Rivers, canals, the sea, and estuaries : a vast choice of natural beauty spots
Côtes-d’Armor can provide a whole range of thrills for canoeists. Paddle down the clear, tumbling waters of the rivers of inland Brittany. Cross their tiny rapids. Enjoy yourself with the currents
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Glide along a canal deep in the countryside where the main impression is one of tranquillity. Or experience the thrills of canoe slides.
Wait for the tides and paddle down estuaries with silver-tinged river banks until you catch sight of the sea.
Skim across the waves in a sea canoe and watch the seabirds in flight in the middle of the islands. All these trips bring you closer to a particularly varied natural environment and eventful local history. The fact that they are seen and experienced from the water gives a totally different perspective and heightened emotions.
The local canoeing committee has produced a guidebook (topoguide) covering trips along a dozen rivers and lakes in Côtes-d’Armor with details of their special features.
The white water stadium : All the pleasures of white water canoeing whatever the time of year
The White Water Stadium in Lannion (B2) lies between sea and river and it uses all the resources provided by the tides. Thanks to mobile obstacles, the course of the 270-metre (293 yd.) river can be changed at will.
This is an outstanding amenity with a pond enabling adults and children to try their hand at a range of activities in absolute safety. There are rafts, mini-rafts, inflatable canoes and kayaks. The beginners' pool provides an environment in which to learn about the movements of water with an instructor. There is an advanced pool since the level of difficulty can increase as the canoeist progresses, and a training pool in which canoeists who compete in regional, national and international competitions can practise throughout the year.Stade d'Eau Vive de Lannion
Phone : (33) 2 96 37 43 90
The Nantes-Brest Canal
Trip along a quiet stretch of water : 5 km (3 miles) - 3 hours
Advanced-level route : 7.5 km (4½ miles) - 5 hours
Depart from the Créharer Lake in Glomel (B7).This outstanding area enables visitors to travel as they please. For canoeists, it has the added attraction of a double itinerary.
The quiet stretch of water is suitable for all levels of canoeist. It runs past the historic, and powerfully silent "Great Trench" filled with remarkable plant life (flowering ferns grow in abundance here). As you glide along the water in the silence of the countryside, it is impossible to imagine that this untamed, wooded area was actually manmade. Then the canal widens out and joins the Trébel Lake bordered by fields. The final stage is the lake in Le Mézouet where the surroundings are wilder and the banks steeper although there are also fields all around. If you wish, you can paddle back by canoe.
The longer trip includes no less than 25 aluminium canoe slides built over the canal locks - no shortage of thrills and excitement! This is the only canal itinerary of its kind in France. It is suitable for canoes, canoe-rafts and water sledges.Club de Canoë-Kayak de Maël-Carhaix
Ecole Française de Canoë-Kayak
Phone : (33) 2 96 29 17 95 or (33) 2 98 93 04 42
The Rance, a tidal river
Short breaks for parties (min. 12 people) - 1 to 4 days
Depart from the harbour at Lanvallay (K5)The tiny harbour in Lanvallay, a reminder of Dinan's past as a maritime town, is a gateway separating land and sea. Nestling far upstream on the R. Rance, it has been unable to expand since the Middle Ages and timbered housefronts are reflected in the ebb of the river and flow of the sea.
With its flora, fauna, ecosystems and scenery, the estuary constitutes a particularly varied environment.
Because canoes or large canoe-drakkars glide silently across the water, they can move discreetly closer to birds such as herons, shags, and shelducks in their natural habitat of reedbeds and forests. A trip along the Rance also gives an insight into the life of a canal lock, fishing with a square net, working with a tidal mill etc.Maison du Tourisme
Phone : (33) 2 96 62 72 15
The Lié, a superb canoeing river
10 km (6 miles) - ½ day
Depart from Pont-Querra, Plémet (G8)This delightful river has dug out a course through a valley that is sheer-sided in some places but wide in others. The river flows more rapidly between Le Vaublanc and Le Pont-Querra, passing between forests and boulders, between millraces and millstreams.
Upstream, it wends its sinuous way lazily towards Plougenast; downstream, it flows down to La Chèze through wild spots such as the Roche aux Cerfs.
In winter and springtime, it hosts slaloms and competitions. In summer, its water are more peaceful and are ideal for pleasant trips.Canoë-Club du Lié
Phone : (33) 2 96 25 98 01 or (33) 2 96 25 77 02 (low season)
The Trieux Estuary, a link between land and sea
18 km (11 miles) along the estuary to the sea - 5 hours
Depart from the Club Nautique Pontrivien in Pontrieux (D2)The Trieux Estuary is covered by a protection order and is one of the best-preserved river mouths in Brittany.
The presence of a guide adds to the pleasure of a canoeing trip that gives visitors an opportunity to find out something about the history, flora and fauna of this area.
After leaving Pontrieux, a Small Town of Special Character where flowerbeds abound, the trip takes you past the wash-houses. The river then begins to flow down the estuary in time with the tide.
Along the wooded river banks filled with a wealth of botanical specimens, there is the impressive Château de la Roche-Jagu. You may spot a heron, a crested egret, or shelducks. The Trieux is also a river of historical interest. The Maison de l'Estuaire and the Traou-Meur tidal mill lie in the area famous for the "Seznec Affair".
Beyond the harbour at Lézardrieux, there are 6 km (3½ miles) remaining before you arrive in Loguivy-de-la-Mer and the last few strokes of the paddle give you a magnificent view of the Bréhat Archipelago.Club Nautique Pontrivien (Point Canoë Nature, Ecole Française de Canoë-Kayak)
Phone : (33) 2 96 95 17 20
Sea canoeing : Skimming across the waves of Côtes-d’Armor
The white canoe shaped like a rocket is 6 metres (almost 20 ft.) long yet there is only just enough space to sit in it.
The regular rhythm of the paddles, the play of currents and tides, the slow advance between the pink rocks - these are just some of the features of sea canoeing. It feels as if you are sitting on the water, as if you are an integral part of the scenery, as if you are sharing the everyday life of shags and arctic terns.
It may be tempting to set out on your own but seek advice first from a club. This is vital for your own safety and to ensure that you comply with regulations.
