France Boating Holidays - Brittany

The region of Brittany has taken the decision to lower the reaches on the Nantes-Brest canal to 80cm, which makes navigation impossible in this sector. Cruise France regrets that this means we can no longer sell holidays to Brittany for the remainder of 2022.

Brittany - Legends and Contrasts - Cruiser Boats Route Map

Brittany Boat Hire Map

Base Information

Suggested river and canal cruises from Messac, Dinan 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

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

The picturesque medieval port of Dinan on the Rance Estuary
Cruiser boat by castle josselin

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

The Erdre River in Nantes France
Josselin Castle in Brittany

Please note that hours suggested above are approximate