Brittany has a network of waterways that is administratively completely independent from the rest of the French network. During the summer season, the locks are open every day without exception, even on public holidays.
You can navigate from the English Channel to the Atlantic, or vice versa, by successively taking the Ile and Rance canal 84km, 48 locks then the Vilaine 90 km, 13 locks and from East to West, or vice versa, by the Nantes to Brest canal 208 km, 98 locks extended by the Blavet 57 km, 28 locks.
The region is very easy to access, by car, by TGV or by plane (regular or low-cost flights).
Brittany, a land of myths and legends, where ancestral traditions are still perpetuated, is a region that has preserved its language, customs, and folklore of its past. This land of magic and mysteries will dazzle you with its richness and incredible universe.
Brittany's originality comes from the multiple and varied influences that have marked its history. You will surely appreciate the Breton legends, heirs of the Celtic tales passed down from generation to generation.
If you don't know which boat to choose, check our advice.
Brittany is part of the Brittany Anjou destination that we offer for your next river cruise.
Nearby, check out our destination also open to river tourism: Anjou.
Must-sees in Brittany by boat
- The quality of dining in Brittany is largely influenced by the proximity of the ocean. Cancale oysters, shellfish, fish of all kinds will delight you. You also can't ignore fars, crepes, galettes, cider, and calvados.
- The Armorique Regional Natural Park and the Brière Regional Natural Park are home to 69 species of wild mammals, over 250 species of birds, and more than 40 species of river fish.
- Wishing to offer the best possible welcome to boaters, 25 municipalities along Brittany's navigable canals and rivers are committed to providing a high quality of welcome to visitors. These canals and rivers have been perfectly rehabilitated for tourists, who are their only users.
- Cider, Breton crepes, and galettes, of course!
In summary, many activities will be available to you during your river cruise.
Some stops on your cruise in Brittany
The Nantes to Brest Canal
The Nantes to Brest Canal is a small gauge canal that connects the cities of Nantes and Brest and passes through the valleys of the Erdre, Isac, Oust, Blavet (which it joins at Pontivy), Doré, Hyère, and Aulne; these rivers are connected by three junction canals crossing watersheds. Its construction dates back to the first half of the 19th century, and its total length is 364 km. It has been completely redesigned to provide access to river tourism.
Châteaulin. This city is very famous thanks to salmon, a fish that has always played an important role. You can visit a viewing room at the Châteaulin dam, which will allow you to discover many species of fish.
Carhaix-Plouguer. It's a small town where you can appreciate art in all its splendor as well as a beautiful landscape unspoiled by agriculture and where the industry is almost absent.
Enjoy beautiful walks on foot, by bike, or by canoe to appreciate it.
Gouarec. In this town, you will find the largest religious monument in all of Brittany.
Pontivy. A medieval town, Pontivy is home to a castle that perfectly reflects the military architecture of the Middle Ages. You will find restaurants and can visit many monuments.
Les Forges. The community was built around three families of blacksmiths settled in the 11th century, hence the name of the place.
Josselin. Don't miss discovering the Château de Josselin and strolling through its small streets lined with old stone houses.
Malestroit. You can walk around the town to admire old houses dating from the 16th century. Check with the Tourist Office, which will offer guided tours and other activities.
Redon. Don't miss the visit to the abbey, which will take you through the history of Brittany, as well as the Convent of the Calvairiennes, an exceptional building. Redon is primarily a port city, and you can stop at many restaurants.
La Gacilly. It's a small, flowery, lively, entertaining town, rich in discoveries, which will warmly welcome you in its many cafes and restaurants. You can discover the trades of painters, sculptors, glassmakers, whose workshops are located in the city center.
Blain. Don't miss discovering the Museum of Arts, which traces a shopping street of the last century; a feeling of going back in time. Also, take the time to visit the Château de Blain from the 12th century, which houses an old printing press and art exhibitions.
Nort Sur Erdre. A charming and well-equipped small port, you will find many restaurants in Nort sur Erdre.
The Erdre
This river rises in La Pouëze (Clairet pond), about twenty kilometers northwest of Angers in Maine-et-Loire, is a French river, a tributary of the Loire, into which it flows at Nantes.
Nort Sur Erdre. A charming and well-equipped small port, you will find many restaurants in Nort sur Erdre.
Sucé Sur Erdre. The Port of this small town is very well equipped. Additionally, you will find many cafes and restaurants to satisfy your hunger.
Nantes. This university town will offer you many shows and activities. Don't miss visiting the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Jardin des Plantes, the Museum of Fine Arts... and many more. The port, very well equipped, will charm you with its many restaurants by the water.
L'île de Versailles. It's an artificial island much appreciated by the inhabitants of Nantes, who come to stroll in its Japanese garden.
The Blavet
A small coastal river of 136 kilometers, it rises in Côtes d'Armor and flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Lorient.
Lorient. A major fishing port, Lorient will offer you visits such as the submarine base, the arsenal, or the Museum of the Company of the Indies.
Hennebont. With its historic center, Hennebont is an enriching, interesting city. Don't miss the three main bridges of the city and stroll towards the Maison du Sénéchal and the 16th-century basilica.
Saint Nicolas Des Eaux. An ancient Roman town, this town has a well-equipped port. You can discover old monuments there.
Pontivy. A medieval town, Pontivy is home to a castle that perfectly reflects the military architecture of the Middle Ages. You will find restaurants and can visit many monuments.
The Vilaine
This small river, rich in fauna and flora, is 229 kilometers long, navigable over 139 kilometers thanks to its 15 locks, 13 manual and 2 operated by a lock keeper using an electronic control box.
Saint Gregoire. You will find a large shopping center there, where all the shops will offer you everything you need.
The port of Saint Grégoire is very well equipped. You may have the chance to see some national kayak polo champions.
Pont-Rean. You will see a bridge with multiple arches. The port of this small town is very warm, and its restaurants will be happy to welcome you.
Messac. This small village is famous because it is said to be the place where the first potato was planted in France. Additionally, you can entertain yourself with its many tourist and sports activities.
Redon. Don't miss the visit to the abbey, which will take you through the history of Brittany, as well as the Convent of the Calvairiennes, an exceptional building. Redon is primarily a port city, and you can stop at many restaurants.
La Roche-Bernard. This small town offers a pleasant city center bordered by large stone houses.
Don't miss discovering the Museum of Maritime Vilaine, whose visit is interesting and very enriching.
Ille and Rance Canal
A 85 km junction canal linking St Malo to Rennes, it has only manual locks, where an agent welcomes you at each one. All the lock houses are occupied, and their gardens compete in beauty.
Dinan. Don't miss visiting the old town of Dinan, which, from the top of its ramparts, will offer you an exceptional view. Near the port, you will find many restaurants and a pastry shop offering delicious cakes.
Hédé. Located on a hill, the small town of Hédé is dominated by the ruins of a feudal castle. Don't miss walking through its very pleasant streets, where you will discover very old houses surrounded by hanging gardens.
Betton. This small town offers a very pleasant city center with its many restaurants. Additionally, you will find a supermarket offering everything you might need.
Rennes. Around the 2nd century BC, the city was founded by the Redones tribe. Don't miss discovering what remains of the Rennes ramparts, which were built from the 3rd century.
Photos: Locaboat.