Château de Dinan

About the museum

The Château de Dinan was begun in 1380 at the request of the Duke of Brittany, John IV, who wanted to assert his power over a town that had long been hostile. It comprises a residential tower about 45 meters high, arranged over five levels with a kitchen, banquet hall, state chamber and chapel, and the Coëtquen tower, a defensive structure from the late 15th century. At the end of the 16th century, during the Wars of Religion, the Duke of Mercœur strengthened the site’s defenses.

In the 18th century, the castle served as a prison for captured soldiers and sailors, then from 1817 to 1904 as a common-law prison. The town of Dinan bought it in 1906 to house its museum of monumental archaeology and natural sciences, which opened in 1908 under the name “château-musée.” For a century, a varied range of collections, notably ethnographic ones, was displayed there; they were then moved to municipal storerooms between 2014 and 2018.

Inaugurated in June 2019, the current route follows two themes: the art of war and everyday life in the 14th and 15th centuries. It relies on metal furniture inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts, which indicates the function of each room, and on objects made with ancient techniques (weapons, helmets, utensils) that visitors can handle. The castle is managed by the Town of Dinan, which holds the “Ville d’art et d’histoire” label.

Highlights

• Residential tower of Duke John IV, about 45 meters high
• Metal furniture inspired by 14th-century illuminated manuscripts
• Armory with helmets, weapons and objects to handle
• Medieval kitchen and banquet hall
• Terraces with views over the rooftops of Dinan

Founded

1843

Operated by

Ville de Dinan

Admission & discounts

Admission is free for children under 6, artists affiliated with the Maison des artistes or AGESSA, licensed tour guides (guides-conférenciers) and group escorts within regulatory limits. Guided tours of the Duke’s tower and the Coëtquen tower from April to September are included in the ticket. Payment in cash, by check, by bank card or with ANCV holiday vouchers (chèques-vacances).

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Animals are not admitted on the castle grounds, except guide dogs or assistance dogs. The route includes replicas of objects that can be touched and handled.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations

The club for 6- to 12-year-olds offers creative workshops on the medieval world, included in the ticket, by mandatory reservation. The route lets visitors touch and try on replicas of weapons and helmets. Pass Famille for 2 adults and 2 children.

Getting there & parking

The castle is in the historic center of Dinan, about 45 minutes from Rennes.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Shop in the castle, open 10:30–19:00 from April to September and 13:30–18:30 from October to December; souvenirs, history books and children’s games. The castle gardens are accessible for a break.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit