
Boat rental on the Canal from Nantes to Brest - Direction Nantes
Crisboat - Expert in river boat rental for over 20 years

Boat rental on the Canal de Nantes à Brest. Discover the highlights of this river cruise between Redon and Nantes
From Redon, there are various routes you can take. You can either head towards Pontivy to explore the heart of Brittany, towards Dinan to navigate on the Vilaine river or towards Nantes to discover the capital of Brittany. This is the path that we propose to take you on.
Let's go and discover 95 km of waterways. There are 2 departure bases in this navigation area: Redon and Sucé-Sur-Erdre with numerous villages on the way. You will find a towpath throughout your journey so don't forget your bikes and enjoy the ride !
Cities and villages to discover during your cruise
See the current offersSailing conditions to rent a licence-free boat on the Nantes to Brest Canal
If you navigate on the Nantes-Brest Canal, between Redon and Nantes, your cruise will be punctuated by the passage of about 18 electric locks. All of them are manoeuvred by lock-keepers, so you can make the most of the time to meet people and enjoy the show. Please note that the locks on the canal remain open on public holidays.
There are two bases to start your licence-free boat cruise in this area: Redon and Sucé-Sur-Erdre. Before leaving the port, you will receive a short 1 hour training to introduce you to the river code and to familiarise you with the operation of the controls and manoeuvres of your licence-free boat. It is important to know that the departures are only in the afternoon, the mornings are dedicated to the return of the cruise.
- Ideal for families with swimming area and water activities
- A beautiful collection of castles
- A true culinary journey
The locks are electric and manned by lock keepers. They are always open.
In Britanny, river cruises are mainly done on canals (except between Redon and Rennes). Easy on the whole, little current, few dangers - this region is perfectly suited for a first river cruise experience.
In 2024 and 2025: following long maintenance work, navigation will be interrupted on the Vilaine at the Moulin de Boël, between Messac and Rennes. You will therefore not be able to navigate as far as Rennes for the whole of the 2025 season.
Update of 18/04/25: Due to work to replace the Boël valve, navigation is only possible as far as Pierchatel until further notice. This means that you can only cruise north from Messac for 1.5 hours as far as the Molière lock. If you wish to visit Rennes from Messac, it is advisable to take the train - the station is just opposite the Messac base.
Update 18/04/25: Due to heavy flooding in January, mooring on the pontoons at La Gacilly is not possible until further notice, as the pontoons are not secure. Navigation on the Aff river is possible, but mooring is not.
Whether on the Nantes-Brest Canal or on the Vilaine River, mooring is only permitted in designated places and not along the banks.
The Canal from Nantes to Brest - Direction Nantes - our suggested cruises
Also to be discovered
Here is the list of possible cruises on the Canal de Nantes à Brest towards Nantes
Customer testimonials


"auto-translation :''Varied cruise pleasant landscapes''"

"auto-translation :''Very good experience, relaxing''"

"Beautiful scenery and clean canal"

"auto-translation :''Great moment of relaxation''"

"auto-translation :''Super''"

"very good, great way to see the river"

"We loved our cruise"

"auto-translation :''Very beautiful route''"

"auto-translation :''Restful and exotic stay''"

"auto-translation :''Nice experience''"

"auto-translation :''To redo''"

"auto-translation :''Well, nice cruise , which allowed us to discover the passage of locks .''"

"auto-translation :''Memorable !''"

"auto-translation :"Very happy , relaxing""

"auto-translation :"Well, beautiful river cruise but not enough to stop in small villages""

"auto-translation :"Beautiful river cruise""

"auto-translation :"Very nice river cruise , shame the weather was not all great.""

"auto-translation :"A cruise on the Canal from Nantes to Brest calm and relaxing""

"auto-translation :"Welcome in locks and ports""

"auto-translation :"scenery""

"auto-translation :"Nice experience. It disconnects and Destress time a week. Waterways more fluid than this period.""

"auto-translation :"Not long enough to complete redo for a week next time""

"auto-translation :"Pleasant""
Travelling with CrisBoat
Crisboat has more than 90% of the French fleet of self drive river boats. Entrust us with your desires and your availabilities and we will shape your holidays on the water. Located in the heart of the Vienne, Crisboat is the leader in self driver river boat rental in France. Discover our team, made up of 6 experts ready to take up the challenge to design the cruise that will meet your expectations.
Satisfaction: 4,5 / 5

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"auto-translation :''The group thought it was really great.''"