Beautiful countryside, easy-going locals and a Celtic heritage that gives the region its distinct charm — experience it all houseboating in Brittany. The Nantes-Brest canal is rightly considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
Brittany is a truly enchanting place — whether it's the charming fortified towns filled with narrow streets, its impressive harbours or its spectacular scenery. Cruising along the waterways, you will be able to admire countless castles and chateaus, Romanesque monasteries and Gothic churches, menhirs (standing stones), parks and forests steeped in Celtic mythology. And that's not to mention the culinary delights to look forward to — Breton oysters are among the finest in the world, and the local fish, seafood and shellfish are renowned. And sampling the local pancakes is a must, whether it's sweet crépes or savoury galettes made from dark or buckwheat flour, often with ham, egg and cheese. To wash it all down try the traditionally made cider or excellent local wine — the typical variety here is Muscadet. But with so much on offer, where exactly should you head? We've put together 10 of the most beautiful locations for you to try.
1. Nantes
Nowadays Nantes, the sixth largest city in France, is the administrative centre of the Pays-de-la-Loire region, but for hundreds of years, it was the capital of Brittany. Its most notable landmark, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany), was built in the late 15th century by François II, the last Duke of Brittany, and later by his daughter, Anne of Brittany, who was twice Queen of France. The fortified chateau with its splendid loggias in the Italian Renaissance style later served as a royal castle, the residence of the governors, as well as a barracks and a prison. Today, it houses the Nantes History Museum.
Another important historical site is the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul of Nantes dating back to 1434, which unfortunately also came into notoriety when it was deliberately set on fire in 2020 (fortunately, the building was saved, although the windows and organ were destroyed). The historic centre of Nantes can be found to the west of the castle in the Bouffay district. As well as streets full of half-timbered houses, you'll also find some excellent shops. Don't miss the Passage Pommeraye, a magnificent 19th-century shopping centre with a glass roof. The formerly industrial Île de Nantes is also an interesting location — today, you'll find a workshop where artists have created mechanical animals, the centrepiece of which is a 12-metre elephant.
Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne) in Nantes
2. Abbey of Saint-Sauveur, Redon
From Nantes, you will sail first through the valley of the Erdre and then the Oust Valley with its steep granite and sandstone banks to reach Redon, which lies at the confluence with the river Vilaine. Here you can visit the shipping museum, the Monday markets and, above all, St. Sauveur, a former Benedictine abbey dating from the 9th century. This significant Romanesque monument is now used as a Catholic school, but tours are possible.
Redon is a popular tourist destination
3. La Gacilly
Heading west from Redon, you'll arrive in La Gacilly, a small town with charming streets, cafes and shops. This is also the home of Yves Rocher, whose bamboo plantation and botanical garden are also well worth a stop off. From June to September, La Gacilly hosts a photography festival that centres on the future of our planet.
Traditional old houses in La Gacilly
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4. Malestroit
Malestroit boasts the title of Petit Cité de Caractère, or 'small town with character' — a concept since the 1970s that has sought to recognise atypical villages that have an intriguing history, environment or host community events. Malestroit, whose history dates back to the 11th century, certainly deserves its place — during your visit you'll marvel at the narrow streets lined with stone and half-timbered houses and the countless sculptures adorning public spaces.
Square in the beautiful village of Malestroit in French Brittany
5. Josselin
Another of the Petit Cité de Caractère, Josselin is renowned for its majestic castle, reflecting in the Oust River and surrounded by beautiful gardens. Today, it is still home to the Rohan family, one of the oldest Breton families. A stroll through the narrow streets of this charming town and a visit to the basilica are well worth it. If you bring your bicycle (which is recommended, as there are cycle paths all around the Nantes-Brest canal), you can also explore the magical forests that lie adjacent to it.
