7nt Messac RETURN via Malestroit (for Josselin)
7 nights | 172.40km | 18 locks | Approx. 26 hrs of cruising
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
1
DAY 1: Arrive Messac
0km | 0 locks | Approx. 0 hrs 0 mins of cruising
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
2
DAY 2: Messac > Redon
41.90km | 2 locks | Approx. 5 hrs 30 mins of cruising
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
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)?
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
3
DAY 3: Redon > Ile-aux-Pies > La Gacilly
19km | 1 lock | Approx. 2 hrs 45 mins of cruising
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
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
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
4
DAY 4: La Gacilly > Malestroit
34.40km | 5 locks | Approx. 5 hrs 45 mins of cruising
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
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.
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
5
DAY 5: Malestroit (inc Josselin) > Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
14km | 5 locks | Approx. 2 hrs 30 mins of cruising
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
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.
Overnight in Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
For families with younger children
Josselin: Visit the Musee de Poupees located in the old stables of Josselin Castle. The museum of dolls and toys has an impressive collection of nearly 5,000 pieces, and it's one of the most important private collection of dolls and toys in France.
6
DAY 6: Saint-Martin-sur-Oust > Redon
21.20km | 3 locks | Approx. 3 hrs 30 mins of cruising
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
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
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
7
DAY 7: Redon > Messac
41.90km | 2 locks | Approx. 6 hrs of cruising
Breakfast on board
8am - 9am
Lunch on board, Sainte-Anne-sur-Vilaine
12:30pm - 2pm
Explore Messac
5pm - 6:30pm
Explore the natural beauty of the region by foot or on bike, along the “voie verte” routes.
Dinner at La Palmeraie, Messac
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
Overnight in Messac
8
DAY 8: Depart Messac
0km | 0 locks | Approx. 0 hrs 0 mins of cruising
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