Life without a car has, so far, been easy. Local trips have logically been on foot, covering 5-8 miles (8-12km) per day. That doesn’t include any transport on the Rennes Metro or bus system which we try and use daily. Beyond Rennes, it is the train. If you have to get older, and considering the option, it’s not so bad if you take advantage of discounts like the one offered by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français or “French National Railway Company”).
Anyway, this day we boarded the train on another adventure to the medieval fortified town of Dinan, just inland of the coastal fortress town of St. Malo, where we previously traveled by train with my brother and members of his family.
Situated defensively along the river Rance, the fortified town of Dinan retains a large section of the city ramparts that in many sections can be walked affording outstanding views of the Rance and its small port. A number of the town’s older buildings date to the 13th century, that’s the 1200’s folks. 
Rick Steves says that if you can visit only one town in Brittany (Bratagne) then it should be Dinan. We were there during the last days of the pan-European vacation month of August, and it was packed with tourists … like us. Though, in spite of the crowds we enjoyed strolling the cobblestone streets worn smooth by countless footsteps and wheels over the centuries. Many of the medieval buildings show their age as support timbers sag, or entire facades lean precariously over the streets or to one side.
We ate lunch at one of the riverside cafes and later had some locally popular salted butter caramel ice cream. Yumm. So I guess it was good when, once we got back, Jeannie’s pedometer indicated that we had walked over 12 miles (over 20km).
The images will provide a better story though. We hope you enjoy them.
Di
2 Sep 2014What a treat to escape to Dinan with you! I feel as though I can hear, taste, and smell through your photos, all that you are experiencing first hand. How clean and fresh the town is…do you ever see a street sweeper or is everyone there just responsible for picking up after themselves? What a wonderful world that would be…
Alice Mathias
30 Aug 2014Beautiful pictures
Chris
30 Aug 20148^)
Evy Snyder
30 Aug 2014Lovely little town. I was surprised to see a palm tree in one of the water’s edge shots! Love the architecture.
Linda Shydo
30 Aug 2014Great pictures. Love the architecture of the buildings.
Carolyn
30 Aug 2014Nice!! Great to see the big beautiful views, buildings, settings and people, but I love the little details you give us… the fused door knocker, crazy rain spout, crack with a plant…
Mary brumley
30 Aug 2014Beautiful pictures. I can see why artists go there to paint. Din an is stunning. Enjoy!
Luv ya, Mare
Dave
30 Aug 2014Beautiful images and great writing. Not having a car is supposedly easier in Europe. Will you eventually acquire bicycles? I enjoy following along on the slow nomadic events.