The Brest to Nantes Canal - complete
From Brest to Nantes, a complete crossing of Brittany by bike
© Abicyclette Voyages
Duration
11 days and 10 nights
Niveau
Leisure
ou Fit
Departure date
From March 13th to November 6th
Type de séjour
Séjour liberté
Type de circuit
Une traversée itinérante
Destination
Les points forts
- The complete Nantes to Brest canal
- Crossing the Brest harbor by boat
- The Le Fret Port on the Crozon Peninsula
- Bon Repos Abbey
- The lake and dam of Guerlédan
- The castles of Brest, Pontivy, Josselin, Nantes
- The flowery locks that line the route
From the ocean to the city of Dukes of Brittany by bike
From Brest to Nantes in 11 days, cross an authentic and bucolic Brittany by bike
The Nantes to Brest canal starting from Brest offers you a beautiful crossing of Brittany! It is in the port of Brest that you start this bike tour. The adventure begins with a sea crossing of the Brest harbor to reach the Crozon peninsula.
It’s on a hilly course, with a rich natural heritage, that you arrive in Châteaulin and quickly reach the towpath. At a speed a little faster than a barge, you follow a bucolic route. The locks punctuate your stages without forcing you to stop. 238 in total, they grant water management, its flow in hilly areas. The relief is mild at the edge of this long interior artery of Brittany.
450 km between Brest and Nantes, including 364 km between the Châteaulin lock and that of Nort-sur-Erdre. What makes this cycling route rich is the variety of rivers that are ridden on more often natural than artificial. In fact, only 20%, or 73 km, have been dug to connect the rivers including the Aulne, the Oust and the Erdre. You are in the heart of Brittany and you cross a route accessible to all thanks to the maintained hauling combining combining asphalt roads, white paths and well maintained trails.
A bit of history:
The construction projects of the Nantes to Brest canal were initiated under the old regime. They began under the reign of Napoleon 1st for strategic reasons. In 1804, the canal starts from both ends of Loire Atlantique (the lower Loire) and in the Finistère (the west end of Brittany). It will take 38 years to complete the work (in 1842). The operation cost 160 million gold francs in 1860, a current equivalent estimated at 150 million euros.
* 238 locks in total but none with that number: in Redon, there is a 17 bis lock; 18 were swallowed up in the construction of the Guerlédan dam in 1923.
Discover all our trips in the Nantes to Brest canal.
Itinéraire
Leisure or Fit From BREST to CHATEAULIN, via THE CROZON PENINSULA 43km 390m 
You leave Brest as you should, by its port! The Brestoa is a boat that allows you to reach the Crozon peninsula with your bikes. You leave the port of Le Fret and the Crozon peninsula and make your way between the Aulne valley and the summit of Menez-Hom.
Maritime crossing in the heart of Brest's harbour
Take a boat trip across the Brest harbor, and enjoy the sea spray. It’s a great way to discover one of the world’s largest harbors.
Please note that the boat only runs in July and August, from Friday to Wednesday, with some exceptions. When the boat is not circulating, the crossing is replaced by a private shuttle (by road) from Brest to Crozon le Fret.
- For a few more km 62km 666m
Then a beautiful course on the peninsula of Crozon before joining Chateaulin. It is a hilly course, with a very rich natural heritage and beautiful views of the sea.
From CHATEAULIN to CHATEAUNEUF DU FAOU 44km 229m
A beautiful day in wild nature with mountainous area much more presen. The Monts d’Arrée and the Menez Hom one of the peaks of the Massif Armorican, are not far away. Fortunately, cycling on the towpath, you enjoy the scenery without having to climb !
From CHATEAUNEUF DU FAOU to CARHAIX-PLOUGUER 38km 461m
You leave behind the Château de Trévarez behind to start a stage at the foot of the Black Mountains which takes you to port of Carhaix on the towpath.
