Cruise along the peaceful rivers and tree-lined banks in balmy Brittany
Discover Brittany’s Celtic history & culinary delights
Our Brittany boat rentals in France usher you into an especially unique French locale with towering castles and canalized rivers. You’re not far from the North Atlantic coast, so a wide variety of delicious seafood is readily available at cafés. You can also venture to Nantes and Rennes for the museums, historic sites, fine restaurants and lively nightclubs.
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Interactive map of Brittany
Le Boat base
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No license or experience required
Never handled a boat? You don’t need a license or prior experience to be the captain of your own houseboat. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise.
Our customer reviews on Brittany
See all reviews >Really friendly team, very professional, bat loavely, and a really different fun vacation break.
Everything was as advertised. 8th or 9th time with Le Boat.
That says it all
Good boat nice trip on pretty river
We went looking for an adventure and Le Boat provided the proper tools for that. Great boat, Horizon 1. Easy to drive & to live on.
Lovely scenery and easy route if you don’t want too many locks to navigate and La Gacilly our turn around point is delightful!
Boat, Royal Mystique A, was in very good condition and loads of room for 4 adults. Enjoyed the scenery and stops on the Nantes-Brest canal and were lucky enough to have lovely weather, thank goodness for the air conditioning on the boat.
The boat was well equipped with plenty of storage for the 6 of us. Our only suggestion would be to have a couple of towel rails in the cabins or galley..
The itinerary was very helpful and so too was the information given to us at reception.
Our cruise was very relaxing and enjoyable.
Staff and service. Cruising options
Lovely boat just right for four of us. Comfortable and well maintained.
Messac a very goodbase
nice route messac la roche -st bernard
nice river to sail on
Great staff and service at the Boat base
Brittany is the perfect boating region for…
History & Heritage
You’ll never tire of the châteaux in the Land of a Thousand Castles, as Brittany is called! Put the Château de Josselin high on your history vacation list! Discover the fascinating museums in Nantes!
Gastronomy
Seafood, especially Breton oysters, is a must on Boating Vacations in Brittany! Then indulge in a savoury galette or a sweet crêpe! The local cider and Muscadet wine is delicious! Whilst you’re in Suce-sur-Erdre, enjoy fine dining at elegant Le Clos St. Thomas!
Family
Four-footed friends await the kids at Dinan’s La Bourbansais Zoo! Book your Brittany river cruise in August to coincide with the St. Laurent Festival in Blain. You’ll love the jugglers! Enjoy the butterfly reserve in La Gacillly! The Water Museum in Malestroit enchants the little ones!
Nature Lovers
As you go cruising in Brittany, you may see herons, gannets and hawks! Deer and wild boar occasionally show themselves! The marshes and peaks of Aux Pies on the River Oust are excellent for trekking and observing nature!
Why choose Le Boat for your holidays in Brittany?
Our team ensures that your boating requirements are impeccably taken care ofcared for, from seamless check-ins to on-call technical assistance.
All of our boats are maintained to excellent standards and come with well-furnished cabins, kitchens, and bathrooms so that you can cruise in comfort.
Choose from a wide range of houseboat rentals, from cozy canal boats to large luxury cruisers.
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Select your route
Messac’s central location allows you to easily reach a number of Brittany’s top highlights. The coastal town of La Roche-Bernard is 10.5hrs to the south where you can sample the region’s famous oysters. It is also our closest base to Josselin (17.5hrs from Messac) with its iconic castle that sweeps majestically down to the water’s edge. Or, you can head north to busy Rennes (8.5hrs), Brittany’s capital city.
Travel connections
- 40km Rennes St Jacques (RNS)
- 100km Nates (NTE)
- 115km Dinard Pleurtuit (DNR)
- 2km from Messac station
- 30km from Redon station
- 40km from Rennes station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Messac’s central location allows you to easily reach a number of Brittany’s top highlights. The coastal town of La Roche-Bernard is 10.5hrs to the south where you can sample the region’s famous oysters. It is also our closest base to Josselin (17.5hrs from Messac) with its iconic castle that sweeps majestically down to the water’s edge. Or, you can head north to busy Rennes (8.5hrs), Brittany’s capital city.
Travel connections
- 40km Rennes St Jacques (RNS)
- 100km Nates (NTE)
- 115km Dinard Pleurtuit (DNR)
- 2km from Messac station
- 30km from Redon station
- 40km from Rennes station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Select your date and boat
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Marcus has been an integral part of Le Boat’s sales team for several years, so knows our destinations and fleet very well. After many cruises with us he particularly loves our stunning Irish and Italian destinations!
