Location and History of the Blavet Canalised River Brittany France
The Blavet river runs for 60km from the the mouth of the estuary at Lorient to the Military town of Pontivy. Lorient being a very important Naval military base which was actually built by the Germans during World War 2, following the liberation the French Navy took over the base until it closed in 1997. The site is now a very good museum where you can visit the Submarine bunkers. The tow path actually starts 11km further along the estuary mouth at the town of Hennebont. Here you can join the Tow Path also known as the Velo Cycle Route 8.
Cycle / Walking Route along the Blavet Brittany France
The route from Hennebont to Pontivy is 58km / 36 miles and passing by 28 locks, it is very picturesque and lots to see along the way. There is adrenaline pumping white waters for kayaking at the Hennebont phase of the Blavet. if you wish to try the kayaking i have provided a link to the site HERE
As you make progress along the canal path you will be able to see the view of the Vallee Verte / the green valley. I really enjoy walking along the canal paths there are always a plethora of different styles of bikes and families with young children in bike trailers or older children cycling and dogs running, the feeling of calm and tranquillity whiling away the days of depleted stress is very easy to find here. As you make your way up towards Pontivy you enter the Blavet Vallee and will come across for me one of the most enchanting and beautiful sights, the Chapel of Saint Gildas nestled into the rock on the opposite bank to the tow path. If you are not observant and cycling at speed you may very well miss this wonderous sight. First built in the 15th Century . If you wish to visit it is possible to cross the canal at the Lock / Ecluse de Gamblen and walk the short distance to the Chapelle. If you do you may come across the beautiful peacocks that live in the property at the entrance along with the gaggle of geese who always make me a little nervous when I walk here but they have so far been friendly !!
Following the cycle path the next village is Saint Nicolas des Eaux a pretty village with a canal marina and plenty of cafes for refreshments to sit and while away time watching the world go by. There is a statue of a ‘ the iron lady ‘ Ar Groareg Houarn in French meaning the old guardian. the plaque of information tells the tale of how the original statue which was carved in granite had been set free from its plinth in the opposite place to where the Iron Lady now stands and thrown into the water of the river Blavet because the tales say that she was a sorcerous or a witch but that she had powers of fertility. The new modern statue standing at least 3 metres high is the depiction of the artist Christophe Milcent, I think she looks magnificent.
Following along the canal path towards the town of Pontivy during the summer months you may have the pleasure of seeing the tourist trains on the tracks that now following the restoration of the track from Pontivy to Auray.
You will know that you are getting closer to a city with most canals the industrial buildings begin to line the way and then into the city. You will find the Tourism office onboard the Duchess Anne boat moored in the canal.
Find time to explore Pontivy it is a town filled with history, great places to eat, a theatre and a chateau. Read my blog post about visiting Pontivy.