Jerzual Gate

City Gate in Dinan & Léhon

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

Perched at the head of the steep, cobbled Rue du Jerzual, the Porte de Jerzual is Dinan’s grand medieval gateway, built in the 14th century to protect the town and control access to its bustling port. Its round tower, crowned with crenellations and machicolations, once stood guard over merchants and fishermen carrying goods to the ramparts above. Today, it remains a striking symbol of Dinan’s strategic importance in medieval Brittany.

Crafted from local granite, the gate’s massive cylindrical tower features narrow arrow slits and a pointed Gothic arch that frames the city’s historic core. You can still trace the groove cut by the original wooden portcullis and imagine sentries patrolling the walkway above. On either side, sections of the fortified wall stretch toward the Château de Dinan, inviting visitors to follow in the footsteps of centuries-old guards.

Passing under the Porte de Jerzual, you enter the famously steep Rue du Jerzual, a picture-perfect medieval street that slopes down to the port. Timber-framed houses lean over the cobbles, their façades painted in salt-washed hues, while artisanal workshops, cafés, and galleries spill onto the narrow thoroughfare. It’s a photographer’s dream—every turn reveals weathered doors, wrought-iron lanterns, and glimpses of the river beyond.

To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the morning when the light softens the stone and the street is quiet, then climb the ramparts above the gate for sweeping views of Dinan and the Rance valley. In high season, guided tours delve into the gate’s military engineering, while nearby attractions—the Basilica of Saint-Sauveur and the Château—are just a short stroll away. Whether you’re a history buff or a leisurely wanderer, the Porte de Jerzual offers a timeless gateway into Dinan’s medieval heart.

The Jerzual Gate appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Dinan & Léhon!

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