From CARHAIX-PLOUGUER to GUERLEDAN 64km 365m
Your bike takes you 200m above sea level, reaching the canal’s culminating point. This is where the Glomel trench was dug, where many convicts lost their life digging it. For you it’s a delivery, as a descending false flat of dozens of kilometers awaits ! You will reach the “Lac de Guerlédan” at the end of the day.
From GUERLEDAN to PONTIVY 25km 36m
From Lake Guerlédan’s dam, the towpath reappears on the banks of the Blavet. This part of the Canal de Nantes à Brest follows the natural course of this Breton river, which flows into Lorient. Enjoy the natural meandering of the river through romantic woodland countryside, as you make your way to Pontivy. The town has also been known as Napoléonville many times in history. Discover on foot the medieval but Renaissance-style shopping streets, as well as the great squares and military buildings of the empire. Pontivy is a quiet, pleasant town in central Brittany.
From PONTIVY to JOSSELIN 50km 118m
From one castle to another, you connect two cities of history. As you approach Rohan, you can discover the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Timadeuc. A community of monks lives there under the rule of Saint-Benoit. The monks make cheeses, jams, fruit jellies which you can find in their shop. Enjoy a stroll on Josselin at the end of the day.
From JOSSELIN to REDON 64km 108m
The beginning of the route takes you to the Roc Saint André which offers an impressive religious architecture. The village is also known for its famous Lancelot Brewery. You can make a halt and enjoy the traditional beers and Cola from the Phare Ouest! A few kilometers further and you’re in Malestroit, a small typical town where you can enjoy a meal. Later on, as you face the cliffs of the Ile aux Pies, which lie on the other side of the canal, Brittany shows you just how surprising she can be.
From REDON to LE GAVRE 50km 134m
After its confluence with the Oust, the Vilaine widens significantly. The bucolic towpath offers you the chance to pedal through protected, canalized wetlands. It’s an opportunity to discover the fauna and magnificent bird species that particularly appreciate these tranquil spaces. Arriving in the Loire Atlantique department, you leave the Vilaine to pedal along the canalised section of the Isac. Its banks, with their picturesque views over meadows, fields, woods and rural landscapes, brighten up your cycling trip. The Isac takes you to Guenrouet, where you can relax by the Etang de la Roche. You continue along the winding Isac, where one lock follows another, before returning to a more linear course as far as Blain. Take the time to visit the Château de la Groulais, an ancient medieval fortress that has retained all its architectural features. It’s here that you leave the Isac canal to reach what’s known as the water-logged green lung: the Gâvre forest. This is where you find your accommodation.
From LE GAVRE to NANTES 68km 243m
You leave behind the forest of Le Gâvre, one of the largest state forests in the region. Small country roads take you back to the banks of the Nantes-Brest Canal and its first locks. Each lock has its own number, giving you a clue as to how far it is to Nantes. Enjoy the bucolic scenery and calm of the towpaths. As you approach the Erdre, the most beautiful river in France according to François I, the signposted La Vélodyssée itinerary takes you right into the center of the ancient capital of Brittany.
NANTES
End of stay after breakfast. Before leaving, we invite you to wander and visit the city known as The City of the Dukes of Brittany. Nantes surprises with its blend of history and modernity. For a taste of history, take the time to visit the famous Château des Ducs de Bretagne. And don’t miss Nantes’ Machines de l’ile attraction, which delights young and old alike! The former capital of Brittany is not to be outdone in terms of its cultural, artistic and gastronomic heritage. Enjoy its inventive market cuisine, a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes, a coffee at the Lieu Unique or a spot of shopping in the charming Passage Pommeraye.
