TOP 8 activities not to be missed during your river cruise on the Ille et Rance Canal.
It's decided, this summer you'll be visiting Brittany on the Ille et Rance Canal. What a great idea! To make sure you don't miss out on any of your houseboat holidays, we've put together some ideas for things to do during your stay. On the programme: bike rides, tasting local produce, a dose of folklore and traditions, all sprinkled with nature and peace and quiet - this is a holiday, after all!
Are we going? Here we go for the Top 8 things to do during your river cruise on the Ille et Rance canal.
1 - Stroll through the streets of Rennes
We're off to a great start with a visit to Rennes, the capital of Brittany. The city alone is worth spending a day in! We recommend that you :
- Go in search of the Parliament of Brittany, the Jacobins Convent and the Opera House. These are all monuments that have left their mark on Brittany's history. The historic centre is a must-see!
- Stroll through the mythical Marché des Lices. Yes, for 400 years, this market has been delighting visitors every Saturday from 7.30am to 1.30pm. So don't forget your basket 😉
- Take a selfie in front of one of the only remaining vestiges of the town's ramparts: the Mordelaises gates.
- For your lunch break, we recommend Place Saint Anne. This square is magnificent with its colourful half-timbered houses. Imagine the sunshine, a well-stocked galette, a view of a carousel and the smell of Breton crêpes - how nice is that?
- The Parc du Thabor is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon. We'll let you find out why...
2 - Taste "L'éclusière" beer at Hédé, on the exceptional site of the 11 locks
As you continue your navigation on the Ille et Rance canal, you'll pass through the 11 locks at Hédé. For 2 kilometres, you'll be plunged back into the Age of Enlightenment. This is the only place where the locks still have wooden doors, as they did in the 18th century. Well worth a stop, isn't it? And don't forget to visit the lock houses! Yes, 11 locks mean 11 lock houses. Some of them have a few surprises in store for you, including a bar and a shop selling regional produce. So why not sample the local beer, l'éclusière, on the canal-side terrace? You won't be disappointed!
3 - Picnic on the banks of Lac Tranquille, opposite the Château de Combourg
Hop on your bikes and ride away from the canal to discover the Château de Combourg, home and inspiration to the famous writer François René de Chateaubriand. Don't forget your picnic before you set off, because nothing beats a meal on the grass in front of Lac Tranquille, with the château in the background. This is Romantic Brittany, you'll understand why 🙂
4 - Canoeing in Saint Domineuc
This time we're staying on the water and getting out the oars! In a magnificent setting surrounded by peaceful, bucolic green spaces, take a canoe-kayak out to discover Saint-Domineuc.
5 - Swimming at the Evran water sports base
Looking for a bit of action? Leave the houseboat in Evran harbour and head for the Bétineuc leisure base! There you'll find children's games, a fitness trail, a swimming area, a fishing spot and a 3km walking trail. Before you leave, you can even grab an ice cream or crêpe from the on-site restaurant.
6 - Treasure hunt at Le Quiou
Le Quiou is a small village you absolutely must visit! You'll have to cycle around 10 km to discover it. It's the kind of peaceful village that's far removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade. To make the visit more fun, the tourist office has created a treasure hunt. All you need is a map, playing cards and a few accessories, and you're on your way to finding José's treasure. The kit for 5 people is on sale for €22 at the Tourist Offices in Saint Cast-le-Guildo, Dinan, Fréhel, Matignon, Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer, Plancoët and at the Maison des Faluns in Tréfumel.
7 - Recharge your batteries at Léhon
To recharge your batteries and take a real trip back in time, we recommend the Petite Cité de Caractère Léhon and its must-sees:
- Saint Magloire Abbey
- The medicinal garden
- The castle ruins
- The 39-45 museum dedicated to the Second World War
- The town of Léhon and its little gates
- The old bridge over the River Rance
8 - Taste the famous gavottes in Dinan
Light and crispy, you're bound to fall for Gavottes! The traditional lacy pancakes made in Dinan. Even if you wander the streets, you won't be able to discover the secret of how they're made! Yes, a secret like that has to be preserved. But don't forget to visit the shop and take these delicious crêpes dentelles home with you on your licence-free boat. The shop (Rte de Dinard, 22100 Taden) is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6.30pm. On Saturdays, it is open from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm.
And now your river cruise is coming to an end. You've arrived at the port of Dinan. Make the most of your day by strolling along the harbour to the historic centre via Rue de Jerzual. Did you know that this is Dinan's most emblematic street? It's also the steepest! So take a deep breath and enjoy the ride!
We hope these activities have whetted your appetite for a licence-free boat cruise. If you'd like some more inspiration from licence-free boat cruises in Brittany, you can choose between navigation on the Vilaine, or towards Nantes or Pontivy.
