Standard Classic Barge Cruise Itinerary
Discover the beauty, charm and Celtic spirit of Brittany aboard the French Hotel Barge Nymphea as you cruise along the peaceful canals and rivers of this enchanting region.
Sunday, Day 1 - Josselin
Guests are met at Redon TGV Train Station in late afternoon and transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Nymphea, moored beneath the towers of the magnificent Château de Josselin. A warm welcome awaits from the Captain and Crew with champagne and canapés. Set on the banks of the River Oust, Josselin is one of Brittany's most picturesque towns, its history intertwined with that of the imposing château, still home to the Rohan family whose lineage dates back to the 11th century. Dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2 - Josselin to Montertelot
After breakfast, we stroll to the Château de Josselin for a private visit of its grand interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens, originally designed by Achille Duchesne, famed for his work at Vaux-le-Vicomte. Later, Nymphea begins her cruise along the tranquil river Oust, travelling on both river and the Canal de Nantes à Brest, titled most beautiful waterway in France, through charming countryside and quaint hamlets. We moor beside the little church of Saint-Laur in Montertelot, a delightful village full of rural character. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3 - Montertelot to Malestroit
A leisurely morning cruise through several picturesque locks, brings us to the medieval town of Malestroit, a designated Petite Cité de Caractère, with its half-timbered houses and Gothic façades. In the afternoon, we take a short drive to the Menhirs de Monteneuf, an extraordinary collection of Neolithic standing stones. Here we learn about the ancient techniques used to move and erect these megaliths and visit a reconstruction of a prehistoric craftsman's dwelling. This evening, we dine ashore in the nearby village of Guer at the Michelin-starred Maison Tiegezh, where chef Baptiste Denieul showcases the best of Breton cuisine.
Wednesday, Day 4 - Malestroit to Saint-Martin-sur-Oust
This morning, we visit Malestroit's traditional market, where the chef selects the finest local produce for today's menu. After lunch, we cruise to Saint-Martin-sur-Oust, a charming village surrounded by gentle countryside. Close to our mooring, we visit the Cidrerie du Clos de la Ruaudaie to sample Brittany's renowned cider and perhaps stock up for the ship's cellar. In the afternoon, we drive to Rochefort-en-Terre, a village so beautiful it has been barred from further competition for Les Plus Beaux Villages de France! Overflowing with flowers, boutiques and galleries, it is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or shopping before returning to the barge. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5 - Saint-Martin-sur-Oust to La Gacilly
We set off early, passing through a rare canalised section of the Oust before entering the peaceful marshes of Glénac, rich in birdlife. Nearing the head of navigation, Nymphea turns sharply into the narrow, tree-lined River Aff, winding its way towards our mooring at the vibrant little town of La Gacilly. In the afternoon, we head to the unique Dantelezh winery on the Rhuys peninsula for a tour and tasting of a selection of finely crafted Chardonnay, Chenin, and Cabernet Franc wines. The wine-making history of this area is old, yet lost by the 1950s, until a new public/private partnership begun in 2018 restored vineyards to the area.
Friday, Day 6 - La Gacilly to Redon
The morning starts with a stroll about La Gacilly center and its numerous craft workshops, the botanical gardens that inspire Yves Rocher's famous cosmetics, and France's largest outdoor photography festival. We then head onboard for a cruise back down the Aff and rejoin the River Oust, passing the dramatic cliffs of Île aux Pies (Magpie Island). We arrive at our mooring in Redon, an important historic town where the Oust meets the Vilaine River. Once a thriving port, Redon is rich in cultural heritage, dominated by the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur founded in 832 AD. Tonight, enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.
Saturday, Day 7 -Redon
After breakfast, guests are transferred by chauffeured minibus to Redon TGV
Note:
- This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
- The itinerary is in reverse direction on alternate weeks.
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