Chemin Canal Velodyssee Halage
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We cycle at the children’s pace, in a peaceful atmosphere, far from the traffic.
Josselin, Malestroit, Saint-Congard, La Gacilly: each stop has its own character.
Locks, reflections on the water, shaded paths: the scenery changes without ever feeling abrupt.
Three days are all it takes to get away from it all, sleep somewhere else and make some real memories.
The adventure begins in Josselin, one of the most beautiful gateways to the Nantes–Brest Canal. Before setting off, we take the time to explore the town and calmly plan the next day’s journey.
For our first night, we’re heading to La Demeure des Songes, a new bed and breakfast situated in the heart of the town, at the foot of Josselin Castle. Its owner, Sébastien Meyer, a keen cyclist, has thoughtfully catered for cyclists: a specially adapted entrance, space for panniers and facilities designed to make life easier for families.
The House of Dreams
Sunset Chateau De Josselin Noellapennanech Destination Broceliande12
After a hearty breakfast, set off for Malestroit, following the Nantes–Brest Canal. It’s a gentle ride: water on one side, trees on the other, with locks dotted along the route and plenty of opportunities to stop.
After about 24 km, Malestroit proves to be the ideal stop for lunch. A ‘Petite Cité de Caractère’ on the banks of the Oust, the town offers a welcome break in the middle of the day: you can stroll through the narrow streets, admire the old houses, then head to the Grand Déversoir area for a picnic in a picturesque setting, with tables and benches available.
Depending on the children’s ages, the weather and the group’s energy levels, there are two options: stay overnight in Malestroit, or carry on to Saint-Congard for a more comprehensive day’s walk. It was this second option that we tried out during our adventure, culminating in a delicious meal in Saint-Congard.
Canal de Nab, Malestroit @emmanuel Berthier
Photographer
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Josselin Town Centre, Noellapennanech, Destination Brocéliande
After a good night’s rest, today’s destination is La Gacilly. From Saint-Congard, the route first follows the canal to Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, an ideal stop to take a breather and recharge your batteries. The route then continues towards the Glénac marshes, a lovely nature break before the finish, with games, a zip line and a play area for children.
From the canal, the route to La Gacilly follows the towpath, then small country lanes and a safe path alongside the River Aff. This final stretch requires a little more care when cycling with the family: some sections are shared with cars, there’s a junction with poor visibility, and the route becomes more undulating after the hamlet of Le Houssin.
Arriving in La Gacilly feels like a real reward. You park your bikes, stroll through the flower-lined alleyways, explore the craft workshops and, depending on the time of year, check out the exhibitions at the La Gacilly Photo Festival. A lovely way to round off the adventure, combining nature, culture and the gentle charm of Brittany.
Village Fleuri La Gacilly
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photographe Malestroit
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To ensure you can enjoy this adventure with complete peace of mind, the technical partner for this cycle tour is Véloc’Ouest.
The idea is simple: the bikes, helmets, panniers and all the necessary kit are delivered directly to the starting point in Josselin. On arrival, the team comes to collect the equipment from La Gacilly. It’s a very practical solution for families who want to give it a go without having to worry about the logistics.
You travel light, you cycle, you enjoy yourself… and everything is organised to make the adventure as easy as possible.
Chemin Canal Velodyssee Halage
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