Cruise Brittany’s canals aboard charming hotel barge Nymphea and discover one of the most stunning and untouched regions of France!
Thanks to her Dutch design and shallow draft, Nymphea is perfectly suited to travelling the lovely canals and rivers of Brittany, waterways that only a handful of other boats can navigate, and which are calm and full of scenic charm.
Inside, her classic yacht-inspired interior glows with warm touches: richly varnished hardwoods, stained glass and polished brass. The attractively furnished saloon and dining area create the cosy feel of a country house, while a second saloon on the upper level offers extra seating for unwinding. Nymphea has three cabins, small yet comfortable, each equipped with twin beds, air conditioning and its own private bathroom.
On deck, the sun deck is an ideal place to sit and watch the next pretty village, historic château or beautiful piece of Breton countryside gradually appear. Guests can also discover the towpaths and the countryside around them on two wheels, as six bicycles are provided for their use.
The crew, which includes the Captain/Tour Leader and the Master Chef, has deep knowledge of Brittany’s history, culture and food, and will work to make your trip along the region’s canals and rivers one to remember.
Cruise Highlights Include:
Visit the dramatic Château de Josselin interiors and famed gardens
Discover the Menhirs de Monteneuf Neolithic standing stones
Private wine tasting at Le vignoble de Rhuys – Dantelezh
Dine at Michelin-starred Maison Tiegezh showcasing Breton cuisine
Tour of Malestroit’s traditional market with your private chef
Sample Brittany’s renowned cider at Cidrerie du Clos de la Ruaudaie
Visit Rochefort-en-Terre, one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages”
Take in France’s largest outdoor photography festival
Features At-A-Glance
6 GUESTS
1 DOUBLE/TWIN CABIN & 2 TWIN CABINS
2/3 CREW
81 FEET (24.68 METRES) LONG
6 BICYCLES
AIR CONDITIONING/CENTRAL HEATING
1 AIR CONDITIONED MINIBUS FOR EXCURSIONS
CD PLAYER
LIBRARY
GAMES
Sunday, Day 1: Josselin
Guests are met at Redon TGV Train Station in late afternoon and transferred by private 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 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.
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 are
Friday, Day 6: La Gacilly to Redon
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.
Saturday, Day 7: Redon
After breakfast, guests are transferred by minibus to Redon TGV.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
2027 Prices
Value Season
Regular Season
Stateroom per person
Value Season: N/A
High Season: €5,650
Single Supplement
Value Season: N/A
High Season: €2,300
Charter Max. 2 guests
Value Season: N/A
High Season: €28,500
Charter Max. 4 guests
Value Season: N/A
High Season: €29,200
Charter Max. 5 guests
Value Season: N/A
High Season: €30,600
Charter Max. 6 guests
Value Season: N/A
High Season: €32,000
Note all our prices are in euros. We convert to Australian dollars at current exchange rates on the day of payment of deposit/full payment.
Please ask us if you live in the USA and would like prices in US dollars!
Departure Dates 2027
All Season Dates
May 16, 23, 30; June 06, 13, 20, 27; July 04, 11, 18, 25; August 01, 08, 15, 22, 29; September 05, 12, 19, 26
Price is all-inclusive - inclusions are:
- Local transfers between local meeting point and the hotel barge (approximate transfer duration 1hr)
- Luxury 6 night cruise
- All meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef
- An open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
- All premium wines served throughout the cruise
- Excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary
- The services of 4 crew and use of barge facilities, which include bicycles and spa pool
