Our next guest blog from Locaboat takes us on a tour to visit Brittany. This northern region of France is beloved by the Britons for whom it is the most popular entry point having crossed the English Channel. The Breton biscuits are as adored as the beaches and everyone loves how well the locals speak English after a polite ‘parlez-vous anglais’ exchange.

Visit Brittany to take a step back in time

Josselin Castle - see it when you visit Brittany

If you like to travel through time, come and explore Josselin Castle, listen to the stories about secret  chapels, explore some old mansions… or immerse yourself in the Middle Ages. Josselin is in Brittany’s Morbihan department and dates back to 1008. It was built by Guéthénoc, viscount of Porhoët to soak up the views across the Oust Valley. The castle you see today was largely a redesign of the 17th century and it still dominates a town dotted with memories of medieval times, dotted with half-timbered houses and solid stone walls.

Another of Brittany’s great castles, also connected to the Rohan family, is the Château de Blain. Built in 1108 by the order of the Duke of Brittany it was later razed and rebuilt, and enlarged by various later owners including Marie Bonaparte. It is also known as Château de la Groulais.

Brittany cuisine

Restaurants & shops in a Breton town

Brittany is not only about crêpes and galettes! The ocean tang of oysters, the succulence of fresh king scallops, the crunchiness of kouign-amann, a bowl of sparkling cider, ripe strawberries from Plougastel, full-bodied buckwheat whiskey…

If you love buttery French pastries, you’ll adore kouign-amann. Crisp and aching with creamy Breton butter, this cake acquired its name from the Breton language, which means quite literally cake and butter.

In a restaurant or on board your Pénichette, taste some of the unforgettable Breton cuisine – a mouth watering cruise awaits!

Breton countryside

Brittany half timbered architecture
Take the air in the heart of century-old forests or along beautiful villages full of flowers as you take a Brittany boating holiday.
On the Oust river, navigate between the granite cliffs and discover the very beautiful river island known as the Ile aux Pies. Don’t miss the watermills of Messac on the Vilaine. Then there’s the meandering river of the Aff leading to La Gacilly, which makes for a fabulous distraction.
Don and Matthew from the Locaboat base at Saint-Martin-sur-Oust share their top Brittany tips:
“Our favourite route is the week cruise to Josselin with a detour to La Gacilly. It goes through beautiful villages such as Malestroit, Le Roc St André and Josselin. Typical charming small cities, stone houses, welcoming locks full of flowers… not to forget the river l’Aff, a bucolic discovery with its surprising village of La Gacilly right at the end!”

Their favourite places to visit in Brittany:

  • La Gacilly, its small alleys, its artists’ workshops, its many exhibitions, the outdoor Photo Festival… A village full of surprises!
  • Malestroit, this small old fortified town perfectly combines history and modernity. The medieval festival is held there every year.
  • The majestic and imposing Josselin Castle borders the Canal de Nantes à Brest. You can dock right at the bottom of the castle, and the view from above is breathtaking!

Visit Brittany and see it by boat

For a short stay or a week-long cruise, find your favourite Locaboat Penichette.

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