One of the lovely things about staying at Quai du Val is being able to leave the car behind and explore. The old bridge, Saint-Magloire Abbey and the village streets are a short stroll from the house, with the River Rance right in front of us.

Now part of Dinan, a designated Ville d’art et d’histoire (Town of Art and History), Léhon retains its own village character. Here are a few of our favourite things to enjoy in this corner of northern Brittany, along with useful information for your stay.

A wander through Léhon village

Léhon is a lovely place to explore at your own pace. It may be small, but regular exhibitions and events at the abbey bring plenty of life to the village. Wander through the little streets lined with stone houses and cross the old bridge for a beautiful view back towards the abbey.

On fine days, we often see groups of artists painting beside the bridge. If you enjoy sketching or painting, you might like to bring your materials too. We also love the village after dark, when it’s quiet and the streetlights cast a warm orange glow over the old stone buildings. If you’re staying with a dog, it makes a particularly nice evening walk.

Saint-Magloire Abbey and its gardens

Enjoy a peaceful wander around the cloister and gardens, including the small flower garden beside the abbey, which changes with the seasons.

Regular exhibitions, cultural events and seasonal gatherings bring plenty of life to the village. Check what’s happening during your stay:

Abbey exhibitions and programme · Local events calendar

Climb to Léhon’s castle ruins

Climb to the castle ruins for views over the rooftops, abbey and Rance valley. You can approach through the village or take the little woodland path that starts right beside our front door. 

It’s a lovely way to stretch your legs without venturing far from the house. We suggest going one way and coming back the other, making a short circular walk with time to wander through the village along the way.

Enjoy the riverside in Léhon

Cross the old bridge for views towards the abbey and pause at the nearby lock to watch boats passing through. Look out for kayakers, the Jaman V sightseeing boat and people cruising onwards along the waterway.

Bring your binoculars for grey herons, cormorants perched with their wings spread out to dry and, with luck, a kingfisher flashing past. There are riverside picnic tables in Léhon and towards Dinan. We love seeing families settle in, sometimes with tablecloths and a full banquet! Pick up a few things from the village shops and enjoy lunch by the water.

Village shops and everyday essentials

Having a few village shops within walking distance is one of the pleasures of staying here. Follow the linked names for their locations and directions.

L’Arôme Sucré makes wonderful bread and pastries, plus filled baguettes and daily hot lunch choices. There’s a small selection of groceries too.

Boucherie Rochefort is a traditional butcher’s where skill and craftsmanship matter. Alongside fresh and cooked meats, you’ll find fresh produce and groceries.

Browse Bidules et Pépites for vintage finds or pop into Le Dressing de Nanie for clothes.

Opening hours vary. There’s currently no café in Léhon, but there are plenty at Dinan Port.

Saturday market: a handful of organic stalls gather in the tennis club car park from 9am to midday. For a bigger market outing, browse our local markets guide.

Tennis: Tennis Club Dinan Léhon offers hourly court hire without membership, booked through Ten’Up.