The Nantes Et Brest Canal Journey
La Velodyssee, Euro Velo Route One – Carhaix to Chateaulin
Carhaix to Chateaulin
At the end of Part 5 we left the canal at Ecluse ( Lock ) 200 and headed into Carhaix- Plouguer and this is where I suggest that you start this leg of the journey. As always I suggest that you have planned ahead or collect supplies from Carhaix to be prepared for Picnicking or snacking along your way. So many walkers and cyclists make the mistake of not enough water!!
It is possible to skip the next section of canal from Ecluse 200 to begin at the Port – de – Carhaix but hey we have come this far along the canal why skip just 2 km??
Attention at Ecluse 201 you can if you wish cross the canal bridge and cycle or walk along the left hand side of the canal heading west along disused railway line now a Greenway Marked by V6/V7 markers. The railway line runs until Ecluse 209 Pont-Triffen.
At Ecluse 201 you can stay on the canal side path too and this rounds on the right hand side of the canal heading west and at Lock 209 where the Greenway meets the path, there is no mistaking that either route are taking you where you need to go. In some ways the greenway is a simpler as it stays on the same side and doesn’t criss cross the canal and the canal path does. I am sure it is just a case of preference. Our preference is canal side cycling .
This section is beautifully shaded by the trees so on hot summer days there is some protection from the sun, however in autumn be extra careful as tyres can become slippery on the fallen leaves.
At the point of Pont-Triffen there are a few places for a stopover, however the Chateau de Pratulo is a fabulous place with gites and camping for both tents and camping cars however, this is a wedding venue and very popular during the summer often being booked out by wedding parties so booking in advance is important.
The next 5 km sees the ancient restored canal being met by the modern road of the N164 the large autoroute that connects Finistere with the rest of France to the East, So whilst cycling or walking here there is the hummmm of vehicles in the background.
You are now on following the River Aulne within which the Nantes et Brest Canal is intertwined. This section is in terms of commerce is rather baron but of course not baron in beauty as there is a plethora of birds and wildlife to look out for along the journey. The 17.4 Km to Chateauneuf-du-Faou can feel a little long.
The section of canal through Finistere has some conveniences for comfort breaks along the way in the form of eco friendly dry toilets, Ladies, tissues are a must. There is a small campsite a short cycle from the canal path at ecluse 215 Gwaker.
As you are getting closer to Chateauneuf-du-Faou you will notice a little more activity firstly at ecluse 216 Moustoir there is a beautiful small Chapelle with lovely gardens and a stained glass windows. The 16th century Chapelle de Moustoir is located a short cycle from the path but worth the little extra leg power.
2.5km along the canal to the next ecluse No 217 Boudrac’h is one of the most stunning chateauIi have yet to see in France. The magnificent Chateau de Trevarez nicknamed the Chateau Rose. Standing big and bold up high with its stunning red facade and black roof with turrets and grand windows it really is a sight for the eyes. The great thing for me on a personal note is the gardens, Rhododendrons , Camellia and Azaleas remind me so much of the gardens my grandfather designed and built in Gloucestershire for the Late Lord Bathurst at Lydney Park Estate. The chateau was badly hit during WW2 forcing a lot of reconstruction. There is a cafe and shop here open seasonally and for events so please check before visiting. It is only a 1.5km ride for the canal path.
From this point at Ecluse 217 there is a 7km horseshoe , at the summet of the horse shoe is the charming town of Chateauneuf-du-Faou. There is a nice restaurant / cafe/bar at this point called La Chaland bright parasols adorn the terrace and give a very welcoming atmosphere. If you are going to head on into the town beware there a steep climb from the canal path up to the town but as this is the first ‘ lively’ town you will have had since beginning the day, I am sure the calling of hot coffee or a glass of Rosé will keep you going.
At this point 32km have been covered from the start of the day so a rest stop is definitely a good call, Also here is the best place to replenish drained water bottles.
The last stretch of the journey is ahead, it is another 48Km which can feel a bit daunting but if you have good weather and you are cycling in the spring or summer when the days are longer you can take advantage of the lighter the evening. I think there is a boost of adrenaline that surges at this point with the ‘ finish line ahead’.
Attention is needed at this point, Cycling or walking on the right hand side of the canal heading West is where you need to be this is important here as there is the possibility to cross the bridge and be on the left hand side , however this canal side path here will run out and will mean you will need to re trace your steps .
The L’aulne river with the Nantes et Brest Canal piggybacking along snakes its way through the landscape just like a serpent wriggling across the water or sand. Honestly look at the Google maps image the loops are incredible when you think it is almost possible to see the loop of the canal opposite your position in places.
Ecluse 224 the TY Men Road bridge you will find a toilet and some picnic benches and within a KM you will find parking and toilet too. If you are heading for a day cycling or to do this one particular section this is a good place to begin.
The magnificent cargo boat called the Victor is here atop of the canal along the path, marooned in a symbolic homage to the industry that once brought the canal alive. It is rather staggering to see this huge metal boat here, it’s also incredible to imagine that the ‘Victor’ is 130years old !! built in 1893. The reason ‘Victor ‘ is settled here is that g it hit the bridge at Ty Men bringing its career to an end in 1932. This is a great photo opportunity .
7 Km ahead is the nice canal side campsite of Pont Coblant with a place to get a drink and use the toilet, there is an options for overnight camping. There is also a gite, booking ahead of course is a must.
We are now only 10 Ecluse away from the end of our journey, the landscape is changing a little , I feel that holiday coastal feel coming up, the pretty bridge at Chateaulin is a lovely sight with the boats bobbing about too, and then onto Port Launay this small port with huge importance in the heyday of the canal, it was here that the cargos went west to the Atlantic or East to head through the canal towards Nantes bringing important wares through Brittany.
I guess the Port of Launay could be referred to as the mouth of the trade route.
Lock 237 Guily Glaz THE END .. We made it.. and what a place to end, the magnificent hydraulic barrage regulating the flow of the L’aulne river. Of course Guily Glaz is not near Brest at all , in fact it is another 2hours 57mins of cycling to reach Brest or a swift 36mins in the car.
I hope you have enjoyed this read over the 6 episodes as much as I have writing it.
Bon Courage Sharon xx