River cruises and license-free boating in Brittany

Why opt for a yacht charter in Brittany?

Opting for a river cruise in Brittany means immersing yourself in a region rich in traditions and varied landscapes. As you sail along the canals, you will discover picturesque villages, green expanses and an authentic culture. It is a peaceful and unique adventure, ideal for disconnecting and appreciating Brittany from a new angle.

What type of boat to rent in Brittany?

We offer a wide range of river boats for charter from numerous bases along the Breton canals. River boats are specially designed for the canals, with a shallow draft and a width that allows them to pass easily through the locks. They vary in size and capacity, ranging from boats with moorings alongside for a couple to those designed to accommodate several families or groups of friends. We work with many operators offering river cruises in Brittany such as Le Boat, Locaboat, Nicols and Canalous.

How much does it cost to take a river cruise in Brittany?

The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for a river cruise in Brittany, for a period of one week. Note that these prices are a dead reckoning and may vary depending on several factors (season, model and size of the boat).

• The price includes: the yacht charter and the main equipment on the side of the boat (crockery, Wi-Fi, bedding).
• The price does not include: insurance, mooring fees, cleaning, extras (bicycles, etc.) and provisions taken on board.

We recommend that you take out our cancellation insurance for your river cruise. It will cover all members of the crew, whereas individual cancellation insurance or insurance via your bank card will only cover the policyholder. We also encourage our customers to take out damage waiver insurance. On a boat, even the best sailors can suffer damage. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of navigation-related damage.

Where can you sail on a river cruise in Brittany?

During your river cruise in Brittany you will have the opportunity to sail on various canals: the Nantes-Brest canal, the Ille-et-Rance canal, the Erdre and the Vilaine. Here are a few must-see ports of call to consider during your river cruise in Brittany:

• Redon: Areal waterway crossroads, Redon is located at the confluence of the Vilaine and the Nantes-Brest canal. This city of art and history is renowned for its port, its architectural heritage and its numerous cultural events.
• Josselin: Dominated by its imposing medieval castle, Josselin is a charming stop on the Nantes-Brest canal. Stroll through its cobbled streets and discover its rich heritage, including the Notre-Dame-du-Roncier basilica.
• Pontivy: Formerly known as "Napoléonville", this town offers a beautiful combination of medieval and Napoleonic architecture. Its Château des Rohan and its historic center make it an unmissable stopover.
• Bon-Repos Abbey: Located in Saint-Gelven, this Cistercian abbey is an architectural jewel on the side of the Nantes-Brest canal. It is also the point of departure for numerous hikes in the Quénécan forest.
• La Gacilly: Known for its open-air photo festival, La Gacilly is a village of artists and artisans. Nestled on the side of the Aff, a navigable river, this stopover will charm you with its bohemian atmosphere and flower-filled streets.

When to sail during a license-free yacht charter in Brittany?

Brittany has an oceanic climate, with mild summers and moderate winters, making it a suitable destination for river navigation for several months of the year. The period from May to September is particularly popular for cruising on the Breton canals. The months of July and August attract more tourists, but if you are looking for a quieter experience, May, June and September are the best months. However, some sections of the canals may be closed or have reduced flow in winter, generally between December and February, for maintenance or water level reasons. It is therefore advisable to find out more before planning your trip during this period.

Here is an average of the temperatures encountered on the Breton canals in recent years: 

Our advice for a successful river cruise in Brittany: 

• The locks: One advantage of Brittany as a destination for river navigation is the very small number of locks, making navigation in a river boat relatively smooth. In general, allow an extra 20 minutes per lock. Some are manual and others are automatic, the lock keepers will be happy to help you! As on all French canals, night navigation is not allowed.
• Pets on board: River boat rental companies allow pets (dogs, cats, rodents) on board. Some companies allow pets free of charge, while others charge a flat rate of around 50 USD (80 USD at LeBoat).
• The main departure bases: The main departure bases in Brittany are Dinan, Messac, Glénnac and Nort-sur-Erdre. The stations located near these bases are Dinan, Redon, Rennes and Nantes.