Activities not to be missed on your cruise on the Vilaine river
Would you like to discover Brittany this year? Excellent choice! Why not opt for a houseboat cruise on the Vilaine to discover this beautiful region. To help you make the most of your cruise in Brittany, we've put together a selection of activities not to be missed during your stay. But above all, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature!
Ready to go? Let's get started with the not-to-be-missed activities during your cruise in Brittany on the Vilaine.
Enjoy the beauty of Brittany as you navigate at your leisure.
The Vilaine offers you a wide variety of landscapes. From wheat fields and oak forests to historic towns and fishing villages, enjoy it all while relaxing on the deck of your houseboat! Pleasant, isn't it?
Taste Breton specialities!
Everyone knows Brittany for its crêpes and galettes. But we recommend a stopover in the gourmet heart of Rennes, at La Criée - Marché Central. In these covered market halls you'll find a host of caterers and local producers to delight you. We recommend that you try the famous "Pâté Rennais", which we promise is a real treat... 😉
Now that you're in Rennes, how about a stroll through a 400-year-old market? Take the opportunity to stock up on fresh produce for your week on the Vilaine. The Marché des Lices has been delighting visitors every Saturday for 400 years, from 7.30am to 1.30pm. Stroll through the stalls of one of France's largest food markets, and you'll be in for a real culinary experience!
Brittany, a walker's paradise!
Come and discover the heart of Brittany by walking along the canals, far from the noise and bustle of everyday life, and enjoy nature in all its splendour. There are walking loops all over Brittany, so you can discover the region at your own pace. These routes vary in length and difficulty, offering you the chance to enjoy a natural getaway for a few hours.
Here are two suggestions for walks along the Vilaine:
THE "REDON DISCOVERY" INTERPRETATION TRAIL
Start: Redon
2.2 km loop (approx. 35 minutes)
Level : Very easy
This walk is an interpretation trail through the historic centre of Redon. Follow the signs around the town and Redon will hold no more secrets for you! A detailed booklet is available from the Redon Tourist Office. It can be used to follow the interpretation trail linked to the panels (on sale for €3).
LES ARDOISIÈRES
Start : Sainte-Marie
14 km loop (about 3h30)
Level : Easy
Throughout your walk, you'll enjoy lovely views over the Vilaine. If you don't want to do the 14km loop, there are two alternatives: the Saint-Jean d'Epileur option, which takes you on a short 5km loop, and the Chapitre loop, which takes you on a 9km loop.
Discover the treasures of Brittany on a houseboat, an experience on the water
How would you like to discover some of Brittany's remarkable sites without even getting off your houseboat? During your cruise on the Vilaine, you can admire the old corn mills and castles that have lined the river for centuries. Between Pont-Réan and Rennes, you'll see some of the oldest lock-keepers in Brittany. Take the time to discover and admire them, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of the region!
Here's a list of the must-sees on this cruise in Brittany:
The Corbinières Viaduct
The nine-arched bridge at Pont-Réan
Ancient mills such as Le Boël and La Bouëxière
Rennes, the capital of Brittany, with its Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, Place des Lices and Parc du Thabor
The Gannedel marsh, home to many species of birds.
We hope these activities will inspire you for your next holiday. Of course, these are just a few examples of the many activities available! La Villaine has many exceptional sites to discover. So don't wait any longer to hire a houseboat and set off on a river cruise in Brittany!
