FACILITIES:  2 bedroom accommodation, each with ensuite shower, cloakroom, large third floor sitting room with day bed, TV,  I-Pod dock, fully equipped kitchen (Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Microwave, etc), lounge.

THINGS TO DO IN DINAN:  From La Vieille Auberge explore the delights of  Dinan; one of the most beautiful places in Brittany. This fortified town, established in the 9th century, overlooks the river Rance and the stone ramparts now enclose a uniquely preserved 11th century town.  The centre of Dinan is filled with over 50 lively bars, cafes and restaurants.  Specialities include a bewildering variety of galettes, delicious seafood and of course, cider. Thursday is market day in the main square of Dinan which celebrates Breton fare.  Explore the pattern of narrow streets and cobbled alleys, crammed with Medieval timbered houses, many now housing quaint gift, antique and craft shops. See Renaissance Manors, town houses, built by East India Company officers, and Villas used by the British in Victorian times. Explore 2,800 metres of ramparts and 12 towers, also statues, churches, squares, gateways and gardens.

In Dinan there is a theatre and a cinema, and 2 swimming pools. Street festivals include the medieval Fete des Remparts. Dinan's art deco railway station has its own railway museum. Climb the 158 steps of the Tour de L'Horloge (the record is 3 minutes 47 seconds) to see nearly everything.

Walk through the centre of Dinan and down the steep Rue de Jerzual past galleries and craft shops, through the gate to the Port on the River Rance. There are more bars and restaurants, 2 bridges, boats for hire and riverboat excursions. Continue along the Rance tow-path to Lehon with its Abbey, Castle and heated open air swimming pool.

TOURING:  Dinan is an ideal base for travelling around Northern Brittany and Normandy. Several safe, clean beaches are within half an hour of you. Cancale, Mont St Michel, Combourg, Jugon- les-Lacs, and Rennes are easy drives. Local activities include tennis, sailing, wind surfing, golf and fishing.

GETTING THERE: Take advantage of very cheap off-season flights with Ryanair. Fly from Stansted, Luton, or East Midlands to Dinard Airport, hire a car, or take a taxi and Dinan is 15-20 minutes away. Or try the new route with Buzz to Caen. The Ferry at St Malo is a 30 minutes drive. Alternative ports include Cherbourg, Caen and Le Havre with either P&O or Brittany Ferries. Paris is under three and a half hours by train from Dinan Station, via Dol de Bretagne and Rennes.

Above left, the rue du port enters the city walls through the massive Jerzual stone gate, changing its name to Jerzual street once it’s inside the walls.

E-mail: for availability