7nt Messac RETURN via Malestroit (for Josselin)
Combine a journey on both river and canal and experience the region’s famous château at Josselin on this 7 night suggested itinerary. It also takes in the Benedictine abbey in Redon, active adventures at l’Île aux Pies, the characterful artisan village of La Gacilly and plenty of time to enjoy boating, passing through locks and the abundance of beautiful scenery along the way.
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive at base
2pm – 5pm
After you have arrived and checked-in, we’ll show you to your boat as quickly as possible. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will familiarise you with the boat’s domestic systems and give you a hands-on demonstration of the boat controls and how to operate it. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.
Explore Messac
5pm – 6:30pm
While part of your crew is settling on the boat, you can take the opportunity to buy groceries a quick 5 minute car ride away from the base at Super U Guipry. We’d recommend buying enough provisions to have lunch on board tomorrow, as there is litttle in the way of lunchtime restaurants on the first stretch of river.
Dinner at La Minoterie, Messac
7:30pm – 9:30pm
We recommend dining at La Minoterie for excellent cuisine at good value for money in magnificent surroundings. For bookings: +33 2 99 34 76 22 | minoterie-guipry.fr
Overnight in Messac
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Messac > Beslé-sur-Vilaine
9am – 12noon
Approx. 3hrs | 2 locks
Lunch on board, Beslé-sur-Vilaine
12noon – 1:30pm
Break up your day of cruising by mooring up at this sleepy village for a lunch on board your boat – maybe fire up the barbecue if your boat has one (or if you’ve added one to your booking)?
Beslé-sur-Vilaine > Redon
1:30pm – 4pm
Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 0 locks
Explore Redon
4pm – 6pm
You’ll be back in Redon on day 6, when you’ll have more time to explore all the sites here. But, as you have a little time to kill before dinner today, we’d recommend you stretch your legs and enjoy a leisurely walk alongside the River Vilaine.
Dinner at Auberge des Marais, Redon
7:30pm – 9:30pm
We recommend dining at Auberge des Marais. Enjoy good food at reasonable prices, along with friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. Reservations are recommended. +33 (0)2 99 71 16 88 | aubergedesmarais.fr
Overnight in Redon
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Redon > Ile-aux-Pies
9am – 10:30am
Approx. 1hrs 30mins | 1 lock
Explore Ile-aux-Pies
10:30am – 2pm
The Oust River crosses between granite cliffs, creating natural paradises like the Ile-aux-Pies. Just south of the island, you can moor outside ‘Escapades Verticales’ with whom you can book a variety of active adventures through which to enjoy this stunning natural setting. You can hire canoes, kayaks and pedalos for a leisurely paddle on the river. Or there are a variety of rope courses through the trees, up and along rocks faces and over rope bridges – suitable for adult adventure, as well as the kids. For more information and to book in advance, visit: escapades-verticales.fr
Lunch on board, Ile-aux-Pies
2pm – 3pm
Ile-aux-Pies > La Gacilly
3pm – 4:15pm
Approx. 1hr 15mins | 0 locks
Explore La Gacilly
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Here, craftsmen, painters, sculptors, glass workers and more, work and display their wares, with colourful exhibitions spilling out onto the streets. La Gacilly is also the headquarters of the famous perfume maker, Yves Rocher, and you can visit the museum to find out more about the founder.
Yver Rocher offers preferential rates for Le Boat customers.
Dinner at L’Ambroisie, La Gacilly
7:30pm – 9:30pm
We recommend dining at L’ambroisie for delicious, gastronomic greek food. Reservations are recommended. +33 (0)2 23 10 19 50 | resto-ambroisie.fr
Overnight in La Gacilly
For families with younger children
Escapades Verticales at Ile-aux-Pies: There are rope courses for all ages available at this brilliant activity park – from as young as 4 year old. Or adults can supervise even littler ones in a 2, 3 or 6 person canoe. Visit escapades-verticales.fr
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
La Gacilly > St Martin-sur-Oust
9am – 12:15pm
Approx. 3hrs 15mins | 2 locks
Lunch on board, Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Take time to take in your beautiful surroundings, fire up the barbeque (if you have one) and enjoy a lunch on board.
Saint-Martin-sur-Oust > Malestroit
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 3 locks
Explore Malestroit
3:30pm – 6pm
Nicknamed ‘The Pearl of the Oust River’, Malestroit is classified as a ‘small city of character’. Its half-timbered houses with sculptured gargoyles and vibrant roof tiles bear witness to its rich past and a stroll around town is a delight. Discover Place du Bouffay flanked by picturesque 12th to 16th century houses and St. Gilles church with it amazing Romanesque sculptures.
Dinner at Le Grain du Sel, Malestroit
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Le Grain de Sel is located next to St Gilles Church, just off Place du Bouffay and offers no-fuss, freshly prepared food in a cosy atmosphere. They are reliably open all week – and have a small outdoor seating area to enjoy balmy evenings eating al fresco. For bookings: 02 97 75 12 37 | lgds.fr
Overnight in Malestroit
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Travel to Josselin
9am – 9:30am
Take a taxi to Josselin.
Explore Josselin
9:30am – 1pm
Josselin is a shining star of Brittany. Founded in the 4th century, it still has many historical features: the old town, the medieval Sainte-Croix and the half-timbered houses with their coloured panels and corbels, now host to many charming restaurants and shops.
