We Took a Little Walk

Life in Dinan has already settled into a nice routine. In the mornings, we drag ourselves up the hill, run any errands (like grocery shopping) that need to be done, drop off the bags at the flat and continue down the hill to walk along the River Rance. We have had a specific bend in the path that we used as our turn around spot. We knew there was another town that wasn’t much further, but hadn’t ventured there yet. Last Saturday, it was an overcast day, but the temperature was nice, we didn’t have any other plans for the morning, so we decided to walk to Lehon. Annnnddd…Lehon was just around that bend. Really. As soon as we rounded the corner, there it was. Pathetic.

I should add that it was totally worth the additional effort though! What a super cute village. Lehon itself is larger than Dinan and contains the regional hospital, but the historical village was what we were after. It sits right along the river and it is beautiful. As you approach the village, the river has a manual lock that is really pretty –

This is a modern lock set up. The way it was done, though, makes it fit in nicely with the surroundings.

After the lock, you cross a little bridge and you are in the most adorable village – peaceful and serene.

The super cute bridge over the river into Lehon

From up the street, looking back at the bridge

This town has existed since the 1100s. It sits in a very defensible position on the River Rance with a high hill perfect for a fortress. The Lords of Dinan built the fortress over the next century and it was in use for a long time. Being on high hill means that you have to go up a high hill!

Up the road to the little path. Then you begin to climb the hill!

This is almost to the top! You can see the remnants of one of the towers on the right.

After that hike you are rewarded with a beautiful view –

From the fortress, looking out over the Val de Rance (Rance Valley)

Not much still exists of the old fortress. The biggest chunk, other than the walls themselves. was this tower.

We wandered about in the fortress for a bit. Of course, the Husband had to play fort: going inside every possible space, climbing up everything. I swear, he’s like a 7 year old when we go to these places (he says 9 year old)!

We headed back down the hill (so much easier than going up. huh) towards the abbey. The abbey is…gorgeous. Not fancy. Really, none of these ancient stone churches are fancy. But breathtaking in its simplicity.

This poor abbey has been through a lot. I believe it was originally built in the 9th century. Destroyed at least once by the Vikings (pesky Vikings!). Somehow they got their hands on the body of Saint Magliore – rumor has it that it involved a spot of grave robbing. A victim of bad management, horribly desecrated during the French Revolution, and on. Fortunately, it is lovingly cared for now!

Front entrance of the abbey. The front door area is from the original construction in the 9th century.

Only a couple of flying buttresses, but enough to keep us buttress fans happy.

The beautiful, very ancient baptismal font

Remember that bit about Saint Magliore? Not sure where the rest of him is, but here’s an arm bone…

On our walk back, this view presented itself. So peaceful!

After our little exploration in Lehon, we came back to Dinan and headed up the hill into the town. By the time we got home later that afternoon, we had walked almost 20,000 steps (a whole lot of them being seriously uphill)…and my knees hurt.

Okay, I know this post was a bit perfunctory. Sorry. I’ll do better later. Maybe.