Hotel Barge Cruises in Brittany
Discover the beauty, charm and Celtic spirit of Brittany aboard a luxury hotel barge as you cruise along the peaceful canals and rivers of this enchanting region. Travelling the Canal de Nantes à Brest, considered the most beautiful waterway in France, and its gentle tributaries, you’ll experience a side of France that few visitors see — a picturesque landscape of medieval towns, flower-filled villages, ancient legends and warm Breton hospitality.
Brittany’s waterways wind through the heart of a land steeped in history and tradition. From grand châteaux and cobbled market squares to rolling countryside and artisan crafts, this is a region that feels wonderfully authentic. With a distinct culture and proud maritime heritage, Brittany offers a fascinating blend of Celtic roots and French refinement.
We are delighted to offer the only hotel barge cruise through inland Brittany, providing an intimate and leisurely way to explore one of France’s most distinctive regions.
Brittany Barge Cruises
Step aboard Nymphea, a first-class, six-passenger hotel barge, and experience the relaxed pace of life on Brittany’s historic canals. Following her long and successful seasons in the Loire Valley, Nymphea now cruises through the heart of Brittany’s beautiful countryside and stunning waterways, between Josselin and Redon.
This unique itinerary combines the charm of small villages with memorable excursions — from Château de Josselin and the flower-filled streets of Rochefort-en-Terre to a Michelin-starred dining experience and a traditional cider tasting. Along the way, you’ll enjoy peaceful cruising, regional cuisine, and the gentle rhythms of rural France.
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.
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 a 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.
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.
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.
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.
The morning starts with a stroll about La Gacilly centre 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.
After breakfast, guests are transferred by chauffeured minibus to Redon TGV
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise will be in the reverse direction.
16 May, 2027 to 22 May, 2027
 Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
23 May, 2027 to 29 May, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
30 May, 2027 to 05 June, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
06 June, 2027 to 12 June, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
13 June, 2027 to 19 June, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
20 June, 2027 to 26 June, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
27 June, 2027 to 03 July, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
04 July, 2027 to 10 July, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
11 July, 2027 to 17 July, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
18 July, 2027 to 24 July, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
25 July, 2027 to 31 July, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
01 August, 2027 to 07 August, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
08 August, 2027 to 14 August, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
15 August, 2027 to 21 August, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
22 August, 2027 to 28 August, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
29 August, 2027 to 04 September, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
05 September, 2027 to 11 September, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
12 September, 2027 to 18 September, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
19 September, 2027 to 25 September, 2027
Nymphea
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Book now
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
26 September, 2027 to 02 October, 2027
Nymphea
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
03 October, 2027 to 09 October, 2027
Nymphea
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Book now
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
10 October, 2027 to 16 October, 2027
Nymphea
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Book now
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
17 October, 2027 to 23 October, 2027
Nymphea
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Book now
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Nymphea has three compact, but comfortable cabins, two twin staterooms and one twin or double stateroom, all with air conditioning and en-suite facilities.
Inclusions
• All meals catered for by our on board Master Chef
• Good regional wines served throughout the cruise
• An open bar with a large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
• Chauffeured and guided sightseeing
• Use of all barge facilities such as bicycles
• Some barges also have an on-deck jacuzzy
• Local transfers to your barge are included and we will advise you of your meeting point at time of booking
• On our Family Charter Cruises equipment for babies and children will be included on most vessels; cribs, travel cot, high chair, car seats, toys, children bicycles and baby bicycle seats.
Exclusions
• Service charge is not included in the cruise fare
• Tipping is entirely discretionary but is greatly appreciated by the crew if you would like to acknowledge recognition for the standard of service provided. As a guideline, the recommended industry standard is between 5 and 10% of the cruise fare if you are fully satisfied with the service you have received.
