Discover the 11 locks site in Hédé

1 day in Hédé, our programme so you don't miss a thing!

Looking for a peaceful place to spend the day in Brittany? We've got just what you're looking for! The 11 locks at Hédé. It's the ideal place for a walk, cycle ride or boat trip, whether you're with family or friends. To make your life easier, we've put together a one-day programme so you won't miss a thing when you get there!

So, are you ready? We'll tell you all about the 11 Ecluses site in Hédé.

Real know-how of the time!

As you've probably guessed by now, the 11 locks site owes its name to the scale of 11 locks spaced 200 metres apart. They form a successive staircase 27 metres high, a veritable aquatic lift! This technical feat was built between 1808 and 1816. All the locks are manually operated to enable licence-free boats to cross the difference in level and navigate on the calm waters of the Ille-et-Rance canal.

Are you accessing the site by houseboat on the Ille-et-Rance Canal? Get ready for the climb - it's a real team game! You can also get to the 11 locks at Hédé by road simply to spend the day there, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to watch a boat pass through by standing in line with the locks to enjoy the spectacle of the navigation.

Where there are 11 locks, there are also 11 lock houses, all in the Napoleonic style. Did you know that some of these houses are still inhabited by the lock-keepers who manage the site? To find out more about the history and operation of the canal, we recommend that you visit the Maison du Canal in the Magdeleine lockstation in Hédé-Bazouges.

Our programme

Morning

• Walk or cycle around the 11 locks
• Discover the 11 lock houses
• Visit the Maison du Canal to find out all about the local heritage and discover the history of this unique structure
• Visit the Maison de la Pêche at La Pêchetière, where you'll find workshops and events for all ages

Lunch

A well-deserved break! Picnic or restaurant lunch? The choice is yours! La Charmille, l'Ille Flottante and Le Relais des Onze Ecluses all offer local, seasonal cuisine - a real treat!

Afternoon

• Take a leisurely walk around the site! There are 2 walking trails to discover the local fauna, flora and heritage
• Fishing in the Bazouges or La Bézardière ponds
• Go to the "Maison sur Pilotis de l'étang de Bazouges". Built in the 1920s, this former fishing hut has been completely renovated. It's surrounded by a wide balcony overlooking the pond, so you'll feel like you're floating on water!
• Visit the church of Saint-Martin in Bazouges-Sous-Hédé. This church is a 16th-century reconstruction in the flamboyant style, with period porches. Don't hesitate to go inside - you won't be disappointed!

We hope this programme has inspired you to discover this exceptional site during your licence-free boat cruise in Brittany. Whether you spend the whole day at the 11 locks at Hédé or just a few hours, one thing's for sure: you'll love this site! The Canal de Nantes à Brest on the way to Nantes or Pontivy also boasts many exceptional sites. So don't wait any longer to discover this beautiful region!