Place des Merciers – Medieval Dinan’s main square
Place des Merciers is the heart of the medieval citadel of Dinan.
A stone’s throw from the Couvent des Cordeliers, the square is centred around an old granite well, now out of service for safety reasons.
But above all, it is framed by several beautifully restored half-timbered houses, true gems of Dinan’s architectural heritage.
Among these historic buildings is the famous restaurant Chez la Mère Pourcel, located at No. 3. This spectacular medieval house with its grey-blue half-timbering has become an emblem of the old town.
Built in the 13th century, it has survived centuries and fires and was listed as a historical monument on December 4, 1961.
The restaurant was founded in 1927 by Alfred and Virginie Pourcel and has since become synonymous with culinary excellence in an exceptional setting.
The medieval district
Formerly known as Place de l’Apport, Place des Merciers was the convergence point of many alleyways and the heart of the lively medieval Apport district, in the Upper Town. Most of the houses surrounding it are listed as historical monuments.
Today, this picturesque square is a harmonious blend of bourgeois homes, artisan workshops and eclectic shops, creating an atmosphere very similar to that of yesteryear. In the Middle Ages, artisans of the same guild would gather in the same lanes, which they named after their guild.
Thus, streets like Rue de la Poissonnerie (Fishmonger’s Street), Rue de la Lainerie (Woolery Street), Rue de la Ferronnerie (Ironworks Street), Rue de la Larderie (Bartering Street), Rue de la Mittrie (Bread Mill Street), and Rue du Petit-Pain (Little Bread Street) all lead to Place des Merciers.
The picturesque Rue de la Cordonnerie (Shoemaker Street) is now affectionately called Rue de la Soif (Thirst Street), because it has no fewer than nine bars! This pedestrian lane is particularly lively in good weather, when tables are set up on the sidewalks.
Other alleyways and passages in the vicinity of the Place de Merciers also have intriguing names, such as the Rue du Saut de la Puce (Jumping Flea Lane), whose origin has been lost in the meanders of time.
La Cohue – Dinan’s covered market
The charming Rue du Petit Pain leads from Place des Merciers to the historic covered market of La Cohue.
This renowned historic market takes its name from the nearby Rue de la Chaux, “chaux” having transformed into “cohue“, a term which designates a busy crowd (as should be in a market!).
Founded in the 13th century, La Cohue is the oldest market in Dinan still in existence, the guardian of centuries of tradition and commerce.
It reopened to the public in 2009 after meticulous restoration. Here, a multitude of stalls and a vibrant array of colours and scents await you, and there’s even a café-creperie serving excellent coffee!
La Cohue is open all week, but closes briefly at lunchtime in the off-season.
Department of Côtes d’Armor
Coordinates: Lat 48.453710 – Long -2.044021
