Redon, where the Vilaine and the Nantes – Brest canal meet, is the starting point for this lovely 150 km green loop on the water’s edge. Steep natural sites, peaceful river stops and astonishing megaliths can be found along the route. Get ready for a gentle family adventure!
Bains-sur-Oust - Ile aux Pies
Day 1 – Redon – Malestroit > (36 km)
Head north to begin your journey. On Ile aux Pies, high granite cliffs plunge into the Oust to form a water gap around a chain of islands. On its rocky slopes, the site accommodates a leisure centre, called Escapades Verticales. Allow yourself a sporty break in nature for a climbing, high-rope or orienteering session.
After your picnic, continue on the towpath. You’ll cycle alongside the very calm and natural setting of the Nantes – Brest canal. In Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, take a refreshing break in the shops. Malestroit is a little further on.
Nicknamed the “pearl of Oust”, the little town of character is popular for its beautiful half-timbered medieval residences.
Bains-sur-Oust - Ile-aux- Pies - A vélo en familleDay 2 – Malestroit – Monteneuf > (41 km)
Hop back on the saddle to continue your way along the towpath until you cross a former railway track. It will take you to Ploërmel, where you can enjoy the banks of Lac au Duc before returning to the town centre. Don’t miss the astronomical clock, a a listed historical monument and demonstration of real technical prowess with its 200 cogs.
After your meal, set off towards Guer on the former railway tack. If you take a detour, you’ll get to the Monteneuf standing stones, formed of 42 stones aligned on the moor. A footpath (1.5 km) goes round the edge. In summer, in the autumn holidays and in the spring holidays, experimental archaeological activities are proposed on site: jewellery making, fire lighting, techniques for moving the standing stones, stone engraving, treasure hunts, etc. Theme-based walks are organised the rest of the year.
Day 3 – Monteneuf – Guipry-Messac > (35 km)
The journey carries on towards Guer, to the edge of Brocéliande forest. Surrounded by the Oyon valley, shaped by forests, moors and prairies, it is a calm and natural area.
After a lunch break, continue to Maure-de-Bretagne before returning to the banks of the Vilaine.
The port of Guipry-Messac was an important step on the salt road, which went from the Guérande and Ré salt marshes. The quays of a delightful port with streets that evoke the “salt smugglers” and the “salt miners” still remain from this prosperous period. Lined with 17th-century houses, flanked with a former mill, this river stop is now living a second life thanks to pleasure boating.
Day 4 – Guipry-Messac – Redon > (40 km)
With your picnic in the panniers, discover the valley of Vilaine along the towpath. The wooded and steep section of the Corbinières massif takes you up high. Along the river, there are many places suitable for a break. Why not press your own apple juice as a souvenir? This is possible in the autumn at the Galopins farm near Langon. Account for two hours, and reserve in advance.
Back on the route, stop in Brain-sur-Vilaine, a little village with houses made of shale, where you can stock up at the grocery before reaching Redon at the end of the afternoon.
All the information from the site and more in a pdf file.
