F.A.Q
F.A.Q
We hope you will find the answers to all your questions here.
NAVIGATION
No, the towpath starts at Quiheix lock no. 2 in the commune of Nort-sur-Erdre and runs through to the last lock at Guily-Glaz in Port-Launay, but not as far as Brest. Note that the towpath is cut at Guerlédan dam and you will have to skirt around the lake. See also the pages on the Nantes to Brest canal.
If you are a private boat owner, you may require a licence depending on the power of motor and the length of your vessel. (More information here)
However, if you hire a pleasure craft, you not require a licence.
You can cross Brittany from north to south or south to north between St Malo and the barrage at Arzal. Allow at least eight days. For more technical information, please visit our Manche-Océan Canal page.
Although navigation is possible from north to south, unfortunately, you cannot go from east to west on Nantes to Brest canal because of the dam at Guerlédan. You can sail from Nantes to Pontivy and then continue south on the Blavet to Lorient. Going north, you can continue for about 20 kilometres to Guerlédan where the dam cuts the canal.
Navigation is possible on the Guerlédan lake and you can take the canal from there as far as the double lock of Coat-Natous, near the Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Pitié in Mellionnec in the Côtes d’Armor. From this point to the Goariva lock at Carhaix in Finistère, the canal is inaccessible to pleasure craft. However, it is a great route for canoeists and kayakers, especially in the Créharer lock staircase at Glomel in the Côtes d’Armor.In Finistère, you can navigate as far as the last lock at Guily-Glaz and possibly beyond if your vessel is suitable. However, please note that on this section of the Nantes-Brest canal, there are no lockkeepers so you will have to operate them.
OTHER
No, navigation on the Breton canals is free, just as it is on our motorways. However, you will have to pay for services (electricity, water, etc) at some of your halts.
Along our three main routes, the Ille-et-Rance and Vilaine canals, the Blavet and the Nantes-Brest canal, you will find bed and breakfast, campsites, hotels and gîtes. Visit our interactive map!
Here are some possible places in Nantes or Nort-sur-Erdre :