Brittany - land of legends and contrasts
Brittany is a magical land, alive with folklore, festivals and tradition. Ancient megaliths and stones reflect its Celtic past, with medieval towns, colourful ports and fairytale castles a reminder of its fascinating history. Every year local festivals can be seen, celebrated in traditional costume with dancing to Celtic music.
 With long hours of sunshine Brittany is an excellent cruising region to explore. Its network of canals meander through a landscape of woodland and pastures.
Regional dishes abound – seafood platters, oysters, local cider and the famous Breton crepes. Leisure facilities, watersports and fishing are easy to find.
Enjoy a cruise on Brittany’s gentle waterways from our three cruiser boat bases and a Penichette boat base.
 Our cruiser base at Messac is centrally situated. Cruise north on the River Vilaine to Rennes, the capital of Brittany with timber framed house and cobbled streets.
Joining the Canal d’Ille et Rance descend Hede’s spectacular staircase of locks to reach the ancient port of Dinan, its medieval streets high on the cliffs overlooking the port. One-way trips are possible between Messac and Dinan.
South from Messac, the River Vilaine reaches Redon, the ‘little Venice’ of Brittany, where many routes meet and our penichette base is located. Don’t miss St Saveur Abbey. Going north west take the River Aff to the floral town of La Gacilly, home to the famous Yves Rocher botanical gardens. On the Canal de Nantes et Brest cruise through forests and reed beds to picturesque Malestroit, and then on to the imposing waterside turreted castle of Josselin.
 From Redon it is a short distance south under the iron bridge of Port de Roche and its Napoleonic seals to the pretty port of La Roche Bernard.
Explore its narrow winding streets and perhaps try local oysters at a seafood restaurant.
South east from Redon, the Canal de Nantes et Brest crosses the viaduct at Corbinieres. Cruise the forest of Gavre to Blain and its famous chateau before reaching the River Erdre. According to a Breton legend, 100 castles were built along its banks.
 Our cruiser boat base at Nort-sur-Erdre is an alternative starting point for your Brittany boating holiday.
You can also follow the River Erdre to the historic cathedral city of Nantes, the medieval seat of the Dukes of Brittany.
A boating holiday in Brittany offers you Celtic charm and fairytale castles in beautiful countryside.
To help you choose see:
Brittany Cruiser Boat Holiday Routes
Brittany Penichette Boat Holiday Routes
Brittany Boat Bases and Routes in Google Maps |
