River cruises and license-free boat charter in Redon

Why opt for a yacht charter in Redon?

Located at the confluence ofthe Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan and Loire Atlantique, in the Brittany region, the floral town of Redon, classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Detours in France", offers a multitude of activities by the side of the water, to be discovered thanks to a license-free yacht charter in Brittany. Surrounded by the cities of Rennes, Vannes and Nantes, Redon is besieged by pleasure boaters sailing up the Vilaine River at the end of summer. Ideal for starting a river cruise in Brittany, a river cruise from Redon immerses us in an attractive setting where waterways, green meadows and marshes combine. 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 Redon?

We have a wide range of river boats available for charter in Redon. River boats are specially designed for canals, with a shallow draft and a width that allows them to pass easily through locks. They vary in size and capacity, ranging from boats 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 a river cruise in Brittany cost?

The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for a river cruise in Redon, 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, damage can happen to even the best sailors. This insurance will allow you to recover a significant portion of your deposit in the event of damage related to navigation.

Where can you go on a river cruise from Redon?

During your river cruise around Redon, you will have the opportunity to sail on the Nantes-Brest Canal and the Vilaine Canal. Here are a few must-see ports of call to consider:

• The town of Redon: Its history is reflected in the many old buildings that embellish the town. Take the time to visit this charming open-air museum, home to some historical gems such asSaint-Sauveur Abbey, Richelieu Tower, the Manoir du Mail and the Museum of Inland Water Transport. In October, don't miss the chestnut festival, known as the Foire Teillouse.
• The "Petites cités de caractères" (smalltowns of character ): Rochefort en Terre and la Roche Bernard are charming villages near Redon that are not to be missed. 
• Josselin: Dominated by its imposing medieval castle, Josselin is a charming stopover on the Nantes-Brest canal. Stroll through its cobbled streets and discover its rich heritage, including the basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Roncier. The towers of its Gothic castle are reflected in the Oust, providing an interesting testimony to feudal and Renaissance architecture.
• 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 Redon?

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 Redon: 

• The locks: One advantage of Brittany as a destination for river navigation is the very small number of locks, making navigation in river boats 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).
• Main stations nearby: The main departure points in Brittany are Dinan, Messac, Glénnac and Nort-sur-Erdre. The stations close to our departure points in Brittany are Dinan, Redon, Rennes and Nantes.