Le Canal de Nantes à Brest
From Brittany's largest port to the city of the Dukes, the Canal de Nantes à Brest is a long blue ribbon that crosses inland Brittany. Although the Canal de Nantes à Brest is traditionally described from south to north-west, we're proposing a journey that goes against the grain! The cycle-friendly towpath winds through the most beautiful valleys in Brittany, from the Aulne to the Erdre, via the Blavet, the Oust and the Vilaine. Connecting several rivers, this canal is a treasure trove of ingenuity and a real technical challenge, with 236 locks punctuating the route used by leisure boats. From Carhaix, we invite you to continue your adventure on the canal as far as Nantes, following the route detailed on the La Vélodyssée itinerary.
The Nantes-Brest canal is bike-friendly between Chateaulin and Nantes
While the waterway connects Nantes to Brest, the cycling route between Chateaulin and Nantes is easy.
This section is entirely on the canal towpath, and the route is flat and sheltered from cars, making it a perfect way to start your cycling trip or to cycle with the family.
This first section of the Canal de Nantes à Brest describes the route between Chateaulin and Carhaix. The rest of the route is described on our website, via the La Vélodyssée itinerary, which follows the canal towpath to the center of Nantes.
Route signposting between Chateaulin and Carhaix
It's easy to find your way as you follow the towpath all the way.
Crossroads of cycle routes at Port de Carhaix
Several itineraries cross at Port-de-Carhaix, so if you want to continue your journey on the Canal de Nantes à Brest, follow the towpath signs for La Vélodyssée all the way to Nantes. You can also reach Concarneau on "Voie 7", or head up to Roscoff on La Vélodyssée !
Gradients and elevation
Road types
Surface
Trains and transport on the route
Access by train
- To reach the start point (Châteaulin): Châteaulin station
- From the finish point (Carhaix): Carhaix station
Bus (with bike transport)
You can travel between Châteaulin and Carhaix (either way) by taking your bike on BreizhGo coaches (stops also available at Pont-Triffen)
"Accueil Vélo" accommodation on Le Canal de Nantes à Brest
9 Accueil Vélo accommodations await you on Le Canal de Nantes à Brest!
View accommodations on the map
Séjours clés en main
Partez l'esprit léger sur ce parcours avec les séjours organisés de nos agences partenaires.
The 2 stages of Le Canal de Nantes à Brest
1 Châteaulin / Châteauneuf-du-Faou
