léon and an important missionary. + Saint Corentin: Founder of the diocese of Quimper and one of the most important Breton saints. + Saint Hervé: A saint of Brittany mentioned in the Vita Hervei.

Dinan's Old Bridge (Vieux Pont) spans the Rance and connects the harbor with the historic old town. It was built in the Middle Ages and was the most important access to the city for centuries. After several renovations and partial destruction in World War II, it was restored.

Due to its exceptionally well-preserved cultural heritage, Dinan received the „Ville d’Art et d’Histoire“ award from the French Ministry of Culture in 1986. The old town is today one of the most important historical sights in Brittany and provides an authentic impression of life in a medieval town.

The old town is among the best-preserved medieval city centers in France. Its origins date back to the 11th century, when the city developed into an important trading and craft center due to its favorable location on the Rance. To this day, narrow cobbled streets, numerous half-timbered houses, and an almost completely preserved city wall with gates and towers characterize the historic cityscape. Landmarks of the old town include, among others, the steep Rue du Jerzual, which connects the city center with the harbor, the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur, the Church of Saint-Malo, and the Clock Tower.

Very nice bridge, right on the harbor. You should definitely go.

beautiful little town to discover

The harbor with the old bridge is one of the most beautiful corners of Dinan.

Dinan was founded in the 11th century at a strategic location on the Rance River. It developed into a fortified trading and market town during the Middle Ages. In the 14th century, Dinan played an important role in the Hundred Years' War and was repeatedly contested. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval old town with half-timbered houses, city walls, and the Saint-Sauveur Basilica.