Brittany - Legends and Contrasts - Cruiser Boats Route
Map
Suggested river and canal cruises from Messac,
Dinan and Nort-sur-Erdre
cruiser boat bases in Brittany
One week one-way cruise from Messac or Dinan
Messac - Dinan or vice
versa one way trip
Vilaine - Canal d'Ille et Rance
The Ille-et-Rance canal links Vilaine to Rennes,
the capital of Brittany, with its appealing old town and numerous
shops and boutiques. One of the most beautiful gardens in
France is at Thabor Park and at Pont-Rean
the Boel mill stands out from the purple cliffs. Bordering
a lake, Combourg is a quaint town with an
imposing 11th century fortress. After the Hede flight of locks,
arrive at enchanting Dinan. Enjoy a walk
in the paved maze of the medieval town and along the quays
in the footsteps of the ancient Corsairs of St Malo.
127km 57 locks 30hrs one-way cruising time
One week one-way cruise from Messac or Nort-sur-Erdre
Messac - Nort-sur-Erdre
or vice versa one-way trip
Vilaine - Canal de Nantes a Brest -
Erdre
Visit the sixteenth century farm on the river bank at Beslé.
Nicknamed 'Little Venice' the town of Redon
is criss-crossed with waterways and numerous bridges.
Divert to La Roche Bernard at the mouth of
the Vilaine River, an important port and yachting centre.
Sample some crisp cider in the cider factory at Guenrouet
or enjoy the leisure base there. Perhaps walk in the forest
beween Guenrouet and Blain with its historic
chateau.
For King Francois 1st, the Erdre was the most beautiful river
in France. According to a Breton legend, 100 castles were
built along its banks. Explore the valley's flora and fauna,
call at the little port of Suce, and further
on marvel at the cathedral and the 15th century castle of
the Dukes of Brittany at Nantes, the historic
capital of the Dukes of Brittany.
260km 18 locks 35hrs one-way cruising time
119km 16 locks 21hrs direct one-way cruising time
One week round trip from Messac
Messac - Josselin
round trip
Vilaine - Canal de Nantes a Brest
Narrow waterways through dense forest then flat reedy
plains provide a total contrast in secretive, mysterious Brittany.
On the Aff river, La Gacilly is a craft centre
and HQ of famous perfume maker Yves Rocher. Visit the Yves
Rocher botanical gardens and the beauty centre. Enjoy cider
and pancakes in a little restaurant at Malestroit
and discover the town's ancient streets. Then the high walls
of the chateau at Josselin appear. Explore
the chateau and admire the houses clustered around the main
square.
208km 36 lock 36hr round trip cruising time
Messac - Nantes round
trip
Canal de Nante a Brest - Erdre
Messac - Redon - Blain - Nort-sur-Erdre -
Nantes
280km 36 locks 42hr round trip cruising time
One week round trip from Nort-sur-Erdre
Nort-sur-Erdre - La Roche Bernard
round trip
Vilaine - Canal de Nantes a Brest
Nort-sur-Erdre - Blain - Redon - La
Roche Bernard
196km 32 locks 34hrs round trip cruising
time
Nort-sur-Erdre - La Gacilly
round trip
Canal de Nantes a Brest
Nort-sur-Erdre - Blain - Redon - La
Gacilly
198km 34 locks 36hrs round trip cruising
time
Please note that hours suggested above are approximate
NEW for 2009: Search for a Cruiser Boat in Brittany
Use our LIVE availability search to find your ideal boat from our boat bases. You can add suitable boats to your Shortlist, and then view your Shortlist to finalise your choices.
See also Area
Guide to Brittany or Return
to West of France Map
| 
