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

Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday: 09:00 to 17:00
Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10:00 to 16:00

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 for you to stay on board that night, but cruising will not be permitted. The base staff will do the full briefing the following morning.

When To Arrive

Your boat will be ready to depart for 15:00 - 17:00. 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 from 11:00.

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 our base staff will:

Give you a welcome booklet which contains important safety advice and contact numbers.
Ask you to sign documentation to show that certain information has been read and unserstood.
Take a Damage Deposit and Engine Hours Deposit.
Let you know what time to expect your pre-departure briefing.

Hotels and Restaurants

Hotels

Le Relais de la Gare - Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 781 132
La Gibeciere - Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 340 614
Lecoq-Gadby - Rennes - Tel: +33 (0) 299 380 555
Anne de Bretagne - Rennes - Tel: +33 (0) 299 314 949
Novotel Alma - Rennes - Tel: +33 (0) 299 861 414

Restaurants

Pizzeria Grill L’Escale - Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 346 097
Le Relais de la Gare - Messac - Tel: +33 (0) 299 781 132
Crêperie Du Port - Guipry - Tel: +33 (0) 299 347 818

Car Parking

Enclosed secured parking onsite (to be booked in advance)
unsecured parking available close by.

Tourist Board

Square de la Liberte,
35480,
Messac
Tel: +33 (0) 299 346 160

Shops

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

Extra Information

Fishing

Fishing licenses are available at the town hall

Vet

Groupe vétérinaire du Sud Vilaine
Rue de la Crépinière
35480
Guipry
Tel: +33 (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

Maps Michelin - n° 63 and IGN n° 104

By Air:

Closest airports:
Rennes: 40km (E3)
Nantes: 100km (E3)
Dinard Pleurtuit: 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