Messac Base Information | Boating Holidays

The base is situated on the Vilaine River, and just a bridge away from the bustling town of Guipry on the other side of the river. The town houses some interesting local churches and has some lovely country tracks perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Messac is also claimed by some to be the place where the abbot Vincent Cawiesel planted potatoes for the first time in France in 1771. Today the town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities.

View the routes from this base

Routes in a Google Map

At the Base

Base Opening Hours

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 08:30 to 12:30, 14:00 to 18:00.
Sunday: Closed

Late Arrivals

If you are going to be arriving at the base late, you will need to inform the base directly or the general sales office where you booked.

When you arrive at the base there will be a note on the reception door informing you where your boat is. The boat will be left open with the lights on for you to stay on board that night. The base staff will do the full briefing the following morning.

When To Arrive:

Your boat will be ready to depart for 16:00 - 18:00. We recommend that you arrive 60 minutes earlier for check-in and instructions.

If you have booked an Early Check-in Service, please arrive at the base ready to depart between 11am and 12pm or from 2pm.

Your Return

Your boat should be returned and unoccupied by 9am on your last cruising day (or by midday if you have booked a Late Check-out).

Upon Arrival:

Our base staff look forward to welcoming you to their cruising region and aim to make your arrival and holiday as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

When you arrive or base staff will:

Take a fuel deposit to cover the fuel you use during your holiday. Any extra fuel used will be charged on your return or we will refund the difference for fuel you have not used.
Take a refundable collision damage deposit – if you have not purchased collision damage waiver. This will be refunded if you return your boat and its inventory undamaged at the end of your holiday
Familiarise you with your waterways guide, maps and other helpful documentation provided to help you plan where you want to go and where you’d like to stop.
Brief you about your boat, the equipment on board, and the cruising area (places to visit, etc).
Give you a boat handling demonstration on the water with one of our technicians.

Hotels and Restaurants

Hotels

De La Gare - Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 34 27 79
La Gibeciere - Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 34 06 14
Lecoq-Gadby - Rennes - Tel: +33 (0) 299 38 05 55
Anne de Bretagne - Rennes - Tel: +33 (0) 299 31 49 49
Novotel Alma - Rennes - Tel: +33 (0) 299 86 14 14

Restaurants

La Table de Marysam – Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 34 61 30
Pizzeria Grill “L’ Escale - Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 34 60 97
Les Templiers - Guipry - Tel: +33 (0) 299 34 22 82
Crepería Du Port - Guipry - Tel: +33 (0) 299 34 78 18

Car Parking

Open Parking - Free of Charge
Outside enclosed secure parking: £35 per week.

Shops

Supermarket:
In Guipry: Monday - Saturday: 8.45 – 19.00 Sunday: 9:00 - 12:30

Tourist Board

Square de la Liberte,
35480,
Messac Tel: +33 (0) 299 34 61 60

Extra Information

Fishing

Fishing licenses and fishing articles are available at: Les Templiers Snack Bar (Guipry Port) - Tel – 0033 (0) 299 34 22 82

Vet

Groupe vétérinaire du Sud Vilaine
Rue de la Crépinière
35480
Guipry
Tel: 0033 (0)299 346 339

Market Day

Thursday morning at Guipry.

Travel Information

By Road:

Be Prepared

It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with local road rules and abide by them. Most European countries have a list of compulsory equipment that you must take with you. For example, there is a new legal requirement in France to carry a breathalyser, triangle & florescent jacket in your car. For driving advice and a list of the equipment you’ll need, please visit www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas

Maps Michelin - n° 63 and IGN n° 104

By Air:

Closest airports:
Rennes: 40km (E3)
Nantes: 100km (E3)
St Malo: 115km (N136)

By Train:

Closest train stations:
Messac - 2km
Redon - 30km
Rennes - 40km
Nantes - 85km

Ferries

The following ferry routes operate to North Western France.

Portsmouth to St Malo (closest): Brittany Ferries
Portsmouth to Cherbourg: Brittany Ferries
Portsmouth to Caen: Brittany Ferries
Plymouth to Roscoff: Brittany Ferries