Boating holidays in Brittany
About Brittany
Revel in balmy Brittany
History lovers and foodies alike will relish a boating holiday in Brittany. A Celtic land laced with canalised rivers studded with towering castles seemingly at every turn, boat hire in Brittany ushers you into an especially unique French locale. You’re not far from the North Atlantic coast, so seafood in the region's many restaurants is in order! You can also venture to Nantes and Dinan for the museums, historic sites, and fine restaurants.
Brittany map
= Le Boat Base 
= Canal 
= Navigable river 
= No navigation beyond this point
The perfect boating region for...
History & Heritage
You’ll never tire of the châteaux in the Land of a Thousand Castles, as Brittany is called! Put the Château de Josselin high on your history holiday list. Don't forget to discover the fascinating museums and Castle in Nantes.
Gastronomy
Seafood, especially Breton oysters, is a must on boating holidays in Brittany. Indulge in a savoury galette or a sweet crêpe, washed down with the local cider or Muscadet wine, which are delicious! Whilst you’re in Suce-sur-Erdre, enjoy fine dining at elegant Le Clos St. Thomas.
Family
Four-footed friends await the kids at Dinan’s La Bourbansais Zoo! Book your Brittany river cruise in August to coincide with the St. Laurent Festival in Blain. All the family can enjoy the butterfly reserve in La Gacillly and the Water Museum in Malestroit enchants the little ones.
Nature Lovers
As you go cruising in Brittany, you may see herons, gannets and hawks. Deer and wild boar occasionally show themselves. The marshes and peaks of Aux Pies on the River Oust are excellent for trekking and observing nature.
Useful information
Download our Region Guide
We've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.
Take a close look at a Brittany map and it’s obvious that this vast peninsula runs blue with rivers. Whilst many are called canals, they are simply tamed rivers with locks to better manage flooding and the big tides common on France’s northwest coast. Your Brittany boat hire in France focuses mainly on the lovely Canal de Nantes à Brest that twists and turns 360 kilometres (224 miles) from Nantes to Brest, covering the Aulne, Oust, Isac and Erdre rivers.
Another series of waterways slices north-south. To the north, the little used Canal d’Illle-et-Rance hooks up with the beautiful Vilaine River at Rennes. Cruising north to Dinan puts you on the canal, and cruising south on the Vilaine takes you all the way to the sea at the commercial port of La Roche-Bernard. The Villaine is a total of 218 kilometres (135 miles), and it’s delightful.
War with Great Britain under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of France from 1804 to 1815, spurred the development of the canalised rivers in Brittany. English warships blockaded the coast. To mitigate the threat, work began on the canal system in 1804. British prisoners of war provided some of the labour. However, after Napoleon’s defeat in 1814 the work halted, until it was resumed in 1822. Ten years later, much of the canalised river system was in place.
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The Vilaine River is gentle and inviting. It’s fine for beginners. The Canal de Nantes à Brest is docile too. Cruising on the lower River Loire south of Nantes is not allowed.
Take a look at our waterway and lock closures page to find out if there are any scheduled cruising restrictions that will affect your holiday plans.
Locks in Brittany are mostly automatic and have lock keepers. Some are manual and you’ll operate those yourself.
Opening hours: During the busy summer season locks are open 09:00 – 19:00. Locks are closed for lunch between 12:00 - 13:30.
Public holidays: Locks are open as normal.
Moorings are plentiful in Brittany, and most services are available. Expect to pay between 10 and 15 euros per night for a boat about 10 metres (33 feet) in length. Rates are a bit higher in some ports.
To find out how to get to our base in this boating region, as well as what facilities and amenities are available nearby, click on the link below:
- Hire of the boat and its onboard equipment
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Towels and linen for all passengers
- A boat handling demonstration prior to departure
- Technical support
- On-board maps and visitor information
- Passage through locks
- Optional holiday extras
- Boat damage waiver
- Running costs (diesel, gas, engine wear and tear) - charged by the engine hour.
- Travel to and from the base(s)
- Waterside services if you use them (i.e. moorings where a charge is applicable, pump-out if needed, water, etc)
- Cancellation plan & any travel/personal insurance
- Food and drink
Interactive map of Brittany
= Le Boat base 
= Point of interest
Great to see…
Itinerary suggestions
Our boating holidays allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever 'floats your boat'. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Route suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here's a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You dont have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you've booked - you're free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we'd recommend an average of 2 - 4 hours cruising each day.
