Important information: part of the canal from Nantes to Brest (between the city of Redon and the junction with the Erdre) is closed to navigation from autumn 2022 until spring 2024.
Therefore, our base in Sucé sur Erdre will be closed for the entire 2023 season.
One-way trips from Glénac to Sucé sur Erdre will not be possible during this period.
Hiring a canal boat on the Canal de Nantes à Brest takes you on a journey back in time. This boating holiday itinerary is a one-way cruise starting at Sucé sur Erdre, ending at Glénac and in between visiting the city of Nantes – the "City of the Dukes of Brittany" – while taking in the best of Brittany, the Land of the Druids!
No previous boating experience is needed to hire a self-drive canal boat from the Nicols base at Sucé sur Erdre, which is located about 15km north of Nantes. This boating holiday itinerary begins on the River Erdre before taking you along the Canal de Nantes à Brest. A one-way cruise, it takes on average 27 hours of cruising which means there is plenty of time to explore the many towns and villages you’ll come across each day
Sucé-sur-Erdre: The Erdre castles – 17 castles in just 15kms
Nantes: Saint-Pierre cathedral, Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, The museum “machines de l’ile of Nantes”, covered shopping arcade
Quiheix: "Plaine de Mazerolles" a wildlife swamp on the Erdre
Blain: La Groulais Castle, Various footpaths from the port for walks
Guenrouët: Kerisac cider factory, Swimming pool with slides, mini-golf
Pont Miny: quiet mooring spot with picnic area and barbecues, close to the ‘Maison du Canal’
Redon: historic town with pedestrian streets, Museum of the west shipping industry, guided tour of the abbey or of the monastery of the Calvairiennes
La Gacilly: the famous Yves Rocher Spa, known as a ‘village of craftsmen’ with wax, ceramic, wood, glass and flowers all being used to make high quality product
Glénac: a small quiet village with a marsh area full of wild birds, restaurant in the village centre is also an excellent place to purchase groceries to take with you on your trip – including fresh bread and croissants!
An unforgettable holiday
Our boating holiday on the Brittany canals was an unforgettable experience. Navigating on the Canal de Nantes à Brest was so relaxing and going through the manual locks was very easy too.
Florence and David, Marmande