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Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Messac RETURN via Malestroit (for Josselin) 7-Night Itinerary
Messac RETURN via La Gacilly 3-Night Itinerary
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Little Venice of Brittany Short Break
The Little Venice of Brittany Short Break
The Little Venice of Brittany Short Break
Messac RETURN via La Gacilly
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Overview
The Vilaine River sparkles ahead as you draw near to pretty Redon, a city so crisscrossed with waterways and bridges it is often called Little Venice. Cathedrals and castles rise from the shore, and you’re glad to be boating in France! After you sightsee, you intend to linger over a dessert of Breton Far, a regional pudding similar to flan topped with juicy plums and luscious custard!
Top highlights:
- Climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zip line in lle-aux-Pies
- The ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colorful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
The Napoleon III Short Break
The Napoleon III Short Break
The Napoleon III Short Break
Messac RETURN via La Roche-Bernard
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Overview
The sea exerts a magnetic pull on you in spectacular Brittany, and you’re thrilled to be boating in France. You snap pictures as you pass Napoleonic castles rising from forest-clad shores, and you contemplate the rich Celtic culture of the people. Soon historic Redon looms off the bow, and you and your friends decide to go sightseeing!
Top highlights:
- The ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- La Roche-Bernard: Welcome to La-Roche-Bernard. This town is well worth exploring. Historically an important seaport, it is still a thriving yachting centre today and its streets are filled with little shops and places to eat.
The Gardens and Castles Cruise
The Gardens and Castles Cruise
The Gardens and Castles Cruise
Messac RETURN via Josselin
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As you stroll through quaint waterside towns, you notice the abundance of colorful flowers and public gardens. The love of everything floral seems universal, and it adds to the charm of French canal holidays in Brittany. Getting into the spirit, you plan a visit to the Yves Rocher Botanical Gardens in La Gacilly, and the grand Château at Josselin!
Top highlights:
- The ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- Climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zip line in lle-aux-Pies
- Malestroit’s quaint historic houses
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
- Exploring Josselin’s Castle
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colorful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
- Malestroit: Rich with history, Malestroit was one of the “nine baronnies” of independent Brittany and has maintained many impressive buildings from this period, including quaint, historic houses with timber framing that you can still admire in the old town.
- Josselin: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the castle of Josselin is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Brittany. While here, take time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the old houses clustered around the town centre.
The Brittany History Cruise
The Brittany History Cruise
The Brittany History Cruise
Messac RETURN via Nantes
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Overview
The rugged Celtic beauty of Brittany’s waterways captivates your every sense. Castles and abbeys perch on bluffs, small villages nestle along tree-clad shores, and open meadows of lush green contrast against the shimmering blue of the waters. You stop to picnic at the edge of the forest of Gâvre, savouring the delight of French canal holidays.
Top highlights:
- Canoeing and kayaking in Guenrouët
- The arts and traditions of Blain
- Cycling by the river and visiting the Tower Gaillard in Sucé-sur-Erdre
- Grabbing a ‘Pass Nantes’ and exploring the eccentric arts of Nantes
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- La Roche-Bernard: Welcome to La-Roche-Bernard. This town is well worth exploring. Historically an important seaport, it is still a thriving yachting centre today and its streets are filled with little shops and places to eat.
- Guenrouët: Guenrouët is an inviting and peaceful stop. The leisure center has something for everyone: an open-air pool with slide, whirlpool, grassy areas, paddle boats, canoes and kayaks, picnic areas, and a mini-golf course themed after the local canal. The village and shops are just 200 meters away.
- Blain: A city full of character, Blain hosts an immense castle riddled with history from all of its previous invaders. Here you can visit the Saint-Roch chapel, and the museum of arts and tradition.
- Nort-sur-Erdre: Nort-sur-erdre is a peaceful and charming city. Here, you will enjoy a welcoming marina, a very scenic place to stay. You can also survey the distinct architecture of the castle of Port-Mulon, built in the 18th century.
- Sucé-sur-Erdre: A very nice and peaceful little town on the edge of the River Erdre, Suce-sur-Erdre will charm you with its restaurants, cafés, and elegant terraces. Along the river, you will find cycle paths if you’d like to go for a ride. You can visit the Tower Gaillard, the last vestige of a temple built by the protestants in the 16th century.
- Nantes: Nantes is one of the most beautiful cities in France. There are many places and monuments to see. Given the abundance of history to explore, consider getting the ‘Pass Nantes’, a pass that will allow you to visit as many monuments and museums as you’d like during your visit.
The Best of Brittany Long Break
The Best of Brittany Long Break
The Best of Brittany Long Break
Messac RETURN via Rennes & Josselin
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Overview
Rennes intrigued you, and now that you’re exploring the city’s historic sites you’re glad you came! Next you turn south to see the medieval towns and castles on the Canal de Nantes à Brest, a fabulous trip through rural lands. Extended French canal holidays have opened up time to see Redon, the Little Venice of Brittany, and for a jaunt to charming Josselin with its turreted castle!