Wooden houses in the old town of Josselin
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6. Brocéliande forest
Close to Josselin and the town of Ploërmel towards Paimpont, lies the edge of a legendary enchanted forest, praised by medieval poets. Once inhabited by the Celts and their druids, as well as Merlin and King Arthur, the Brocéliande forest is a place steeped in magic and mystery. In fact, this is where the legend of the sword Excalibur originated and the Lady of the Lake is said to still dwell there to this day. There are many myths about Brocéliande — legend has it that there is a Fairy Mirror that should be avoided by all men who have been unfaithful to their wives, for if they look into it, they won't ever return.
A walk by Lake Paimpont in the Brocéliande forest
At many of the mythical sites in the Brocéliande forest, there are menhirs (standing stones), burial mounds and covered galleries dating back to the Neolithic period. On the edge of the Brocéliande Forest, 18 km from Ploërmel, for example, you'll find the Menhirs de Monteneuf.
7. Pontivy
From Josselin, you can take the canal to Pontivy. According to legend, the town was founded in the 7th century by the monk Ivy, who built a wooden bridge over the Blavet and gave the town its name — Pont d'Ivy. The town began to develop more fully in the 12th century when Viscount Rohan settled here. Highlights include a castle overlooking the Blavet River just outside the town centre which is open to the public and hosts a number of exhibitions. In the 19th century, the name of Pontivy was temporarily changed to Napoleonville — Napoleon Bonaparte wanted to make Pontivy a centre of trade in peacetime and an important military centre in wartime, given its strategic location. It is during this period that courts, a town hall and a school were built here.
Rohan Castle on the banks of the Oust River
8. La Roche-Bernard
If you head south from Redon towards the ocean, you'll reach the picturesque little town of La Roche-Bernard, providing stunning views of the cape and an ancient old town. One of its attractions is the Musée de la Vilaine maritime museum in the sprawling Le Château — five floors of this astonishing structure are built right on the cliff. The bridge 40 metres above the Vilaine River also offers unique views.
The Marina in La Roche-Bernard
9. Rennes and Parc du Thabor
From Redon, which is a veritable boating hub, you can also take the Vilaine River north to Rennes. The history of this former capital of Brittany dates back to the Celts and later became part of the Roman Empire. There are many sights to see here, such as the parliament building and opera house, the classical church of Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine and St Pierre Cathedral. To the north, you'll find the Place des Lices and Place Ste. Anne, dotted with numerous shops, cafés and bars. This part of the city was spared from a major fire in the early 18th century, so there are also a number of original half-timbered houses. But it's not just the sights of Rennes that will captivate you — above all, it exudes a proud cosmopolitan atmosphere, as befits the capital of Brittany.
Square in the historic centre of Rennes
Another place you shouldn't miss in Rennes is the Parc du Thabor, one of France's most beautiful parks. The former garden of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Melaine was redesigned by Denis Bühler, the famous 19th-century landscape artist. Spread over 10 hectares, you will find French-style gardens as well as an English-style park, a grotto, an aviary and an impressive rose garden featuring more than 2,000 varieties!
10. Dinan
From Rennes, you can take the Canal d'Ille-et-Rance to the town of Dinan, which will simply take your breath away with its fairytale-like charm, combining a perfectly preserved historic centre with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Stroll along the steep Rue du Jerzual, whose half-timbered houses with pointed gables recall the town's rich history, and explore the Place de Cordeliers and Place de Merciers, with houses dating from the 15th–17th centuries. Dominating the skyline is Dinan's 14th-century castle with its Keep of Duchess Anne (Donjon de la duchesse Anne ) — a typical fortified tower designed to defend against the enemy.
The picturesque medieval harbour of Dinan at the mouth of the River Rance is a popular tourist destination
Other sights include the 12th-century Basilica of St. Saviour, which blends Byzantine, Persian and Romanesque elements. Its walls contain the heart of Bertrand du Guesclin, a Breton knight who was considered one of the greatest French warriors of the Hundred Years' War. Its towers offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, as does the 46-metre-high clock tower (La Tour de l'Horloge), commissioned by Duchess Anne of Brittany herself, who lived in Dinon for several years. You'll also love exploring the surroundings — along the Rance River, you'll reach Taden, a village with several old mansions and a 16th-century castle.