Embark on a cruise in a licence free houseboat on the charming Blavet canal. This little-known canal was built by Napoleon in 1802 to reach the booming commercial town of Pontivy. With its ancient villages, small-scale heritage and rich ecosystem, you’ll be lulled by the gentle way of life in southern Brittany.
Discover Brittany from another point of view, with licence free boat hire
Enjoy on a holiday with a change of scenery on the Blavet. This coastal river, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean at Lorient, was canalised in 1825 under Napoleon. The aim was to link the town of Pontivy, which at the time was known as Napoléonville, with the Nantes-Brest canal. The Blavet Canal is certainly Brittany’s least-known canal, but it has many charms: unspoilt countryside, charming little villages, magical fountains, not to mention its astonishing religious buildings, such as the chapel of Saint-Gildas, carved out of the rock. Hire a river boat in Hennebont and let yourself be carried away by the beauty and traditions of Brittany.
From village to village, in the heart of nature, enjoy your holiday in Brittany
Your river cruise, on a licence free houseboat, will take you through a variety of landscapes, and introduce you to typical, charming little villages. Cast off every day to discover a new and unusual places. Throughout your boat trip, you’ll find activities for all the family, whether on land for walks, or on the water for stand-up paddling, kayaking or even rafting. A week’s boat hire will take you to Pontivy and the legendary Nantes-Brest canal for even more exploring. Brittany is renowned for its cycle paths, so don’t hesitate to bring your own bikes or hire some locally to make the most of your touring holiday.
Discover the region with us
1- The Chapelle Saint-Gildas in Pluméliau-Bieuzy
Situated on the banks of the Blavet, the chapel of Saint-Gildas is unique. It seems to be wedged under an enormous rock. The chapel is carved right into the rock, offering a really unusual view.
2- The traditional village of Poul-Fétan
Time stood still in Poul-Fétan in 1850. Visit this village-museum, with its typical thatched cottages, which will show you the life of farmers at that time, with fascinating reconstructions and animations.
3 – The Nantes-Brest canal
A mythical route that crosses Brittany from west to east, the Nantes-Brest canal is navigable, and lets you discover the beautiful Breton countryside. The Nantes-Brest canal offers a different way of sailing in Brittany, without the seasickness.
4 – The dam and electro-library at Lac de Guerlédan
Lac de Guerlédan is a great place for outdoor sporting activities. The Guerlédan dam is home to the Electricity Museum: the Electrothèque. It tells the story of the dam’s construction and the arrival of electricity in the Breton countryside.
4 – The barge Duchesse Anne in Pontivy
The Duchesse Anne barge bears witness to the work of the bargemen on the Nantes-Brest canal at the start of the 20th century. As lorries replaced boats, the barge was converted first into a hotel barge, and now into a tourist office.