Top highlights:
- Thabor Gardens and the beautiful cathedral in Rennes
- Climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zip line in lle-aux-Pies
- Exploring Josselin’s Castle
- The beautiful blooming flowers of La Gacilly
- The Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest in Redon
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Pont-Réan: Enter Pont-Rean by crossing its charming bridge entrance. There are many colourful landscapes to discover, especially at Le Boël which is located next to the city. The old stone-pit is also a lovely place to walk around.
- Rennes: Rennes is Brittany’s dynamic capital city. There is a thriving architectural and religious heritage which can be seen when touring St Pierre’s Cathedral, St Madeleine Abbey and St Germain church. Brittany’s extravagant parliament building displays its extraordinary wealth through its decor. Consider taking a break in the splendid Thabor Gardens. Rennes is a very lively town with many things to do and see all year long.
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes. Each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colorful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
- Malestroit: Rich with history, Malestroit was one of the “nine baronnies” of independent Brittany and has maintained many impressive buildings from this period, including quaint, historic houses with timber framing that you can still admire in the old town.
- Josselin: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the castle of Josselin is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Brittany. While here, take time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the old houses clustered around the town centre.
The Great Brittany Long Break
The Great Brittany Long Break
The Great Brittany Long Break
Messac RETURN via Josselin & Blain
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Overview
Taking your time to see what intrigues you is the essence of French canal holidays, and that’s exactly what you’ve decided to do on an extended foray in Brittany! Top on your list is Nantes with its many museums and its impressive cathedral, along with Josselin’s castle and Redon’s Richelieu Tower. Cycling, swimming, golf and tennis anyone?
Top highlights:
- The Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ in Redon
- Canoeing and kayaking in Guenrouët
- Cycling by the river and visiting the Tower Gaillard in Sucé-sur-Erdre
- Grabbing a ‘Pass Nantes’ and exploring the eccentric arts of Nantes
- Exploring Josselin’s Castle
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Messac: Messac is home to a few interesting local churches and has lovely country tracks, perfect for taking a walk and discovering the natural beauty of the region. Today, this pretty town is classified as a ‘green tourist station’ thanks to its excellent tourist and sporting facilities. Why not give it a try?
- Redon: An official ‘city of character’, Redon sits at the crossroads of the Vilaine River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. This maritime port was an important stop on the way to Rennes, and each year hundreds of ships were loaded with salt, wine and other goods to be transported to the north. Quai Duguay-Trouin pays testament to this flourishing era with many beautiful 18th century mansions built by ship merchants which line the promenade. Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’ which retraces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors.
- Guenrouët: Guenrouët is an inviting and peaceful stop. The leisure center has something for everyone: an open-air pool with slide, whirlpool, grassy areas, paddle boats, canoes and kayaks, picnic areas, and a mini-golf course themed after the local canal. The village and shops are just 200 meters away.
- Blain: A city full of character, Blain hosts an immense castle riddled with history from all of its previous invaders. Here you can visit the Saint-Roch chapel, and the museum of arts and tradition.
- Nort-sur-Erdre: Nort-sur-erdre is a peaceful and charming city. Here, you will enjoy a welcoming marina, a very scenic place to stay. You can also survey the distinct architecture of the castle of Port-Mulon, built in the 18th century.
- Sucé-sur-Erdre: A very nice and peaceful little town on the edge of the River Erdre, Suce-sur-Erdre will charm you with its restaurants, cafés, and elegant terraces. Along the river, you will find cycle paths if you’d like to go for a ride. You can visit the Tower Gaillard, the last vestige of a temple built by the protestants in the 16th century.
- Nantes: Nantes is one of the most beautiful cities in France. There are many places and monuments to see. Given the abundance of history to explore, consider getting the ‘Pass Nantes’, a pass that will allow you to visit as many monuments and museums as you’d like during your visit.
- Ile-aux-Pies: In the direction of La Gacilly, the Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. This island is an adventurers’ paradise, with climbing peaks, hiking trails, and a zipline. Kids, big and small, can while away the hours, trying their hand at archery, tree climbing and fishing.
- La Gacilly: From early May, La Gacilly is blooming with a wonderful, colorful display of flowers along the streets and bridges of the town. It is also home of the famous Yves Rocher cosmetic factory.
- Malestroit: Rich with history, Malestroit was one of the nine “baronnies” of independent Brittany and has maintained many impressive buildings from this period, including quaint, historic houses with timber framing that you can still admire in the old town.
- Josselin: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, the castle of Josselin is perhaps the most beautiful in all of Brittany. While here, take time to stroll through the narrow streets and admire the old houses clustered around the town centre.