Rennes is even lovelier from the vilaine
Why not get a different view of the Breton capital by visiting it by electric boat? These quirky, compact boats have just launched on the Vilaine, a river that doesn’t really suit its name (“vilain” meaning “ugly” in French). In reality, the Vilaine is actually very beautiful: we love its reflections, its changing colours, its pleasant flow and the little pockets of nature that it brings to the middle of the city.
The P’tits Bateaux company lets you explore the city and the surrounding areas from a silent and secure vessel. They are noiseless and there’s no need for a licence, so it’s entirely up to you where you go exploring, whether it’s for an hour or the full day. Rental prices start from €35 for one hour for a five-person boat.
Leave from the watersports centre at quai Saint-Cyr
To try out this new experience, just book a time slot online through the Tourist Office booking service. Then head to the watersports centre at Quai Saint-Cyr: the embarkation and return point for the boats is just next to the Mail François Mitterrand, opposite the Mabilay building. From there, you have the option to go visit the depths of the city, head out for a rural jaunt on the river or the canal, go fishing or just have fun on the water. Relaxation is guaranteed on board Rennes’ electric boats, which are provided by P’tits Bateaux and fitted with safety equipment and an awning to shelter you from the sun!
- The electric boat hire is open from 7 june to 3 november.
Find more information at www.lesptitsbateaux-rennes.com
You’re the captain!
After a safety briefing, set sail on your 5 or 7 seater electric p’tit bateau: you are now the captain of your vessel and you can glide through the water at 7 km/h exploring the Vilaine. This is a slow tourism-style excursion on Breton waterways that the entire family and every freshwater sailor will enjoy. The vessels are environmentally friendly and 100% made and fitted out in France, just outside Nantes.
Rental options: from 1 hour to the full day
The electric boats can be hired by the hour or for a full day (from 23 June). Even just one hour is plenty time to have a good jaunt. Leaving from quai Saint-Cyr in the centre of Rennes, you can travel around the city along the river or go a bit further afield: to the west, towards Roazhon Park and the Apigné lakes; to the north, by following the Ille-et-Rance canal to head for the prairies Saint-Martin nature park; or head east, passing under the place de la République via the tunnel before coming out at the end of the quays to do a tour around the île de la Californie, close to the promenade des Bonnets Rouges.
- Book your boat (from €35 per hour for a five-person boat)
