From the time Julius Caesar rumbled through in 56 B.C. to the present day, Bretagne or Brittany has been arguably one of the most intriguing regions in France, a country that has never suffered for lack of drama on the grandest scale. Invasions, infighting, territorial squabbles, and diehard traditions: Brittany has seen it all. But it is also a place of inimitable natural beauty and fascinating medieval cities. Perhaps one of the most attractive and well-preserved towns in the region is Dinan, an 11th century walled village that straddles the graceful Rance River. The vibrant Breton culture permeates Dinan’s cobbled streets, which are lined with stone and half-timbered buildings dating back to the 12th century. Whether it’s the large weekly market or one of the special festivals, visitors are routinely treated to the music, dance, and food that are particular to the region and a staple of Breton life.
One of my favorite epicurean discoveries while staying in Dinan was La Fée Cabosse Chocolat shop. We had been in France for three weeks before arriving in Dinan and had tasted a variety chocolate from places ranging from the Île de la Cité to the Côte d’Azur. La Fée Cabosse was something special. Entry to the shop is through an enclosed common walkway but the long mirrored display in the photo below is visible from the street. Passersby easily fall victim to the siren call of the confections.
We stayed in an apartment in the oldest part of town, Vieux Dinan, for a week and visited the chocolate shop at least three times. Before heading back to Paris to catch a flight home, we loaded up on boxes of chocolates and other treats to take home for friends and family.
If you have no plans to visit France in the near future, you can still savor a bit of La Fée Cabosse’s charms via their website. If a French vacation is in your future, don’t miss Dinan.