Canal d'Ille-et-Rance walks

Circuit exploring the 11 locks of the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance.

A lovely walk starting and ending in Évran (22), taking in the landscapes of romantic Brittany with its valleys, winding canal and locks.

A hike that will take you from Saint-Médard-sur-Ille to Saint-Germain-sur-Ille through the Bois de Cranne (protected natural area) and along the towpath (greenway) with its locks.

A short route with no particular difficulties between Saint-Grégoire and Betton. No risk of getting lost, just follow the Ille and Rance canal along the towpath on the east bank and then return via the west bank.

This walk has a charm that lies in the many sunken paths it takes along the slopes of the Ille, west of Chevaigné. Sometimes lined with hundred-year-old oak trees, you can enjoy the peace and quiet, the colours and nature. Sometimes with a wide view over the Ille valley, it allows you to discover the Ille and Rance canal below, the meadows and hamlets. Very colourful in spring and autumn, shaded in summer, passable in winter: a walk for all weathers!

This hike takes us from the Ille and Rance Canal to the plateau north of Chevaigné via the eastern slopes of the Ille. It allows us to discover the charm of the locks, the sunken paths and the countryside with its hamlets. It is very varied and colourful in spring and autumn. This hike can be extended to include the "Les coteaux de l'Ille à Chevaigné" hike, with which it shares the same starting/finishing point.

Discover romantic Brittany, between the two departments of Ille-et-Vilaine and Côtes d’Armor, as you travel along part of the Ille and Rance Canal!

A varied route between the peaceful Ille-et-Rance canal and the steep-sided Moulin-Neuf valley, with beautiful architectural heritage to discover along the way. A very shaded route with very little tarmac.

A pleasant hike where you can enjoy the paths and small roads to Hédé. Then follow theGR®37trail, which will take you to the canal. Return along the towpaths to the starting point. Don't forget your camera.

This hike is an opportunity to discover the charm of the countryside south of Betton, with a return trip along the towpath of the Ille and Rance Canal. More than half of the route is dedicated to cyclists and hikers. The rest of the route consists of dead-end roads with little traffic. You will discover the Haut Chalet lock, the hamlets of Vau Robion and Les Lices, and the Moulin de la Charbonnière site with its wash house. Colourful, cool and peaceful. Can also be done by motorbike.

A short walk along the Rigole de Boulet, which feeds the upper section of the Ille and Rance Canal. Set amongst trees and following wide paths, this walk is magnificent in the colours of spring and autumn and well-shaded in summer. You’ll forget about tarmac roads the whole way. You can extend the walk along the banks of the canal (at the Ville Morin lock) or along the Rigole de Boulet to the hamlet of Le Mée.

This short walk allows you to enjoy the Ille and Rance Canal and the countryside in the south-east of the town, starting from the centre of Betton. The charm of the Pluvignon stream, shaded by a double row of ancient oak trees, makes you fancy a picnic. After the village of La Forme, the return route via the Vau Robion footpath takes us back to the canal.

Discovering the site of the eleven locks on the Ille-et-Rance Canal. Over a distance of 2 km, the eleven locks enable boats to negotiate a 27-metre difference in height via an astonishing ‘water staircase’ along the towpath. Information boards are dotted along the route, providing details on biodiversity, the bocage landscape, agriculture, the canal, the architecture and community initiatives, as well as introductory guides to drawing and painting.

The Rennes Forest, starting from the Ille and Rance Canal. After approaching via the towpath, then through the countryside along sunken paths, we enter the great forest via the slopes of the Caleuvre. The trail avoids the main forest avenues to allow us to enjoy the tall, centuries-old oaks, the banks of the Caleuvre, and the tranquillity of the forest. Magnificent photos to be taken in spring and autumn. Shaded in summer, very accessible in winter, the forest surprises us with its light.

This walk allows you to enjoy the tranquillity of the Ille and Rance Canal, as well as discover the charm of the countryside south-east of Betton. You’ll come across the Haut Chalet Lock, the Pluvignon Stream and the Bois de Champaufour. The route passes close to dairy farms and, after a few footpaths through Betton, rejoins the canal. Largely shaded, this varied walk is particularly colourful in spring and autumn. Some sections remain damp in winter.

The towpath of the Ille and Rance Canal, the lock, the footpath and the river – nature greets you from the very first few metres. The many sunken paths along the route give this easy walk its special charm. Very colourful in spring and autumn in the sunshine. Shade from the plane trees in summer. However, it can be damp during rainy winters.

A walk offering a varied route between the Ille-et-Rance Canal and the countryside around Québriac and Tinténiac. A stop in the historic centre of Tinténiac is a must to appreciate its rich architectural heritage.

Discover the variety of street art in Rennes: this short, very pleasant route to the north of Rennes’ historic centre takes you past around fifty works.Ranging from simple tags and lettering to graffiti and murals, including mosaics, drawings and various signatures, this short, colourful stroll allows you to appreciate all the facets of this modern art form. A mix of now-famous Rennes-based artists such as War! and graffiti artists from other regions gives a good sense of the scene’s vibrancy. The route takes you along little-known paths and alleyways in Old Rennes. You’ll skirt small parks and pass through gates to end up at Place Sainte-Anne, one of the city’s liveliest squares.Photographers, treat yourselves – you won’t regret it. And choose your time of day for the best light.

Explore both banks of the Vilaine as it flows through part of the city of Rennes.

A short, picturesque walk along the Ille-et-Rance Canal and via the Chemin des Amoureux. The route alternates between small roads and dirt tracks through the bocage. The paths can be very wet in winter due to the proximity of the canal.

A long hike for experienced walkers, from Lehon (Côtes-d'Armor), starting at the old Saint-Magloire Abbey (founded in the 9th century) to Saint-Pern (Ille-et-Vilaine), the mother house of the Little Sisters of the Poor. A page of history and religious life waiting to be discovered.