River cruise in Brittany

River cruise in the heart of Brittany

A land of magic and mystery, rich in colours and traditions, Brittany offers itself to you to make you discover some historical treasures and remarkable natural sites. It is also a region rich in waterways that will take you on board your boat on the Vilaine, the Canal de Nantes à Brest, the Aff and Oust rivers, or the Erdre river that joins the city of Nantes. Our nautical base in Glénac, in the heart of Brittany, is at a crossroads of waterways: many possibilities are then open to you! For this river cruise in Brittany on the "Treasures of the Vilaine", we invite you to sail on the Vilaine, in the direction of Rennes, the capital of Brittany.Used for a long time for the transport of goods and then, of people, rivers were first a network of natural waterways. However, there are also many canals dug by man as early as Roman times.Although boating has been practised since the 17th century, particularly on the Loire, the first cruises were organised by river transport companies in England as early as the 19th century. It was not until the 1980s that river tourism experienced real growth. Trade by river thus preceded the tourist use of these natural or artificial canals.

Presentation of the trip

186 km

Sailing time: 28h

26 locks

1 week

Points of interest

Brittany - Rennes - Villages of Glénac and Langon, Centre Yves Rocher - Inland Waterway Museum of the West - Manor House of the Automobile and Old Trades of Lohéac - Port-de-Roche Bridge - Château du Port-de-Roche

Program

Glénac

The rental of your boat on the Canal de Nantes à Brest starts from the base of Glénac, located in the heart of Morbihan in Brittany. It is a strategic starting point and at the crossroads of several rivers: the Aff, the Vilaine, the Erdre and the Canal de Nantes à Brest.The small village of Glénac is only a few kilometres away from the craftsmen's village of La Gacilly. If you are not planning to stop there during your river cruise, don't forget to drop in before or after your boat holiday: the place is charming, picturesque, with its streets animated by many craftsmen, it would be a shame not to enjoy it!  Glénac is not a tourist mecca in itself (it should be noted, however, that the cemetery cross has been listed as a historical monument since 23rd May 1927!) but its quiet calm invites you to rest. A picnic and playground is located right next to the base. In the heart of the village, a restaurant also serves as a small grocery store and can provide you with bread and pastries.

Glénac - La Gacilly

After a quick navigational instruction, you will be invited to start your boat cruise on the Aff, a small wild river, which will take you in 2 hours of navigation to the village of La Gacilly. An essential stopover to discover this village of craftsmen with its flowered pedestrian streets. Lovers of SPA and well-being, discover the Yves Rocher centre.

La Gacilly - Redon

Return by boat on the Canal de Nantes à Brest to reach Redon. You will pass your first lock at the entrance of the city, and moor just after in the port. From there, you will be able to visit on foot the old centre and its pedestrian streets with half-timbered houses. History lover? Take the time to visit the "Musée de la batellerie de l'ouest" which will tell you the history of the construction of the Canal de Nantes à Brest under Napoleon. If you have the time, you can complete your visit with a guided tour of the abbey church or the Calvairiennes Monastery.

Redon - Langon

After leaving Redon, set a course for the Vilaine on board your boat, heading north! You will reach the village of Langon, known for its alignment of 28 menhirs, an unusual place known as the "demoiselles de Langon".

Langon - Port de Roche

Some curiosities to be discovered towards the Port-de-Roche, such as its Castle (fortified farm), or its Iron Bridge (curiosity of the 1867 Universal Exhibition).

Port de Roche - Guipry/Messac

The current will take you to the associated communes of Guipry and Messac, on the Vilaine. There is a port and you can do your shopping there, or visit the Chapel Notre Dame de Bon Port, or the mills of Guipry. If you are passionate about cars and old trades, take your bicycles (or a taxi for the less courageous!) to the Manoir de l'Automobile et des Vieux Métiers de Lohéac (7 km from the port).

Guipry/Messac - La Courbe

La Courbe is a charming little village where you can take a look at the presbytery and the manor house of Les Provostières.

La Courbe - Pont-Réan

You will then arrive at the Pont-Réan, known for its Schist Bridge dating from 1757.

Pont-Réan - Bruz

Explore Bruz and in particular, its Church in rose-veined schist which is a remarkable building.

Bruz - Rennes

Finally, the highlight of your river cruise is the arrival in Rennes, the capital of Brittany! The city is known for its many historical monuments such as the Parliament Palace of Brittany, St Peter's Cathedral, St George's Palace (former abbey)... you can also visit the Museum of Brittany, or simply let yourself be seduced by the special atmosphere of Rennes: a dynamic student city, where life is good, with its lively pedestrian streets that invite you to laze around, to take a break at the terrace of a café...And for more information about Brittany, visit the official website of Tourism in Britanny !You can also find all our trips in France, including motorbike trips, on our dedicated page.