La Maison Pavie, Maison d'hôtes, demeure de Prestige

Located in the heart of the historic village of Dinan, La Maison Pavie is a charming boutique B&B with Asian details that give it a very special personality. Upon entering, you feel like you've stepped back in time and are immersed in a piece of history. 

The house stands proudly in front of a basilica, with its warm, gold-coloured stones creating an enchanting backdrop from the outside. The interior is a testament to the past, with old adobe walls, stone fireplaces and wonderfully uneven floors. 

But La Maison Pavie is not just about preserving history; it is also about celebrating it. The furniture pays tribute to the building's rich heritage of the building, inspired by the legendary travels of Auguste Pavie, a famous explorer born within these walls in 1847. The five rooms and suites are named after cities in the Far East that Pavie explored, and elegant oriental antiques adorn the interiors, adding an exotic touch. 

However, this B&B is far from being a mere relic of the past. It seamlessly blends modern amenities with contemporary design elements by Philippe Starck and Paola Navone, ensuring that guests enjoy a stylish and comfortable stay. Perspex 'Ghost' chairs sit alongside ornately carved tables, modern glass-enclosed showers contrast beautifully with the wooden beams on the ceiling , and the 18th-century lounge's cladding is painted in a striking petrol blue, demonstrating the successful fusion of old and new. 

Dinan itself is a jewel of Brittany, a lively market town whose half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and medieval walls create a cinematic backdrop straight out of a pirate film. The beautiful harbour offers peaceful walks, while fabulous restaurants and shops invite you to stroll around. Dinan has no beach, but nearby are Saint-Malo, Dinard and Pléneuf-Val-André, ideal places for those who want to relax by the sea.

At the end of the day, return to the B&B and relax on the sofa by the fireplace before retiring to your room where a heavenly bed awaits you. 

What sets La Maison Pavie apart is its fantastic hosts, who strike the perfect balance between friendly conversation and discreet service, offering tea and coffee, fresh water and delicious Breton biscuits. You even get a prepaid parking card for a nearby secure car park, making your stay convenient and hassle-free. As there is a steep and narrow staircase to get to the rooms on the upper floors, Ghislain is always willing to help with luggage. 

This B&B is the perfect place for couples as there are no twin beds and the bathrooms are open-plan. Some creaks and groans from the house's old charm are part of the experience, and the distant church bells only ring from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Note that the center of Dinan is full of narrow, difficult-to-drive streets and it can be easy to get lost.