The last section of the Nantes-Brest canal to cross Brittany, the Aulne maritime is a coastal river that flows into the Brest harbor. Sailing on the Aulne is an ode to slowness: taking the time to live to the rhythm of the meanders and sixteen locks, observing and listening to nature as you let yourself be lulled by the lapping of the water. We'll take you aboard our little sailboat and show you some of the nuggets of our coastal tour!
Back to nature
Le Passage in Dinéault
This first stopover in Dinéault reflects the atmosphere you'll find throughout your getaway. Disconnection, calm and a return to nature are the key words! Le Passage is a charming place, a favorite stopover, where you can enjoy a picnic or just a moment of rest and contemplation.
Did you know?
The Nantes-Brest canal covers a total distance of 365 km across Brittany, with 237 locks. It took thirty years to build!
The little Cathedral
The Saint-Sébastien chapel in Saint-Ségal
Have you seen the bell tower overlooking the Aulne? You've reached Saint-Ségal, a building dedicated to Saint Sebastian and nicknamed " the little Cathedral ". As far as Port-Launay, you're on the maritime side of the Aulne.
Navigation then becomes more technical on the reach. It is authorized for barges, small boats, small launches and for fishing... An air draft of 3 meters is required, and the maximum speed allowed is 6 km/h.
First lock
Port-Launay
Can you see the twelve arches of the railway viaduct over the canal in the distance? That's the sign that you've reached Port-Launay, and that you're about to pass through the first Guily-Glaz lock. This lock, with its removable flaps, is unique in Brittany!
Port-Launay, full of charm, is well worth a visit. Stroll along the quayside, past the old shipowners' houses with their colorful facades, to the fountain in the center of town, dating from 1867. You can also take advantage of the services offered by the Maison de la Plaisance, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day: showers, toilets, washing facilities and access to water and electricity for boats via terminals.
From here, the Aulne meanders all the way to Lennon, offering new landscapes and surprises at every bend. It's not unusual to come across kayaks, oars and other light craft. Have you seen the Ouessant sheep frolicking in the greenery?
Did you know?
The Guily-Glaz lock is a special one: you can only pass through it 2h30 before and up to 2h after high tide. From early October to early March, give the Brittany Region staff 48 hours' notice on 02 97 75 12 45 to organize your passage. On site, you don't have to do a thing: the lock-keepers take care of everything!
A viaduct dating from 1906
Châteaulin aquatic observatory
The arrival at Châteaulin is marked by the passage under the 1906 viaduct. For sixty years, the viaduct was used as a rail link between Carhaix and Camaret-sur-Mer.
Unique in Brittany!
Unique in Brittany, the Châteaulin aquatic observatory is a scientific tool for observing and surveying migratory fish and the biodiversity of the Nantes-Brest canal. Thanks to an immersed webcam, you can observe and try to recognize the species that travel the Aulne maritime. If your sail is blowing in the wind, the observatory is open for you to stop by!
Practical!
Showers are available at the Châteaulin lock. Keys can be collected all year round from the town hall (tel. 02 98 86 59 73) and during the season (April to mid-September) on Saturdays from the tourist office (tel. 02 98 86 02 11).
Les 3e au courant
Remains of the old hydroelectric plant
Did you know that Châteaulin was the 3rd most electrified town in France, and the first in the West? This is thanks to the hydroelectric plant located a few kilometers away, in the commune of Saint-Coulitz. As you cruise along the canal, you'll see the ruins of this plant, which dates back to 1887. It's still a source of pride for Saint-Coulitz, which sports a light bulb on its coat of arms as a reminder.
Passing near Lothey, you can see the bell tower of the Vieux-Bourg church from the canal!
An unavoidable second stage
Stopover in Pont-Coblant
This is our second favorite stop! Pont-Coblant is well worth a visit, whether for a drink by the canal or a kayak or paddle trip with Canal Loisirs. And why not swap your boat for your hiking boots for half a day and enjoy a lovely walk through the trees? The 8-kilometer walking trail takes you along the towpath, past lock houses and the remains of the slate quarry. You may also come across recumbent bicycles, gyropods... and other unusual machines!
Unusual!
Every year, Pont-Coblant hosts a UFO race... Unidentified floating objects!
A well-deserved rest
The barge Victor, at Pont Ti Menn
Victor is an old barge from Nantes, first launched in 1893. She mainly transported slate or maerl, a natural fertilizer made from red seaweed, all over Brittany via the canal. Run aground in 1932, victim of too strong a current, it was rescued from the mud 70 years later by a team of passionate volunteers. Today, it rests peacefully on the bank, attracting walkers and visitors alike.
Take a look!
In Lennon, you'll pass the 1820s lock house. Lock houses were designed to house lock guards. They were strategically located to facilitate surveillance!
Total Disconnection
This is the end of your journey
on this part of the Nantes-Brest canal! A getaway for total disconnection, where time and hours take on a different dimension. But even when you're living in harmony with nature, certain services remain indispensable: find out about all the facilities specially designed for boaters!