Its geographical setting is exceptional. Instead of nestling on the valley floor like Morlaix, most urban development has been on the hillside, overlooking the river Rance. This river has moderate turbidity and its brownish water is somewhat low in velocity due to the slight gradient of the watercourse; pH levels have been measured at 8.13[2] within the city of Dinan and electrical conductivity of the waters have tested at 33 micro-siemens per centimetre. In the centre of Dinan the Rance summer flows are typically in the range of 500 cubic feet per second.
For many years, the bridge over the River Rance at Dinan was the most northerly crossing point on the river, but the tidal power station at the mouth of the estuary, constructed in the 1960s downstream from Dinan, incorporates a 750 meter long tidal barrage which doubles as a crossing point nearer to the sea.
A major highlight in the calendar is Dinan's Fête des Remparts. The town is transformed with decoration and many locals dress up in medieval garb for this two-day festival. It occurs only every other year, which can catch visitors out.
Dinan was also a favourite place for artists to visit in search of picturesque views. The British artist John Everett Millais lived there as a child. It was also painted by Edward Ward and Horace Tuck among others.
Gallery
The Rue du Jerzual is a steep medieval street connecting Dinan to the river below.
