Barge on the Nantes-Brest Canal

From Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux

Our quickly and easily accessible waterway base in Saint Nicolas des Eaux is the gateway to a waterway cruise through the landscapes of Brittany. From regional gastronomy to legendary sites and must-see buildings, a wealth of attractions await you aboard your licence-free boat.

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A soothing change of scenery begins in Brittany at Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux

Choose to rent a house­boat to enjoy an alter­na­tive form of tourism, and you’ll be able to embrace its ben­e­fits and attrac­tions as soon as you arrive in the com­mune of Pluméli­au. This is the pic­turesque set­ting for our Saint Nico­las des Eaux water­way base, where you’ll enjoy famil­iaris­ing your­self with han­dling your boat. Take advan­tage of Brit­tany’s spe­cial cli­mate as you stroll through the streets of the town before you embark. This will give you the oppor­tu­ni­ty to admire the Manoir de Keras­cou­et or take in the mag­nif­i­cent chapel of Saint Nico­las des Eaux, the remains of an old medieval pri­o­ry. It will then be time to set off on your licence-free boat for a fas­ci­nat­ing and orig­i­nal cruise.

You’ll be spoilt for choice in Brit­tany as you put togeth­er your itin­er­ary accord­ing to your pref­er­ences. From the riv­er Blavet, which winds through the Bre­ton bocage as far as the Lori­ent road­stead, to the Nantes-Brest Canal, you’ll be amazed by the wealth of trea­sures this region has to offer.

Enjoy every moment spent on the deck of your licence-free boat in Saint-Nicolas-des-Eaux

Enjoy trav­el­ling through a host of beau­ti­ful land­scapes at the slow, sooth­ing pace char­ac­ter­is­tic of riv­er tourism. Stop off wher­ev­er you wish to explore the lit­tle Bre­ton towns on your route, far away from the main­stream tourist trail. Don’t miss out on the plea­sure of going through locks and indulging in all your favourite activ­i­ties, tak­ing advan­tage of the many tow­paths for off-road cycling, as well as the count­less ponds for a spot of fish­ing. Make sure you also take time to admire Brit­tany’s rich her­itage, like in Pon­tivy, for exam­ple. You’ll also be able to immerse your­self in the excit­ing his­to­ry of this enig­mat­ic region at Château des Rohan.

discover the region with our photos

La Gacilly – nature pure and simple

La Gacilly – nature pure and simple

The picturesque town of La Gacilly is nestled in the enchanting Aff valley, at the heart of the legendary land of Brocéliande. Succumb to its charms as you stroll the picture postcard streets and, if you have the opportunity, be sure to catch the photo festival that’s held here every year. This Breton town is also famous for being the birthplace of Yves Rocher. A botanical garden and bamboo plantation now remind all visitors of Yves Rocher's passion, making La Gacilly an original stopping point during your waterway cruise in Brittany.
Fishing – another pleasure to enjoy in Brittany

Fishing – another pleasure to enjoy in Brittany

Brittany has a host of waterways and, although you’ll have no trouble occupying yourselves aboard your houseboat, you’ll also be able to enjoy one of the region’s simple pleasures and leading activities: fishing. There’s no need to travel as far as the seashore to get out your rods and landing nets. Brittany’s wealth of lakes and rivers ensure that you can indulge in this pleasure whenever you wish. Moor up along the banks of the Vilaine or try fishing from the deck of your houseboat. The slow pace of waterway cruising guarantees ample opportunities to indulge in this passion, so make the most of it! And to strengthen your relationship with the local fishermen, remember to slow the speed of your rental boat as you navigate the waters of Brittany.
Brittany – a gastronomic voyage to savour

Brittany – a gastronomic voyage to savour

A trip through Brittany won’t be complete without succumbing to the delights of Breton crêpes and galettes, whether in the inns and restaurants you encounter during your waterway cruise or aboard your licence-free boat itself. There’ll be wheat crêpes and buckwheat galettes to satisfy all appetites, along with many other gastronomic specialities to discover as part of your next waterway cruise. Embrace the flavours of Guéméné’s authentic andouille sausages, along with the andouilles de campagne that you’ll find in all the local markets. Seafood platters or armoricaine lobster will liven up your stay, and Breton drinks, such as the local beers, barley wine, chouchen, Muscadet and Gros-Plant will accompany you throughout your waterway cruise.

suggested itineraries Tested and approved

Set off from Saint Nicolas des Eaux and navigate as your desires see fit, or follow our itinerary ideas:

Week-end
Round trip 35km - 16 locks 9h Saint Nicolas > Pontivy > Saint Nicolas
Round trip 41km - 18 locks 10h Saint Nicolas > Minazen > Saint Nicolas
Round trip 37km - 18 locks 9h Saint Nicolas > Pont Augan > Saint Nicolas
Round trip 18km - 8 locks 4h Saint Nicolas > Tréblavet > Saint Nicolas
Mini-week
Round trip 35km - 16 locks 9h Saint Nicolas > Pontivy > Saint Nicolas
Round trip 58km - 22 locks 12h Saint Nicolas > Pont Neuf > Saint Nicolas
One week
Round trip 80km - 34 locks 20h Saint Nicolas > Hennebont > Saint Nicolas
Round trip 74km - 28 locks 16h Saint Nicolas > Lochrist > Saint Nicolas
Two weeks
Round trip 120km - 50 locks 35h Saint Nicolas > Pontivy > Hennebont > Saint Nicolas
Round trip 131km - 160 locks 70h Saint Nicolas > Pontivy > Rohan > Josselin > Saint Nicolas
carte-bretagne