Porte de Jerzual, Dinan

City Gate in Dinan

Dinan Porte du Jerzual
Dinan Porte du Jerzual
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

The Porte de Jerzual is one of the must-see places in Dinan, a towering 14th-century gateway that once guarded the vital link between the fortified town and its bustling river port. Perched at the top of the cobbled Rue du Jerzual, this fortified entrance symbolised Dinan's strategic importance in medieval Brittany. Its round tower, machicolations, granite construction, and surviving portcullis groove all offer a vivid reminder of the town's defensive past.

Passing beneath its Gothic arch feels like stepping through time. Beyond the gateway lies the steep, picturesque Rue du Jerzual-lined with timber-framed houses, working ateliers, and old trade shops-that has welcomed merchants, craftsmen, fishermen, and travellers for centuries. The gate is often visited on walking tours of Dinan for its commanding presence and the way it frames one of the town's most iconic medieval streets.

History and Significance of Porte de Jerzual

Built in the 14th century, the Porte de Jerzual served as one of Dinan's principal gateways, controlling movement between the walled upper town and the port below. As Dinan thrived as a commercial and defensive stronghold, the gate played a vital role in regulating trade and protecting the city from external threats. Its granite tower, crowned with crenellations and fitted with arrow slits, speaks to a time when sentries kept constant watch and merchants passed beneath with goods destined for the market squares above.

The pointed Gothic arch highlights the era in which it was constructed, and visitors can still see the carved groove used by the wooden portcullis. This functional detail reflects the sophistication of medieval military engineering and the importance of the gate within the wider defensive network. On both sides, stretches of fortification extend toward the Château de Dinan, forming part of the city's 2.7-km rampart circuit.

Over the centuries, the gateway survived conflicts, trade fluctuations, and transformations in urban life. Today, it remains one of the top attractions in Dinan, cherished not only for its historical value but also for its role as the dramatic threshold to one of Brittany's most photogenic streets.

Things to See and Do in Porte de Jerzual

Stand before the gate to appreciate its robust cylindrical tower and medieval features. From the machicolations used for defence to the narrow arrow loops that once monitored the steep approach, every detail evokes the gate's past as a sentinel over Dinan's lifeline to the river. Climbing onto the ramparts near the gateway offers sweeping views across the Rance Valley-one of the top sights in Dinan for photographers.

Passing through the archway leads you onto Rue du Jerzual, a steep cobbled street flanked by timber-framed houses with brightly coloured façades. Many of these buildings once belonged to tanners, weavers, and merchants, and several still house workshops, galleries, and artisan boutiques. It is one of the things to do in Dinan for visitors wanting to immerse themselves in medieval atmosphere.

The gate also serves as a starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as Saint-Sauveur Basilica, the Château de Dinan, and the Ramparts Walk. Arriving early allows you to enjoy the soft morning light on the stonework and stroll the street before the day's bustle begins.

How to Get to Porte de Jerzual

The closest major airport is Rennes-Saint-Jacques Airport, located about an hour from Dinan. From the airport, visitors can reach the town by car or regional transport links. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Dinan on Booking.com.

Dinan station is served by regular trains from Rennes and Saint-Malo. From the station, it is a pleasant walk through the old town to the ramparts and then to the Porte de Jerzual. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.

For those travelling by car, Dinan is connected by well-maintained regional roads. Parking areas encircle the old town, allowing visitors to walk to the gateway from nearby medieval streets. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Porte de Jerzual

  • Best time to visit Porte de Jerzual: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free to visit, as it is part of Dinan’s historic centre.
  • Opening hours: Always accessible as a public gateway.
  • Official website: Consult Dinan tourism pages for walking routes and rampart updates.
  • How long to spend: 20-40 minutes at the gate, more if exploring Rue du Jerzual.
  • Accessibility: The gateway area is accessible, but Rue du Jerzual is steep and cobbled.
  • Facilities: Cafés, shops, and restrooms are available nearby in the old town.
  • Photography tip: Capture the archway from below for dramatic framing of the tower.
  • Guided tours: Seasonal guided walks explain the gate’s defensive purpose.
  • Nearby food options: Numerous cafés and restaurants sit along Rue du Petit-Fort and the old town.

Where to Stay close to Porte de Jerzual

Dinan's historic centre offers excellent accommodation close to the gate and Rue du Jerzual. Hôtel Arvor provides easy access to both the ramparts and the medieval streets. For a boutique stay with historic charm, La Maison Pavie is a refined choice near the basilica. Visitors preferring riverside tranquillity can stay at Mercure Dinan Port, with scenic paths leading up toward the gate.

Is Porte de Jerzual Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Porte de Jerzual is a striking medieval gateway that encapsulates Dinan's history, charm, and architectural heritage. Its dramatic tower, connection to the ramparts, and position at the top of the famous Rue du Jerzual make it an unforgettable stop for history lovers, photographers, and anyone exploring the old town.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (636)

Jerzual Gate sits at the bottom of a steep, cobbled medieval street in Dinan where well‑kept timber buildings, small shops (including a jewelry shop), a boulangerie and riverside cafés lead down toward the channel and boat tours; the fortified gate is part of the town's walls and a protected historic feature, the walk offers great views but involves a strenuous uphill climb and can be slippery when wet, and access is sometimes restricted for repairs.

Elizabeth Baker
a year ago
"Part of the town's walls and fortifications, this gate is at the bottom of a beautiful street and absolutely worth the walk down/up the hill to seeboth this section of the walls and local architecture. Free to visit but access is restricted...."
Nusynasy S
2 years ago
"Beautiful medieval street in Different Nan with cobblestones and loads of well maintained buildings made of wood. The fortified gate is one of thelisted Historical Monument. Spend few hours here, it’s really worth it when you are around..."
Sheila Young
2 years ago
"Jerzual street is not for the faint of heart. It will get your blood going. Be ready for a lot of uphill climbing. There are some cute shops,including a really nice jewelry shop about halfway up right near this gate. There is a wonderful boulangerie at the bottom of the street and amazing views. The rest of the historic part of town is at the top of the street. Definitely do this at least once. The only reason it isn't 5 stars is that it is very slippery when wet, which was often during the winter and spring...."

FAQs for Visiting Porte de Jerzual

It dates to the 14th century, built to protect Dinan and control access to the port.
You can climb nearby sections of the ramparts for views, though the tower itself is not open.
Yes, Rue du Jerzual is one of the steepest medieval streets in the region.
Yes, its illumination highlights the stonework beautifully.
Very close-Saint-Sauveur Basilica, the Château, and the ramparts are all nearby.

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The Porte de Jerzual appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Dinan!

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Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Jerzual Gate, Rue du Jerzual, Dinan, France
Dinan: 0 km

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