Statues in Dinan Church, France
Dinan is quaint. There’s no other word for it. It’s a fairytale, albeit a beloved and therefore popular one. One of the town’s most significant historical monuments is the Church (or Eglise) of St Malo. Not to be confused with the nearby town of St Malo (named for a Welsh monk with ties to Brittany), the Church of St Malo in Dinan is a gorgeous, peaceful place. The current church has its origins in the 15th century, though as always with such places, its foundations stretch back centuries, likely to the 12th century at least. With interruptions due to the War of Religion, the French revolution, and other conflicts, works started and stopped many times, leaving many quirks. This includes stained-glass windows, stone friezes and, most interestingly, carved stone gargoyles guarding three chapels. Technically, these creatures are not gargoyles; after all, gargoyles serve a specific purpose – running rainwater off walls. But what they lack in technical purpose, they make up in their devilish appearances, sporting grimaces, pointy ears, and horns and wings. The effect is chilling, and completely at odds with the outward charm of Dinan.
Top tip:
Don’t leave Brittany without trying both the fresh mussels (moules frites) or the crisp hard cider!
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