Departing from our base in Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, cruise along the Nantes-Brest Canal towards the magnificent Josselin Castle or head for our base in Melesse for a one-way cruise via Rennes.
Brittany boat hire in a few words…
When you set off from our new Melesse base, you will fall under the spell of the River Vilaine. If you make your first stop in Rennes you can explore its Parliament, cathedral and half-timbered houses. Heading southwards, the bridge at Pont-Réan, with its nine arches offers a superb viewpoint over the river. As you approach Messac, do not miss the water-mills and windmills of the Breton moorlands or the numerous châteaux and castles in the area. If you set off from the Saint-Martin-sur-Oust base, there are numerous options for river and canal cruising. Follow the Nantes-Brest Canal to reach the very beautiful river island known as the Île aux Pies. From there, take a highly recommended detour on the little river Aff to the lovely village of La Gacilly, with its flower-filled alleys and magnificent botanical garden. Continuing on the Nantes-Brest Canal, you reach Redon with its Saint Saviour abbey, a real waterways crossroads and the country of the magician Merlin! To the west of Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, the Nantes-Brest Canal becomes one of the most beautiful navigable waterways.
The
highlights of Saint-Martin & Melesse
- The Nantes-Brest Canal is superb and very romantic
- Peaceful areas and very little commercial traffic make it a good choice for beginners.
our routes departing from Saint-Martin & Melesse
the routes shown are only suggestions; don’t forget that you can stop wherever you like on your cruise. The departure base of Melesse can be the departure base or the return base of a one way cruise.
From Vivianne the fairy to the Dukes’ castle
Waterway
Canal de Nantes à BrestItinerary
Saint-Martin-sur-Oust ...Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
Discover the craft workshops in the magnificent village of La Gacilly. The artists work in wax, clay, wood, glass and flowers to create high-quality decorative or useful objects. There is also a major photographic festival every summer.
The Oust flows along the coast and then escapes into rifts, creating transverse valleys such as the impressive Ile aux Pies. Uniquely in inland Brittany, a 15 km stretch of this valley is listed as a major natural attraction (Grand Site Naturel).
Midway between the Brocéliande forest and the Gulf of Morbihan, Malestroit has magnificent half-timbered houses and religious buildings. To keep the kids amused, take them to the ‘Maison des lapins crétins’ (Dopey Rabbit House) for a bit of fun.
Steer your canal boat to Josselin, an important stage on the Dukes’ route. The town’s history is closely linked with that of its castle, which overlooks the town. Built in the Flamboyant Gothic style, it bears witness to the architecture of feudalism and the Renaissance.
Discovering the river vilaine
Waterway
Canal de Nantes à Brest, VilaineItinerary
Saint-Martin-sur-Oust ...Melesse
The Oust flows along the coast and then escapes into rifts, creating transverse valleys such as the impressive Ile aux Pies. Uniquely in inland Brittany, a 15 km stretch of this valley is listed as a major natural attraction (Grand Site Naturel).
Waterside leisure activities are numerous in Pays de Redon. Yet it is not the sea that surrounds it, but the rivers that meander through it! Would you like to be a freshwater sailor for half a day or a day? Go to the port of Redon on board your licence-free boat!
A land of contrasts, Langon stands out for its archaeological heritage where all periods are represented: from the Neolithic to the Roman era, from the modern era to the contemporary period... Don't miss a nautical stopover in the town!
If you pass through Messac, do not miss to visit the Coëfferie temple, former chapel of a Templar commandery built in 1217. In addition, in the vicinity of the village, you will find many windmills and castles to visit.
Don’t miss its bridge spanning the Villaine. It has nine arches and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1942.
This town came top in the 2018 list of “Towns in France that are good to live in” according to the French magazine L’Express. If you’re passing this way in your self-drive boat, stop off to explore the town, its museums and heritage. If you’re hungry, there are two restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide.
Escape into nature
Waterway
Canal de Nantes à Brest, VilaineItinerary
Saint-Martin-sur-Oust ...Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
Discover the craft workshops in the magnificent village of La Gacilly. The artists work in wax, clay, wood, glass and flowers to create high-quality decorative or useful objects. There is also a major photographic festival every summer.
The Oust flows along the coast and then escapes into rifts, creating transverse valleys such as the impressive Ile aux Pies. Uniquely in inland Brittany, a 15 km stretch of this valley is listed as a major natural attraction (Grand Site Naturel).
Waterside leisure activities are numerous in Pays de Redon. Yet it is not the sea that surrounds it, but the rivers that meander through it! Would you like to be a freshwater sailor for half a day or a day? Go to the port of Redon on board your licence-free boat!
If you want to book this cruise
Browse online the availabilities
our boats available
Departing from Melesse or Saint Martin, we can offer the range of canal boats shown below. To see the full range of cruises available, please see our self-drive boat pages or contact our team who can help you to choose.
Pénichettes Classique®
The traditional Pénichette®, very easy to pilot and perfect for couples and families.
From 2 to 7 people.
Pénichettes Aft-Deck®
A spacious and well-lit boat, characterised by its lovely protected terrace at the rear.
From 2 to 12 people.
Pénichettes Flying Bridge®
One of the latest range of Pénichettes®, offering considerable comfort thanks to their double inside and outside helm positions.
From 2 to 12 people.
Pénichette Evolution®
Based on the strengths of the existing family of Penichettes®, this new generation of boats offers a completely new cruising experience.
Linssen
Choose one of the finest yachts with the Linssen Grand Sturdy 34.9 boat! Elegance, high-quality furnishings and comfortable sailing are the hallmarks of these renowned boats.
From 2 to 6 people.
Europa
Cosy, elegant and designed as small yachts, the Europa boats offer decidedly modern comfort and aesthetics.
From 2 to 6 people.
Your departure
base Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
LOCABOAT HOLIDAYS
28 rue du Golfe
56200 – Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
FRANCE
If you have already booked your cruise and you want to reach your departure base:
