Equidistant from the northern and southern coasts of Brittany, between Rennes and Brest, discover the territory of Pontivy, marked by the imprint of the Rohan family and Napoleon. From the Nantes-Brest canal to the Quénécan forest, passing by the Guerlédan lake, the center of Brittany reveals itself to you. To stroll and discover Pontivy, two free visit booklets are available to visitors at the Tourist Office of Pontivy Community. Guided tours of the city center are offered during the summer.
The old town: Pontivy at the time of the Rohan family
Influential beyond Brittany, the scope of the Rohan family is exceptional. Pontivy had the privilege of being the capital of their viscounty from the 14th century and of their duchy created in the 17th century. The stones still bear witness to this, from the castle of Pontivy to the Notre Dame de Joie basilica, passing through the charming rue du Fil and rue du Pont, your walk will be punctuated by the discovery of wood-panelled houses and small private mansions of the Renaissance period.
Napoléonville
Napoleon The 1st, seduced by Pontivy's revolutionary identity, also acknowledged its strategic position as a key area. The two rivers, the Blavet and the Oust, opened up routes for the transport of people and goods to Nantes, Brest and Lorient. This was the basis of Pontivy's imperial history. If you take a walk through Pontivy, you will be able to admire the vestiges of this Napoleonic era, with large straight streets and neoclassical facades.
Activities and walks around Pontivy
The Pontivy region offers a privileged and preserved natural setting for walking and hiking. Whether you are looking for ideas for walking, cycling or horse riding, discover all the possibilities available to you! You will find many walking routes around Pontivy. You can also board the Napoleon Express, the tourist train that links Pontivy to Lambel Camors. You will then discover the magnificent landscapes of the Blavet valley! Finally, don't forget to try the local gastronomy offered by the many restaurants and crêperies in Pontivy, be it traditional, revisited or contemporary Breton cuisine.
If you want to sail on the Nantes-Brest Canal and stop over in Pontivy, you can hire a licence-free boat from the beginning of April to the end of October. For your departure point, you can choose between our many bases located on the Nantes-Brest Canal : Redon, Glénac, Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, or Sucé-sur-Erdre further south.
You have never sailed on this canal before? Discover all our cruises on the Nantes-Brest Canal now!
©BOURCIER Simon - Chateau Rohan
