France Boating Holidays in 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 - land of legends and contrasts
Enjoy a cruise on gentle waterways between pine covered rolling hills, across heather moorlands, through peaceful farmland and orchards. The wide estuaries of Rivers Erdre, Vilaine and Rance contrast with the canal-rivers in the uplands of Brittany.
Brittany is a magical land, alive with folklore, festivals and tradition.
Ancient megaliths and stones reflect its Celtic past, with churches and chateaux a reminder of its historical importance.
![Dinan - rance, Brittany]()
Dinan - Rance, Brittany
You will find friendliness and a genuine welcome from the local Breton people.
From our base at Messac we offer a one-way cruise to Dinan on the River Vilaine which links with the Canal d’Ille et Rance at Rennes with its appealing old town and numerous shops and boutiques.
After the spectacular Hede lock staircase, you arrive at enchanting Dinan.
On a hillside overlooking the wooded valley of the Rance, Dinan is an ancient market town surrounded by ramparts.
Magnificent half-timbered houses and cobbled streets overlook the old port, once a busy harbour now a boating centre with quayside cafes.
Heading south eastwards from Messac there is a one-way route to Nort-sur-Erdre via Redon on the Canal de Nantes a Brest.
You will join the lovely River Erdre which King Francoise I decreed was the most beautiful in France. According to a Breton legend, 100 castles were built along its banks. If time cruise to Nantes, whose 15th century castle was once home to the Dukes of Brittany.
If you prefer to set out for a round trip from Messac, several choices are possible. Cruise towards Malestroit and Josselin on the Canal de Nantes à Brest. Narrow waterways through dense forest followed by flat, reedy plains provide a total contrast before beautiful Chateau Josselin appears in the distance.
Picturesque villages and historic towns offer abundant sea food of the very highest quality. Food here is a simple treat - salmon, lobster, mussels, oysters, salt-marsh lamb and a tantalizing range of crepes - accompanied by crisp, clear Muscadet or local cider.