From wherever you are, it’s hard to miss the silhouette of gothic-style Château au Josselin. This majestic castle is at the heart of the town and it’s one of the most impressive castles in Brittany. First built in 1008, it has been rebuilt and modified several times. It’s hard to imagine that the three towers are the only ones that remain, out of the nine towers that were originally built and which were demolished in 14th century. Due to Anne of Brittany’s intervention, the castle was returned to its founders, the Rohan family. They restored the castle to its full glory. The Rohan family still occupy the top floors of the castle, but the ground floor is available for guided tours (2 hours | €9 per person). chateaudejosselin.com
Lunch at Table d’O, Josselin
1pm – 2:30pm
Josselin has a wide range of different restaurants to suit every taste. We recommend La Table d’O, where you can enjoy delicious French cuisine from their terrace which overlooks the château & River Oust. +33 2 97 70 61 39 | latabledo.eatbu.com
Explore Josselin
2:30pm – 3:30pm
While in Josselin, don’t forget to visit the local artisans. You can find unique pieces, from jewellery to pottery, leather & woodwork, and much more. You can also see the Basilique Notre Dame du Roncier, a showcase of 15th century, flamboyant architecture. For amazing views, you can visit its bell tower in July & August, free of charge.
Travel back to Malestroit
3:30pm – 4pm
Take a taxi back to Malestroit.
Malestroit > Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
4pm – 6:30pm
Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 5 locks
Dinner at Chez Bernard, Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
7:30pm – 9:30pm
We recommend Chez Bernard, a charming French restaurant located just next to the river. Don’t forget to try their homemade cider, La Ruaudaie. +33 (0)2 99 91 53 84
Overnight in Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Saint-Martin-sur-Oust > Redon
9am – 12:30pm
Approx. 3hrs 30mins | 3 locks
Lunch at Creperie Saint-Nicolas, Redon
12:30pm – 2pm
We recommend the popular Crêperie Saint-Nicolas for their fantastic array of crêpes and cider. Enjoy! Reservations are advised. +33 (0)9 73 56 63 02 | creperie-saint-nicolas-st-nicolas-de-redon.eatbu.com
Explore Redon
2pm – 6:30pm
Don’t miss the ‘Musée de la Batellerie de l’Ouest’, which re-traces the epic history of the Brittany canals and the life of the sailors. But the main attraction of Redon is its Benedictine abbey, Saint-Sauveur, founded in the 9th century.
Dinner at La Bogue, Redon
7:30pm – 9:30pm
We recommend La Bogue for their classic French and European dining and excellent value set menus. Supposedly, you’ll find the best Côtes du Rhône in France here! Bookings essential. +33 (0)2 99 71 12 95 | labogue.fr
Overnight in Redon
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Redon > Sainte-Anne-sur-Vilaine
9am – 12:15am
Approx. 3hrs 15mins | 0 locks
Lunch on board, Sainte-Anne-sur-Vilaine
12:30pm – 2pm
Sainte-Anne-sur-Vilaine > Messac
2pm – 4:45pm
Approx. 2hrs 45mins | 2 locks
Explore Messac
5pm – 6:30pm
Explore the natural beauty of the region by foot or on bike, along the “voie verte” routes.
Dinner at ‘Un brin de Bretagne’
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Enjoy freshly-made burgers as well as their famous gratins in this lovely restaurant which is worth the 15 min drive to the neighbouring town of Bain-de-Bretagne. For bookings: +33 (0)2 99 43 70 02.
If you ‘d rather dine somewhere a little closer, La Pizzeria l’Escale is only 800m from the base and serves good pizzas. For bookings: +33 (0)2 99 34 60 97 | restaurant-pizzeria-lescale-35.fr
Breakfast on board
7:30am – 8:30am
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before tidying and vacating your boat by 9am (unless you have booked and paid for a late-checkout)
Depart Messac
9am
10 night alternative
We’ve saved you a bit of time in this 7 night itinerary by suggesting you take a taxi from Malestroit to visit Josselin. This, otherwise, is a 3 hour cruise in each direction. But with an extra 3 nights to play with, you’ll easily be able to cruise this stretch of the canal, spend an night in Josselin and take your a bit more time to explore the castle and this beautiful town.
With these extra few nights, we’d also suggest spending a whole day at the activity park at l’Île aux Pies and do more than one activity/course – it is a breath-taking setting in which to enjoy climbing and canoeing and there’s a wealth of walking trail in this area too.
This itinerary is a suggestion only
This suggested itinerary is an indication of what could be accomplished, and your ability to accomplish it, is not a contractual obligation of Le Boat. Le Boat is unable to guarantee when your pre-departure briefing will take place and in some cases it will not be given until the morning after your arrival. In these instances, you will need to adapt the itinerary outlined to accommodate a later departure. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise, which may also require you to deviate from the itinerary shown. Please check advertised opening times of sights, attractions and restaurants to avoid disappointment – some may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense. Attractions, restaurants and even locks and/or stretches of the waterway may be closed or can close without notice.
We’d love to hear from you
We’ve tried our very best to ensure the accuracy of the information we’ve provided. If you have followed all or some of this itinerary and have found something isn’t quite right, or perhaps you have some helpful tips and pointers that we could add which might be useful to your fellow boaters, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at: itineraries@leboat.com
Image Credits
Ile aux Pies: Lamoureux Alexandre | Josselin Aerial & La Gacilly with flags: Loic Kersuzan | Josselin Castle: Marc Schaffner | Place du Bouffay, Malesroit: Berthier Emmanuel | Redon Riverfront * Redon Aerial: Poriel Thibald | Redon at night: A.Lamourex | River Aff, La Gacilly: Hadonos, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons