About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Redon sits where Brittany's canals meet, close to the ocean. From here you can take a boat with no licence needed onto the Nantes–Brest canal or the Vilaine. The town is known as the land of blue hydrangeas. It's listed among the "Plus beaux détours de France", has won several awards for its flowers, and is often called "the Venice of the West".
Around Redon
The landscape around the town mixes rivers, green meadows and marshland, and the changing countryside makes for good walks to the sound of birdsong. Rennes is less than an hour away, with its fine arts museum, and the ecomuseum is also worth a visit. This is the Brittany of Merlin the enchanter. If you can, go to one of the storytelling evenings, where the local "contous" tell the region's mysteries and legends.
Weekends and short breaks
All the routes from Redon are round trips that bring you back to the base. Distances, lock counts and cruising hours are as the operator gives them.
For a weekend, Redon to Guipry is 80 km with 4 locks and about 10 hours at the helm. Redon to Malestroit and La Gacilly is 92 km, 12 locks and 12 hours. Redon to Blain is 90 km, 12 locks and 12 hours.
For a mini-week, Redon to Nort-sur-Erdre is 156 km with 32 locks and 25 hours of cruising. Redon to Pont-Réan is 146 km, 14 locks and 20 hours. Redon to Montertelot is 94 km, 20 locks and 16 hours.
A week or a fortnight afloat
With a full week, you could go from Redon to Josselin: 126 km, 30 locks and 21 hours. Redon to Nantes is 190 km, 32 locks and 30 hours, and Redon to Rennes is 182 km, 24 locks and 25 hours.
Two weeks gives you the longest routes. Redon to Pontivy is 226 km with 164 locks and 62 hours of cruising. Redon to Dinan is 340 km with 118 locks and 66 hours.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in France. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
