Walk along the canal © Mr. Schaffner

The Nantes-Brest canal

Looking for places where you can go walking, riding or cycling in the open air as a family? Morbihan has kilometres of paths and trails in green settings to offer you. Discover the heart of Brittany and its exceptional natural environment along the towpaths that have been constructed in the region over the years.
The Nantes-Brest canal, running from east to west, from Redon to Pontivy, irrigating the land of Morbihan via the river Oust, is a true work of art. This itinerary, part of the Morbihan section of the EuroVelo 1 cycling road (Velodyssey), offers one hundred and seventeen kilometres of paths and trails for the safe use of walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Far away from the noise of engines, there is just the sound of lapping water to echo the rhythm of your steps and lead you from lock to lock, via overflow and weirs. Here we have children gleefully waving to the barges; over there is a place where one simply has to pause to pet a horse; then a little further on, there is an opportunity to stop and feed the ducks! As for the scenery, you simply need to open your eyes and look around to contemplate verdant valleys and foamed of green. Take a deep breath – you are out in the countryside!

The river of Blavet in Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux
Cycling on the Velodysee

if you are in search of a cultural excursion, Malestroit, small city of character® (Little City of Character), with its thousand years of history, will satisfy your curiosity. In Josselin, it is the family history of the Rohans that will be recounted to you, with the stunning reflection of the town's castle in the waters of the channel acting as a backdrop. Further to the north, and still travelling along the canal, you will come to Pontivy, where another castle of the Rohans awaits you. The family has left its mark on the region, on this 'Middle Earth' that so inspired Tolkien. Further to the north again, you will find Lake Guerlédan, a lake that gets completely drained every 30 years. Don't miss the next opportunity, in 2015!

Heading eastwards now, and we find the canalised river Blavet, extending for sixty kilometres between Pontivy and Hennebont. Explores inner Brittany in peace and tranquillity following the race of its waters. Enjoy a completely rural walk along the river, past its 28 locks! Savor the pleasure, the tranquillity and the easy pace along the towpath on foot or by bike … Hold on, we're getting a cock! It should be noted that there are numerous fishing points and specially adapted pontoons where you can fish for shad or pike along the Bavet. Wonderful days out with the family are in store! And after the picnic, you can go and take a closer look at the unusual chapel of Saint Gildas, with the huge block of granite hanging over it. From legends to curiosities, surprise is never far away!

So don't wait a minute longer: make a trip into the countryside part of your stay in Morbihan. Whether you visit for an hour, a day, or go for an exploratory trip along the towpaths, you will find your own little corner of paradise here … How lovely it is to stroll by the river.

A lock in the Nantes-Brest channel

Discover the essential things to see and do of the Morbihan