Messac RETURN via Josselin & Blain
Messac
Redon
Guenrouët
Blain
Nort-sur-Edre
Sucé-sur-Erdre
Nantes
Ile-aux-Pies
La Gacilly
Malestroit
Josselin
Messac
68 hr(s) of cruising
402km 68 locks 14 nightsMessac RETURN via Josselin & Blain
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Taking your time to see what intrigues you is the essence of French canal holidays, and that’s exactly what you’ve decided to do on an extended foray in Brittany! Top on your list is Nantes with its many museums and its impressive cathedral, along with Josselin’s castle and Redon’s Richelieu Tower. Cycling, swimming, golf and tennis anyone?
Top highlights:
- The Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- Canoeing and kayaking in Guenrouët
- Cycling by the river and visiting the Tower Gaillard in Sucé-sur-Erdre
- Grabbing a 'Pass Nantes' and exploring the eccentric arts of Nantes
- Exploring Josselin's Castle
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a 'green tourist station' thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Guenrouët: Guenrouët is an inviting and peaceful stop. The leisure center has something for everyone: an open-air pool with slide, whirlpool, grassy areas, paddle boats, canoes and kayaks, picnic areas, and a mini-golf course themed after the local canal. The village and shops are just 200 meters away.
- Blain: A city full of character, Blain hosts an immense castle riddled with history from all of its previous invaders. Here you can visit the Saint-Roch chapel, and the museum of arts and tradition.
- Nort-sur-Erdre: Nort-sur-erdre is a peaceful and charming city. Here, you will enjoy a welcoming marina, a very scenic place to stay. You can also survey the distinct architecture of the castle of Port-Mulon, built in the 18th century.
- Sucé-sur-Erdre: A very nice and peaceful little town on the edge of the River Erdre, Suce-sur-Erdre will charm you with its restaurants, cafés, and elegant terraces. Along the river, you will find cycle paths if you'd like to go for a ride. You can visit the Tower Gaillard, the last vestige of a temple built by the protestants in the 16th century.
- Nantes: Nantes is one of the most beautiful cities in France. There are many places and monuments to see. Given the abundance of history to explore, consider getting the 'Pass Nantes', a pass that will allow you to visit as many monuments and museums as you'd like during your visit.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colorful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
- Malestroit: Rich with history, Malestroit was one of the nine "baronnies" of independent Brittany and has maintained many impressive buildings from this period, including quaint, historic houses with timber framing that you can still admire in the old town.
- Josselin: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the castle of Josselin is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Brittany. While here, take time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the old houses clustered around the town centre.
68 hr(s) of cruising
402km 68 locks 14 nights
Messac RETURN via Rennes & Josselin
Messac
Pont-Rean
Rennes
Redon
Ile-aux-Pies
La Gacilly
Malestroit
Josselin
Messac
56 hr(s) of cruising
304km 54 locks 10 nightsMessac RETURN via Rennes & Josselin
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
Rennes intrigued you, and now that you’re exploring the city’s historic sites you’re glad you came! Next you turn south to see the medieval towns and castles on the Canal de Nantes à Brest, a fabulous trip through rural lands. Extended French canal holidays have opened up time to see Redon, the Little Venice of Brittany, and for a jaunt to charming Josselin with its turreted castle!
Top highlights:
- Thabor Gardens and the beautiful cathedral in Rennes
- Climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zip line in lle-aux-Pies
- Exploring Josselin's Castle
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
- The Musée de la Batellerie de l'Ouest in Redon
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a 'green tourist station' thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Pont-Réan: Enter Pont-Rean by crossing its charming bridge entrance. There are many colourful landscapes to discover, especially at Le Boël which is located next to the city. The old stone-pit is also a lovely place to walk around.
- Rennes: Rennes is Brittany's dynamic capital city. There is a thriving architectural and religious heritage which can be seen when touring St Pierre's Cathedral, St Madeleine Abbey and St Germain church. Brittany's extravagant parliament building displays its extraordinary wealth through its decor. Consider taking a break in the splendid Thabor Gardens. Rennes is a very lively town with many things to do and see all year long.
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes. Each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colourful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
- Malestroit: Rich with history, Malestroit was one of the "nine baronnies" of independent Brittany and has maintained many impressive buildings from this period, including quaint, historic houses with timber framing that you can still admire in the old town.
- Josselin: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the castle of Josselin is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Brittany. While here, take time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the old houses clustered around the town centre.
56 hr(s) of cruising
304km 54 locks 10 nights
Messac RETURN via Nantes
Messac
Redon
La Roche Bernard
Guenrouët
Blain
Nort-sur-Edre
Sucé-sur-Erdre
Nantes
Messac
44 hr(s) of cruising
280km 36 locks 7 nightsMessac RETURN via Nantes
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
The rugged Celtic beauty of Brittany’s waterways captivates your every sense. Castles and abbeys perch on bluffs, small villages nestle along tree-clad shores, and open meadows of lush green contrast against the shimmering blue of the waters. You stop to picnic at the edge of the forest of Gâvre, savouring the delight of French canal holidays.