Ils ont voyagés avec nous
Informations pratiques
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Starting from 1370€/participant in Self Guided option
See detailed prices Accommodation example
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request
Contact us
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request
Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 10 nights in a Double room
- 10 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- Application fee
- Taxes
- The itinerary trackable on the following supports:
- Loan of a Bicycle GPS uploaded with full itinerary of the trip
- Cycling practical guide including restaurant recommendations for lunch & dinner
- Day 1 : A personalized greeting with our team at the beginning of the trip to receive your travel documents
- Day 2 : Sea crossing - BREST - CROZON
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, visits & other personal expenses
Homemade and fully tested itineraries
- Routes selected for their cycling and touristic interest entirely tested and away from traffic
- Accomodations selected for their hospitality, atmosphere, services and quality meals
- A flexible organisation to suit you needs and wishes: You choose the date you want to you leave on! We check the availability of each accomodation to make sure it is possible.
Close assistance
- One of our guides greets you on your first day. He will hand out all the needed documents for the trip (hotel vouchers, maps of the area,GPS, practical guide), get you settled on your bikes (for rental bikes).
- Phone assistance, you can reach the Abicyclette team whenever you need
- A Luggage transfer service which respects your hours of rest (we pick them up after 10:00 and deliver them before 16:00)
Follow your itinerary anyway you like – modern, practical, traditional
- We loan you a GPS so that you can easily follow your itinerary without having to look for your way around (bike support included)
- Access to our exclusive travel application to follow your route, inform you about places of interest, restaurants, facilitate your assistance in case of emergency, find all your travel documents and our practical advice.
- A practical cycling guide with all the useful information (addresses, highlights for the day, topo maps, and touristic information)
You can also
- Rent a high end quality bike for real comfort, cycling pleasure and reliability a long trip requires.
- Suscribe to a Cancelation or Multi Risk insurance policy which cover you in case something unexpected comes up.
On our guided tours (for groups on demand), we accompany you every step of the way
- One of our state qualified instructor and professional cycling guide accompanies you every step of the way
- Full board (all meals covered unless asked otherwise)
- A picnic buffet set up for lunch with a wide choice of fresh and local produce
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeA layed out and dynamic position Mixed aluminium frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Drivetrain Shimano 11 to 30 speeds (single, double or triple crankset). Supplied equipment per bike
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Touring bikeAn upright and easy going position Mixed aluminum frame, telescopic fork. Straight handlebars. Disc brakes. Shimano 11 to 30 speed transmission (single, double or triple crankset depending on the model). Supplied equipment per bike
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EbikeWith an autonomy of almost 120km, cycling has never been so easy! Supplied equipment per bike
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Gravel BikeA versatile bike brimming with qualities: maneuverability, lightness, versatility, elegance. Aluminum frame, carbon fork and steerer tube, Shimano GRX 400 derailleur, double chainrings, 11 speeds. Hydraulics disc brakes. Luggage-rack (not in photo) Weight: 10.50 kg Supplied equipment per bike
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Children BikeRecommended bike size (to be confirmed when booking) :
Supplied equipment per bike
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Bike trailerThule Chariot Cross 2 Supplied equipment per bike
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Getting here
Departure city : BREST
Coming by car
- at 5h from PARIS
- at 9h from BRUXELLES
- at 10h from GENEVE
Parking*
- Q-Park Brest Liberté – BREST
- Q-park Parking Colbert – BREST
Coming by train
- Brest train station - 3h30 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Brest airport
Arrival city : NANTES
Coming by car
- at 3h45 from PARIS
- at 3h30 from BORDEAUX
- at 6h from LYON
Coming by train
- Nantes train station - 2h15 from Paris
Coming by plane
- Nantes airport
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
How to get back to the starting point
- By train from Nantes to Brest in 3h35
- Return by car in 3h15 to your starting point
- Private shuttle: see detailed fares or contact us
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
| Cancellation period | Fees |
| From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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| Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
| Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 1370€
Book your trip
Easy , 
BREST
Arrive in Brest at your leisure in the afternoon. Get yourself comfortable in your accommodation.
Meeting with our local guide
Before your first ride, we invite you to meet one of our guides, at your place of departure. A time of exchange, a privileged moment to give you our last practical tips, must-see places and experiences, to answer all your questions, take care of your bike fitting to begin your trip.