south

Calm and serenity on a Brest-Nantes Canal cycle journey

By the water

Short trip (3 to 5 days)

I cycle often

An 87-km journey along the Nantes-Brest Canal

Take a big breath of fresh air on this canal cycle route for a getaway in a bucolic setting with your better half. Take this Brest-Nantes Canal cycle journey and find zen as you’re immersed in nature! From Redon to Nantes, you’ll find a shaded cycling route that’s the perfect escape!

😍 A route without cars: over 85% of the route is on greenways. Nature is all yours!

📍 90 km
⏱️ 2-3 stages
🏁 Redon ➡️ Nantes
🚲 I cycle often

Practical info

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Day 1: Nantes > Blain (45 km)

Head to the Nantes train station to get on a TER train with your bike to go to Redon. If you don’t have a bicycle with you, you can rent one from the Accueil Vélo-certified Détours de Loire.
In Redon, your canal adventure begins with a little taste of... Venice! Located at the confluence of the Vilaine and Oust rivers and the Nantes-Brest Canal, Redon is home to an impressive number of bridges, giving the town a very unique character.
Orient yourself so that the tourism office is on your right and head straight to find the cycling path. It will take you to the ‘port neighbourhood,’ which is on an island in the centre of town. The neighbourhood features typical local architecture with ‘ship-owner houses’ and mansions.

Next, get back on your bike to travel your canal cycle route to Guenrouët. Cross the Vilaine river to jump on La Vélodyssée. Before long, your route will be immersed in nature and will bring you to the charming port of Guenrouët. The Relais Saint-Clair is the ideal spot for a well-deserved gourmet lunch break. All you have to do is pedal over to the opposite bank!
Continue your Brest-Nantes Canal cycle journey in the canal’s wild, calm, peaceful setting… Take a break at the Maison éclusière de Bougard (Bougard Lock Keeper’s House) in Blain to try some local refreshments. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Château de Blain, a handsome medieval fortress that overlooks the river port.
You can get a peaceful night’s rest at the Nid d’Omer, an Accueil Vélo-certified guest house just 100 metres from the canal where the hospitality is second to none.

Day 2: Blain > Nantes (42 km)

After having breakfast, get back to the Nantes-Brest Canal cycling route for a session where the time will just fly by. With kilometre after kilometre of peacefulness, you’ll go by the many locks, pleasure boaters just as relaxed as you, fishers, and local hikers. They’ll all be happy to share their little local secrets.
You’ll find the perfect picnic spot near Nort-sur-Erdre. For dessert, you have to make a stop at the Maison éclusière de la Tindière in Nort-sur-Erdre. It’s a place brimming with charm where you’ll find waffles, artisan ice cream, and local drinks from April to late September.
Get back on your canal cycle route for the final stretch, but go ahead and take a little detour at a place called ‘Le Lavoir’ (the washing place) to view the Erdre, a truly wild river that runs on the route. The Erdre flows through Sucé-sur-Erdre, a very pretty little town where you can sip a coffee on Cricklade Quay looking out at the boats tied up at the river port.
Continue on to La Chapelle-sur-Erdre, the final stop by bike of this second day. Then, get on the tram-train with your bike to reach the city of Nantes without any hassle.
Once there, you’ll easily find the lodging of your dreams to spend the night. You can choose a place with charm, something unusual, or an eco-friendly spot.

Day 3: Nantes

Before heading back, take advantage of the many cycling paths available and enjoy a serene cycle through Nantes, the green city. Pop in to the tourism office to get some useful documents.
If you’ve got some time left, why not try one last circuit, Nantes by bike?
You’ll be able to take in the magnificent Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (Accueil Vélo-certified attraction). Its impressive museum tells the history of Nantes in a fun and passionate way. From the castle’s ramparts you can enjoy the view of the water mirror, a favourite splashing ground for children in the summer.
If you’re not in a hurry to get back, head over to the Jardin des Plantes just 800 m from the castle and admire the lush variety of flora, the tropical greenhouses and the exhibitions.
You’ll be refreshed, recharged and ready to return home with so many wonderful memories to share!