Cruising in Brittany

Perfect for beginners, Brittany's network of Napoleonic and flower adorned castles are a delight to navigate by boat or by bike.

Click on the place name to find out more about each location. Not all locations in a region are mentioned on our suggested cruises, why not browse Featured Locations list to help you decide where to cruise.

  • The Artisan Cruise

    Nort-sur-Edre - La Gacilly - Nort-sur-Edre

    La Gacilly is a pretty flower-adorned town, home to artists and artisans and a delight to explore. Visit Redon - the Little Venice of Brittany - en route. The River Erdre makes for easy cruising and is perfect for beginners.

  • The Maritime Cruise

    Nort-sur-Edre - La Roche Bernard - Nort-sur-Edre

    Cruise to La Roche Bernard on the coast and wander the streets of this charming old town. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the River Vilaine.

  • The Gardens & Castles Cruise

    Messac - Josselin - Messac

    Take a walk around the stunning Yves Rocher botanical gardens and visit the famous beauty centre at La Gacilly. Enjoy a tour of Malestroit and discover the town’s luxurious houses. Explore the grand Château at Josselin, considered the most beautiful in the region, and admire the houses clustered around the main square.

  • The Corsaires Cruise

    Messac - Dinan (or vice versa)

    Follow the peaceful River Vilaine, stopping en route to visit the pretty town of Rennes, the capital of Brittany. Dinan is a perfect example of a medieval town on the banks of the River Rance. Its castle and 13th century ramparts are best viewed from the water. Plenty of opportunities exist along your route for on-shore fun; tennis and horse-riding at Betton, swimming at Lehon’s open air swimming pool and picnics on the lake at Combourg.

  • The Dukes of Brittany Cruise

    Nort-sur-Edre - Messac (or vice versa)

    Enjoy a week cruising on the River Erdre, one of the most beautiful rivers in France, the peaceful River Vilaine and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. Visit the château at Blain and sample some crisp cider in the cider factory at Guenroüet, where you can also play mini golf or tennis. Visit the beautiful city of Nantes and its splendid gothic cathedral.

  • The Napoleon Cruise

    Messac - La Roche Bernard - Messac

    Pass under the iron bridge of Port de Roche, decorated with the seals of Napoleon and Eugenie and built for the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1900. Visit Redon’s shops and markets before arriving in the port of La Roche Bernard where you could try Breton Oysters at a quayside restaurant.

    Locations on this cruise

  • Dinan - Dinan

    Locations on this cruise

    We are currently in the process of collecting information for the cruising companion for this cruise. If you have an pictures or information about things to do, places to see, restaurants and helpful hints and tips about any of the locations along this cruising route, please complete the online form. We’d love to hear from you!

  • The Capital Cruise

    Messac – Nantes – Messac

    Follow the gentle River Vilaine from Messac to Redon, stopping to visit the lovely St Saveur Abbey and its lively Monday market, before crossing the viaduct at Corbinières. Enjoy the greenery of the forest of Gâvre between Guenrouët and Blain, home to the famous Château. Pass through the Quiheix locks to access the River Erdre, where, according to legend, 100 castles once sat along its banks, and cruise on to the historical cathedral city of Nantes.

  • The Best of Brittany

    Messac – Redon – Josselin – Nantes – Messac

    Cruise the rivers and canals of Brittany on a wonderful 2 week journey, taking in all the historical and scenic delights of this beautiful region. From awe-inspiring châteaux and cathedral cities to pretty medieval towns, ancient churches and timbered houses, you’ll discover Brittany’s unique culture, history and heritage at every step of the way.