Classic France River Cruise – Brittany

Description

Hotel Barge Cruises in Brittany
Discover the beauty, charm and Celtic spirit of Brittany aboard a luxury hotel barge as you cruise along the peaceful canals and rivers of this enchanting region. Travelling the Canal de Nantes à Brest, considered the most beautiful waterway in France, and its gentle tributaries, you’ll experience a side of France that few visitors see — a picturesque landscape of medieval towns, flower-filled villages, ancient legends and warm Breton hospitality.
Brittany’s waterways wind through the heart of a land steeped in history and tradition. From grand châteaux and cobbled market squares to rolling countryside and artisan crafts, this is a region that feels wonderfully authentic. With a distinct culture and proud maritime heritage, Brittany offers a fascinating blend of Celtic roots and French refinement.
We are delighted to offer the only hotel barge cruise through inland Brittany, providing an intimate and leisurely way to explore one of France’s most distinctive regions.
Brittany Barge Cruises
Step aboard Nymphea, a first-class, six-passenger hotel barge, and experience the relaxed pace of life on Brittany’s historic canals. Following her long and successful seasons in the Loire Valley, Nymphea now cruises through the heart of Brittany’s beautiful countryside and stunning waterways, between Josselin and Redon.
This unique itinerary combines the charm of small villages with memorable excursions — from Château de Josselin and the flower-filled streets of Rochefort-en-Terre to a Michelin-starred dining experience and a traditional cider tasting. Along the way, you’ll enjoy peaceful cruising, regional cuisine, and the gentle rhythms of rural France.

Trip Name

Classic France River Cruise – Brittany

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Hotel Barge Length: 81 feet Passenger Capacity: 6 Nymphea’s Dutch design with its shallow draft makes her the ideal vessel for navigating the beautiful sandy reaches of the River Cher in the Loire Valley. Very few other vessels are able to cruise this magical waterway. Her traditional interior, reminiscent of a classic yacht, features a warm décor of rich varnished hardwoods, stained glass and shining brass. The traditionally furnished saloon and dining area have a warm and welcoming country house atmosphere and there is an additional upper saloon area with more comfortable seating to relax in. Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities. Outside, the sun deck with its comfortable seating offers the perfect vantage point from which to admire the next picturesque waterside village, elegant châteaux, or stunning stretch of scenery as it slowly comes into view. You will even get to cruise through the arches of probably the most-photographed château in the Loire Valley, Château de Chenonceau – not once, but twice – a rare privilege afforded to very few boats! And if you wish to explore the River Cher’s towpath and surrounding countryside, there are 6 bicycles available for your use. Nymphea’s crew of Captain/Tour Leader and Master Chef are most knowledgeable about the history, wine and cuisine of the region and they will be there to help make your journey through the ‘Valley of the Kings of France’ truly unforgettable.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday, Day 1 – Josselin

Guests are met at Redon TGV Train Station in late afternoon and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Nymphea, moored beneath the towers of the magnificent Château de Josselin. A warm welcome awaits from the Captain and Crew with champagne and canapés. Set on the banks of the River Oust, Josselin is one of Brittany’s most picturesque towns, its history intertwined with that of the imposing château, still home to the Rohan family whose lineage dates back to the 11th century. Dinner on board.

Day 2 - Monday, Day 2 – Josselin to Montertelot

After breakfast, we stroll to the Château de Josselin for a private visit of its grand interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens, originally designed by Achille Duchesne, famed for his work at Vaux-le-Vicomte. Later, Nymphea begins her cruise along the tranquil river Oust, travelling on both river and the canal de Nantes a Brest, titled most beautiful waterway in France, through charming countryside and quaint hamlets. We moor beside the little church of Saint-Laur in Montertelot, a delightful village full of rural character. Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Tuesday, Day 3 – Montertelot to Malestroit

A leisurely morning cruise through several picturesque locks, brings us to the medieval town of Malestroit, a designated Petite Cité de Caractère, with its half-timbered houses and Gothic façades. In the afternoon, we take a short drive to the Menhirs de Monteneuf, an extraordinary collection of Neolithic standing stones. Here we learn about the ancient techniques used to move and erect these megaliths and visit a reconstruction of a prehistoric craftsman’s dwelling. This evening, we dine ashore in the nearby village of Guer at the Michelin-starred Maison Tiegezh, where chef Baptiste Denieul showcases the best of Breton cuisine.

Day 4 - Wednesday, Day 4 – Malestroit to Saint-Martin-sur-Oust

This morning, we visit Malestroit’s traditional market, where the chef selects the finest local produce for today’s menu. After lunch, we cruise to Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, a charming village surrounded by gentle countryside. Close to our mooring, we visit the Cidrerie du Clos de la Ruaudaie to sample Brittany’s renowned cider and perhaps stock up for the ship’s cellar. In the afternoon, we drive to Rochefort-en-Terre, a village so beautiful it has been barred from further competition for Les Plus Beaux Villages de France! Overflowing with flowers, boutiques and galleries, it is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or shopping before returning to the barge. Dinner on board.

Day 5 - Thursday, Day 5 – Saint-Martin-sur-Oust to La Gacilly

We set off early, passing through a rare canalised section of the Oust before entering the peaceful marshes of Glénac, rich in birdlife. Nearing the head of navigation, Nymphea turns sharply into the narrow, tree-lined River Aff, winding its way towards our mooring at the vibrant little town of La Gacilly. In the afternoon we head to the unique Dantelezh winery on the Rhuys peninsula for a tour and tasting of a selection of finely crafted Chardonnay, Chenin and Cabernet Franc wines. The wine making history of this area is old, yet lost by the 1950s, until a new public/private partnership begun in 2018 restored vineyards to the area.

Day 6 - Friday, Day 6 – La Gacilly to Redon

The morning starts with a stroll about La Gacilly centre and its numerous craft workshops, the botanical gardens that inspire Yves Rocher’s famous cosmetics, and France’s largest outdoor photography festival. We then head onboard for a cruise back down the Aff and rejoin the River Oust, passing the dramatic cliffs of Île aux Pies (Magpie Island). We arrive at our mooring in Redon, an important historic town where the Oust meets the Vilaine River. Once a thriving port, Redon is rich in cultural heritage, dominated by the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur founded in 832 AD. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7 - Saturday, Day 7 – Redon

After breakfast, guests are transferred by chauffeured minibus to Redon TGV

Day 8 - Please note:

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Explore the Château de Josselin and its magnificent gardens
Visit the Menhirs de Monteneuf – ancient standing stones of the Neolithic era
Enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience showcasing Breton flavours
Sample traditional cider at a local cidrerie
Visit La Gacilly’s craft workshops and the Yves Rocher botanical gardens
Enjoy a wine tasting at Domaine Dantelezh on the Rhuys peninsula
Cruise past Île aux Pies, with its dramatic cliffs and lush scenery