The small city of Dol-de-Bretagne possesses a beautiful heritage: the Saint-Samson cathedral, a building of Flamboyant Gothic style home to a magnificent 13th-century window; the Grande-Rue des Stuarts street with its old timber-framed houses, the Douves walk...
Cathédraloscope is cathedral museum that explains the construction, architecture and symbolism of France's cathedrals through a specially-designed exhibition.
A small town of about 5 600 inhabitants, Dol-de-Bretagne is located in Brittany, in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine. Situated halfway between the fortified town of Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is situated on the edge of a cliff, about fifty kilometers from Rennes.
Populated since at least the Neolithic, as evidenced by some vestiges of the time, the commune of Dol-de-Bretagne is founded in the 6th century, in full Celtic period. Long occupied by the Vikings, the city did not really resume its freedom until the XIIth century. Normande for some years, Dol-de-Bretagne quickly joins Brittany. Formerly Dol, it takes its current name in 1924.
In the old center, it is possible to discover a rich historical and architectural heritage and in very good condition. Full of charm, Dol-de-Bretagne also highlights its traditions and its love of culture through different places of knowledge.
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Saint-Samson cathedral is built entirely of granite. Gothic style, it is classified to the Historical Monuments for the richness of its architecture. We can appreciate porches of the XIIIth and XIVth century, as well as a stained glass window with medallion of the XIIth century. The building also houses the tomb of Thomas James, a Breton bishop from the late 15th century, as well as the relics of Saint Samson and Saint Magloire.
To learn more about this building, head towards the Cathédraloscope, the center of discovery of the Cathedrals with a scenography allowing to better appreciate the construction and the architecture of these religious monuments.
As you walk through the old center of Dol-de-Bretagne, you can also discover ancient 12th century houses, such as the Petit-Palais, reworked in the 17th century and listed in the Historic Monuments. You will appreciate the beauty of a 12th century house with half-timbered 16th century and a vaulted cellar of the 12th century listed in the Historic Monuments as well. Also listed are the 14th century Beauvais mansion, the 18th century Belle-Noë mansion and the 15th century house of the Guillotière, are inescapable in Dol-de-Bretagne.
Do not miss the Treasury Museum in a 16th-century building or the old houses around the Saint-Samson Cathedral.
Public park, the Promenade des Douves offers a breathtaking panorama of Mount Dol and the surrounding marshes.
Monument to the Neolithic, the menhir of Champ-Dolent testifies to the very ancient history of the territory surrounding Dol-de-Bretagne.
| Last name | Activity type | Rate | City |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Arts and Crafts | Free | Dol-de-Bretagne |
| Monuments | |
|---|---|
| Performance halls | |
| Transport |
The market of Dol-de-Bretagne is held every Saturday morning.
The Brittany festival, a land of photographers, features thematic exhibitions between May and June.
In July, the folk festival of Saint Samson allows to appreciate demonstrations of traditional dances, to taste the local cuisine or to enjoy the various animations proposed.
Between the end of July and the beginning of August, Musikadol is a festival of jazz music unveiling several concerts in the city.
The festival of apple Rouget is held every year in October, offering cooking competitions and tastings.
