Church on Sunday... Saint-Malo, Dinan

The church of Saint Malo in Dinan was built in 1490 on land located inside the ramparts of the town to replace a more exposed church outside the walls that had been destroyed. The choir, apse and transept were built during the 15th century in a flamboyant  Gothic style.By the end of the 16th century, the nave was still incomplete and hard to imagine, the church had a simple thatched roof.

During the French Revolution almost all the original furnishing and religious works of art were destroyed, burned or soldand the church was converted into a stable and forge. During this period the nave and the tower were destroyed by a fire.

The church eventually fell into ruin but it was re-consecrated in 1803 and reconstruction and restoration work began in 1808. and eventually completion in 1885.

The granite altar is fairly modern dating from 1955

There is a an impressive collection of 19th and 20th century stained glass windows...

you can see some great pics, here

Where's Joan...nowhere to be seen here!

The English organ was built in 1889.

Crepes, galettes & cidre...part V

Le Port de Dinon sits on the river Rance below the main town of Dinan. The little port serves as a link between the town and Saint Malo-on the coast. During the 18th century  weavers made it a busy little place making canvases for sails.

Nowadays it is a haven for sailors and tourists alike.There are boat trips along the river or to the fortress of St-Malo and the Channel Islands generating a fairly constant flow of traffic.

The view from the port looking back to the imposing 19th century 40mtr high viaduct that towers over the 15th century river bridge.

There are some pretty buildings along the riverside as well as a plethora of restaurants. We chose to have a traditional lunch of galette followed by a crepe accompanied by a cup of the local cider.

It was great to be eating outside in October!

Here are a couple of pics I took of photographs in the castle museum showing the port before and after the building of the viaduct.

Plus how it looks today.

If you get the chance it's a lovely place for a weekend break.

Church on Sunday...St Sauveur Basilica,Dinan

This Sunday we are taking you inside the 12th century St Sauveur Basilica in Dinan (no surprise there I hear you say). It was commissioned by a local returning knight from the Crusades who wanted to show his appreciation for having survived the campaign.

As you enter the church through the Romanesque portals you are actually using the only real remains of the 12th century building as the church was extensively rebuilt and extended during the 15th and 16th centuries using a mix of architectural styles. A bell tower was added in the 17th century but was destroyed by lighting and replaced in the 18th century. 

 

Although the work was pretty much ongoing for a century and a half it did not stop the building being used for its purpose. The results on a bright sunny day  such as we had on our visit mean that what could be a rather gloomy place uses the light to its best advantage.

As you walk along the nave towards the impressive altar and ambulatory chapels you are drawn in by the light of the windows high above you.

The light continues to play its part as you walk along the side aisles.

Loved the pews

Where's Joan?...she is here in what is probably one of our favourite representations. 

The former graveyard to the rear of the basilica is now the 'Le Jardin Anglais' which offers panoramic views of the valley below from the ramparts.

Crepes, galettes & cidre...part IV

After our walk around the ramparts of Dinon on Saturday we made our way down the very picturesque street of Rue du Jerzual to have lunch down at Le Port de Dinon.

It is a cobbled street which has a number of 'arty' shops and pretty houses before reaching the restaurants down on the harbour.

The climb back up is a bit of a challenge...

...with a 70 metre difference in height from the bottom to the top.

 It is well worth the climb. During the main holiday season the town has its own 'Petit train' to save you having to take the climb though it takes the easier to ascend main road. Will give you a taste of the actual port on Monday.

Crepes, galettes & cidre...part III

On the Saturday morning we did a walk around the walls of the town, had me thinking of Loches as we went on our way. The main castle / keep sits on the southern corner of the town's fortifications but we had to wait until the afternoon to have a look inside as it didn't open until 1.30pm. 

There have been some sympathetic additions to the wall...

and some less so!

This is a view from the 13th century ramparts on the eastern side of town looking down on 'Port Dinan' (more on this later).

Then there is a narrow walk back up towards our gate at Saint Malo.

We did return to the castle for a walk around, it was interesting without being  exiting.

As we were going around the outside we saw the twisted drawbridge and there was a view of it from the inside too.

The best part was the climb (150 steps) to the top of the keep where there was little in way of obstructions to the great views. The only reference to health and safety was a sign saying children should be accompanied - I think that would be a good idea.