Le Canal de Nantes à Brest à vélo (itinéraire à vélo de 87 km)

Explore the heart of Brittany by bike

canal velodyssee

Vertebral column of the architectural and natural heritage of the region, the canal is an excursion over time and Brittany culture. Spread over 365 km of this long ribbon of water, no less than 236 locks punctuate the silent passage of light craft, barges and other motor boats. From Nantes, the city of Dukes to Brest, the largest Breton port, the water winds through the most beautiful Breton valleys, from the Erdre to the Aulne via the Isac, the Vilaine, the Oust and Blavet.

Le Canal de Nantes à Brest vers Josselin

Aurelie Stapf – porteurdesonge.com

The Vélodyssée: 300 km on the Nantes to Brest Canal

The Vélodyssée route follows the old towpaths of the Nantes-Carhaix Canal. In nine stages with relatively little elevation gain, you'll pass through small, characterful towns, brush past Bon-Repos Abbey, and the medieval fortress of Josselin. On the nature side, the canal winds through valleys and runs alongside Brittany's largest lake: Lake Guerlédan.

La Vélodyssée ® A.Lamoureux

2 short cycling break ideas on the Nantes-Brest Canal

To discover a small section of the famous Nantes-Brest Canal, opt for a 2-day cycling trip between Redon and Nantes. This route includes 87 kilometers of rolling, tree-lined cycling, perfect for a relaxing getaway!

Cycling Weekend on the Nantes-Brest Canal

To explore the Canal a little further, head to Gouarec in Central Brittany for 5 unforgettable days of cycling, including panoramic views, a nature reserve, flower-filled villages, an abbey, a lake, and more.

5 days of cycling in the heart of Brittany

CRTB - Thibault Poriel

Charming stopovers

In Blain, if you feel like taking a break, enjoy a terrace facing the 13th-century castle to recharge your batteries.
In Redon, where the Nantes-Brest Canal and the Vilaine River intersect, you'll love the old town and the magnificent Saint-Sauveur Abbey.
In Saint-Vincent-sur-Oust, a magnificent setting for a simple lunch al fresco awaits you at Île au Pies.
In Malestroit, you'll appreciate the medieval atmosphere in the historic center of this small, characterful town, well-deservedly nicknamed the "Pearl of the Oust."
In Pontivy, on one side you'll find the old town and its winding streets, and on the other, the new town inherited from Napoleon.

Tailor-made itineraries

11 Nort-sur-Erdre / Nantes

35 km

2 h 20 min

I cycle often

Quiheix’s second lock marks the end of the Nantes to Brest canal towpath. Gradually you return to the hustle and bustle of urban life during this stage of La Vélodyssée, alternating rural routes with sections of the greenway and the charming Sucé-sur-Erdre crossing - a very comfortable stopping point.

10 Blain / Nort-sur-Erdre

24 km

1 h 34 min

I begin / Family

This is the last, very easy going and enjoyable stage of La Vélodyssée along the Nantes to Brest canal. The Bout-de-Bois Pond or the Chevallerais woods make two very timely stops for weary cyclists.

9 Redon / Blain

45 km

3 h 00 min

I begin / Family

Staying close to the Brière and the confluence of the Isac and the Vilaine, this stage of La Vélodyssée follows the river at water level. Keep your ears and eyes open for the host of different animal species which populate the surrounding marshes.A magnificent section which alternately twists and turns, with hedgerows, hillsides and copses to each side - sometimes even little pine forests - before reaching Barel Lock. Following cycle paths right to the heart of Blain.

8 Peillac / Redon

17 km

1 h 08 min

I begin / Family

The area of Île-aux-Pies, with its almost Mediterranean feel – pine trees and rocky peaks – brings a chic ambience to this section of La Vélodyssée. In Redon, at the crossroads called La Croix-des-Marins, the Oust entwines with the Vilaine; take care not to get lost…

7 Josselin / Peillac

46 km

3 h 03 min

I begin / Family

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.

6 Pontivy / Josselin

48 km

3 h 12 min

I begin / Family

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.

5 Mûr-de-Bretagne / Pontivy

23 km

1 h 32 min

I cycle often

Designated track and very steep descent into the Guerlédan dam towards Pontivy. Here the Blavet is no longer navigable. The steep-sided valley, imposing lock keepers’ buildings and lush vegetation, give this stage of La Vélodyssée an enchanting feel.

4 Rostrenen / Mûr-de-Bretagne

30 km

2 h 01 min

I cycle often

At the heart of the Guerlédan-Argoat Country is a steep sided valley where the Blavet winds through the woods until it reaches Gouarec. The Coat Natous double lock in the middle of this stage of La Vélodyssée provides an ideal resting point.Two of the highlights of this stage are the beautiful Cistercian Abbey of Bon-Repos and Brittany’s largest lake, the magnificent Lac de Guerlédan: the perfect place to stop for a swim and sunbathe! This varied leg of the trail follows a towpath, a short stretch of coastal route and the greenway.

3 Carhaix-Plouguer / Rostrenen

33 km

2 h 11 min

I begin / Family

La Vélodyssée goes up past the Kergaden Lock on the Nantes to Brest Canal. The large wooded cutting at Glomel conjures up images of the bad old days of history when the Canal was dug out by prisoners.