Top highlights:
- Canoeing and kayaking in Guenrouët
- The arts and traditions of Blain
- Cycling by the river and visiting the Tower Gaillard in Sucé-sur-Erdre
- Grabbing a 'Pass Nantes' and exploring the eccentric arts of Nantes
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a 'green tourist station' thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- La Roche-Bernard: Welcome to La-Roche-Bernard. This town is well worth exploring. Historically an important seaport, it is still a thriving yachting centre today and its streets are filled with little shops and places to eat.
- Guenrouët: Guenrouët is an inviting and peaceful stop. The leisure center has something for everyone: an open-air pool with slide, whirlpool, grassy areas, paddle boats, canoes and kayaks, picnic areas, and a mini-golf course themed after the local canal. The village and shops are just 200 meters away.
- Blain: A city full of character, Blain hosts an immense castle riddled with history from all of its previous invaders. Here you can visit the Saint-Roch chapel, and the museum of arts and tradition.
- Nort-sur-Erdre: Nort-sur-erdre is a peaceful and charming city. Here, you will enjoy a welcoming marina, a very scenic place to stay. You can also survey the distinct architecture of the castle of Port-Mulon, built in the 18th century.
- Sucé-sur-Erdre: A very nice and peaceful little town on the edge of the River Erdre, Suce-sur-Erdre will charm you with its restaurants, cafés, and elegant terraces. Along the river, you will find cycle paths if you'd like to go for a ride. You can visit the Tower Gaillard, the last vestige of a temple built by the protestants in the 16th century.
- Nantes: Nantes is one of the most beautiful cities in France. There are many places and monuments to see. Given the abundance of history to explore, consider getting the 'Pass Nantes', a pass that will allow you to visit as many monuments and museums as you'd like during your visit.
44 hr(s) of cruising
280km 36 locks 7 nights
Messac RETURN via Josselin
Messac
Redon
Ile-aux-Pies
La Gacilly
Malestroit
Josselin
Messac
35 hr(s) of cruising
208km 36 locks 7 nightsMessac RETURN via Josselin
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
As you stroll through quaint waterside towns, you notice the abundance of colourful flowers and public gardens. The love of everything floral seems universal, and it adds to the charm of French canal holidays in Brittany. Getting into the spirit, you plan a visit to the Yves Rocher Botanical Gardens in La Gacilly, and the grand Château at Josselin!
Top highlights:
- The ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- Climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zip line in lle-aux-Pies
- Malestroit's quaint historic houses
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
- Exploring Josselin's Castle
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a 'green tourist station' thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colorful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
- Malestroit: Rich with history, Malestroit was one of the "nine baronnies" of independent Brittany and has maintained many impressive buildings from this period, including quaint, historic houses with timber framing that you can still admire in the old town.
- Josselin: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the castle of Josselin is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Brittany. While here, take time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the old houses clustered around the town centre.
35 hr(s) of cruising
208km 36 locks 7 nights
Messac RETURN via La Gacilly
Messac
Redon
Ile-aux-Pies
La Gacilly
Messac
18 hr(s) of cruising
120km 6 locks 3 nightsMessac RETURN via La Gacilly
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
The Vilaine River sparkles ahead as you draw near to pretty Redon, a city so crisscrossed with waterways and bridges it is often called Little Venice. Cathedrals and castles rise from the shore, and you’re glad to be boating in France! After you sightsee, you intend to linger over a dessert of Breton Far, a regional pudding similar to flan topped with juicy plums and luscious custard!
Top highlights:
- Climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zip line in lle-aux-Pies
- The ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a 'green tourist station' thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colourful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
18 hr(s) of cruising
120km 6 locks 3 nightsMessac RETURN via La Roche-Bernard
Messac
Redon
La Roche Bernard
Messac
20 hr(s) of cruising
152km 4 locks 4 nightsMessac RETURN via La Roche-Bernard
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
The sea exerts a magnetic pull on you in spectacular Brittany, and you’re thrilled to be boating in France. You snap pictures as you pass Napoleonic castles rising from forest-clad shores, and you contemplate the rich Celtic culture of the people. Soon historic Redon looms off the bow, and you and your friends decide to go sightseeing!
Top highlights:
- The ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a 'green tourist station' thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- La Roche-Bernard: Welcome to La-Roche-Bernard. This town is well worth exploring. Historically an important seaport, it is still a thriving yachting centre today and its streets are filled with little shops and places to eat.
20 hr(s) of cruising
152km 4 locks 4 nights