On the banks of the Oust River, Josselin Castle, founded in the early 11th century, is an important stop on the Route des Ducs (Dukes' Route).
Owned by the Rohan family, one of the oldest in Brittany, it is the symbol of the town of Josselin. The history of this small, characterful town is closely linked to that of the castle that dominates it. Its flamboyant Gothic style is a testament to the feudal architecture of the Renaissance. After visiting the castle, take the time to stroll through its gardens.
Discover Josselin Castle at the intersection of the Vélodyssée stages from Pontivy to Josselin and from Josselin to Peillac.
đź’ˇ 4-day cycling route idea in the Oust Valley: nature, locks and picturesque villages
Tailor-made itineraries
Tailor-made itineraries
6 Pontivy / Josselin
A section of La Vélodyssée with a dedicated cycle path and one rich in waterway heritage: 54 locks and the Rigole d’Hilvern, which epitomises the huge hydraulic complexity of the work required when constructing the canal. Of particular interest are the numerous tree species which, between them, provide very welcome shade from the sun. At the heart of the Rohan Country, this is a very pleasant stage on La Vélodyssée with designated lanes. Shortly after Rohan, don’t miss out on the essential detour past Timadeuc Abbey. The impressive fortress, moored to its rocky platform, comes into view as we head towards Josselin.
7 Josselin / Peillac
There is a medieval feel to this stage of La Vélodyssée, both in Malestroit and in Josselin with their timber-framed houses and narrow streets. Called “the Pearl of the Oust”, Malestroit readily opens up its treasures to curious pedestrians.
A pretty stage on a designated track of La Vélodyssée through a sinuous valley of the Oust with the foothills of the Landes and Lanvaux as a backdrop. After passing the confluence with the Claie, St Congard and the Guélin Lock provide very welcome breaks.
A pretty stage on a designated track of La Vélodyssée through a sinuous valley of the Oust with the foothills of the Landes and Lanvaux as a backdrop. After passing the confluence with the Claie, St Congard and the Guélin Lock provide very welcome breaks.