Road trip - day 32 - Tuesday

Had breakfast outside in the cloud & a few spots of rain

Plan for the day, explore Dinan

Stopped at McDonald's on the way & had a one hour internet session, everything updated & checked.

Went to the Port of Dinan first, very old port next to the river Rance. Parked on the road, unsure how the parking costs were calculated! Decided to take a boat along the river, next one due to leave at 2.30pm. Had a crepe & a drink and a look around over the little bridge, under the viaduct & up the small windy streets.

Bought tickets for the boat/barge .... slightly concerned that it wouldn't go if there were less than 4 adults. Not to worry, a whole coach load of older French people turned up as a group booking! We sat at the back with a riotous crew of French pensioners from near to Paris. Great fun, once they knew we were English a couple practised their English on us whilst we practised our French! One lady explained about the Bretton flag & language & culture. We didn't see too much on the river; lots of river bank with rhubarb plants, baby moorhens, a monastery & castle and reverent through a lock. Plus .... we sang songs to the guide playing an accordion!

Off the boat we drove up to the fortified old town, had a drink & toilet visit first before exploring. Weather had eventually turned out nice, warm & sunny again

Wandered around the cobbled streets window shopping with a little bit of present shopping thrown in. Took loads of pictures ..... snap,snap!! Found the church of St Malo first & realised it wasn't the 'famous' church of St Saviours (Founded in 1000AD). We carried on through the streets, shops still open after 6pm!! Found another bar in the square in front of St Saviours for a quick drink. The church was very atmospheric, knowing how old it is & it's historic background but also because the organist was practicing & the sound filled the church. The sun was streaming in through the stained glass windows making lots of interesting photo opportunities. We left & walked through a narrow alleyway to the Jardin Anglais & the ruined keep & city walls overlooking the viaduct & the old port. We were very high up & the panoramic views were spectacular. Point to note - ginkgo balboa is a tree!!

Decided to head back to the Indian restaurant we had spotted earlier; we actually had a choice from the menu! Nice restaurant - lovely plates & cutlery!! We chose onion bahjis (onion rings again) & samosas; the nan bread came as a starter; aubergine curry & lentil / spinach curry & had mint tea as a dessert. Lovely meal but portions a bit on the small side.

Just nipped back to McDonald's car park for G to check email on the way home - past 10pm now! Forecast not great for the next few days so started to rearrange the boxes, suitcases & bags still in the boot in readiness for the very last packing up task & to make room for bottles to take home!!