Strolling Along Old Streets

 

Bienvenue à Dinan, a medieval town in Bretagne. We were immediately drawn in by the cobblestone streets and half timbered houses. It is a lively little town where the streets are busy with people shopping in small local shops and sitting in street cafés. 

One of our favorite places was Place des Merciers.

Look at these old buildings! Some of these timber framed houses date from the 13th century and look as if they're leaning toward each other. 

We enjoyed strolling along the cobblestone alleys, passageways and streets (all pedestrian zone), visiting some shops and just enjoying the bustling atmosphere of this old city. I take delight in walking in towns without the need of watching out for cars. Many European towns and cities are so enjoyable because pedestrians don't take a back seat to cars. Instead, they are walkable and inviting with local shops, restaurants and cafés.

Outdoor restaurants and cafes were waiting for the lunch crowd.

The porch of the Couvent des Cordeliers, a monastery that was established by the Franciscans or Cordeliers in 1241. The construction of the Gothic porch itself was commenced in the 15th century. The monastery was closed in 1791 during the French Revolution and subsequently declared state property. Today, all that remains of the monastery is the cloister, courtyard and the Gothic porch.

Some more of the narrow alleys.

A gourmet shop. If you look closely you can see some bottles in the shop window. This is for Bleubeard and Elizabeth's T Tuesday.

A notable landmark is the Tour de l'Horloge (clock tower) with its height of 40 meters (about 130 feet). It was commissioned by Queen Anne de Bretagne and housed the Maison de la Ville (town hall) until the French Revolution. Unfortunately, the tower was closed and we weren't able to climb up to the platform.

I'm not sure whether the lights in the streets were already up for Christmas or whether they are permanent decoration. We didn't stay until the evening to find out what it looks like, but my guess is that it's very beautiful and atmospheric, almost romantic.

Rain's prompt for TADD this week is "city streets" - I think this post fits the topic.