The Nantes to Brest Canal
The end - west of Port Launay |
It ends near Port Launay in choppy waters, with real sea breezes, from a real ocean…
The genius of the Nantes to Brest Canal is that its built along a series of pre-existing water courses; the Aulne, Blavet, Oust, Isac, Erde. They account for 80% of its length and the watersheds (biefs de partage) for the rest.
Between Redon and Malestroit (Oust) |
South of Redon (Isac) |
Along the Erde its open to broad horizons and seems level with the land. The Isac stretch becomes deeply flooded in the winter, and we have enjoyed submarine bicycle rides where it was not certain that we would reach the next stretch of unsubmerged tow path. Across the Vilaine it marches west along the Oust and Blavet the locks being progressively closer as the canal reaches Lac Guerledan. West from there the Aulne takes over. It winds in deeply incised meanders. Each bend looks like the previous one; each hillside clothed in beech woods. Finally Chateaulin and Port Launay where the open Atlantic breathes on you.
There is also a branch, down to Lorient, via the Blavet Valley. Stunning countryside with historic sites and chapels.
Its versatile: you can cycle along it, walk it, read about it, cruise along it, canoe in it, visit a museum dedicated to it (in Redon - well worth a visit)
Nantes Brest Canal museum
We can offer 'cycling for softies' holidays if you are interested: we drop and pick up morning and evening along the route, starting at Port Launay. Please see our Brittany cycling page.
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