Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat
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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.
- Distance: 280 km
- Cruising Time: 42 hrs
- Locks: 36
- Return Trip
Messac > Nantes > Messac
Messac
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. Today the town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. The SNCF railway station at Messac makes it easy to access the town and offers the possibilty to explore further afield.
Redon
REDON'S OLD HARBOUR AREA : You will fall under the charm of this old harbour with its footbridges, its gangways and its locks.
Pont Miny/fegreac
This is a pleasant stop, equipped with a picnic area. You can also rent canoes at the base approx 1.5 kms from the village.
Guenrouet
Guenrouët is a very nice and peaceful stop. The open-air leisure centre has something for everyone : an open-air pool with slide, swirpool, grassed areas, pedalos, canoes and kayaks (CLUB ISAC Tel: 02 40 87 64 23), picnic areas, a mini-golf course which is set on the theme of the local canal. The village and shops are just 200 metres away.
Blain
There are moorings in the port, conveniently situated close to the restaurants, the city centre is just a 5 minute walk away and there are toilets and showers on the quay
Nort-sur-edre
A very pretty and quiet setting on the river bank of the Erdre - a 'station verte de vacances' - discover its natural heritage with its footpaths, its strech of water with picnic areas, playground for children, sports circuit (480m), canoe (April to September) and skate park.
Suce-sur-erdre
A very nice and peaceful little town on the edge of the River Erdre, cafés with pretty terraces and some decent restaurants. There are also nice walks along the river, cycle paths, and canoes and kayaks in July and August
Nantes
An attractive and peaceful mooring on a small island with a peaceful Japanese garden. The mooring is just 15 minutes walk, or by tramway (the stop is just next to the Ile de Versailles) from Nantes city centre. Nantes, the ancient capital of Brittany, is today France's 6th largest town, and has many interesting museums and exhibitions to visit and a good range of shops
