Hédé et ses écluses

Along the canal

Picture 1 Hédé et ses écluses Picture 2 Hédé et ses écluses

The Ille-et-Rance canal is a 52 mile (84km)-long stretch of water that links Rennes with St Malo. The area offers some wonderful opportunities for cycling and walking and below the hilltop village of Hédé you’ll see the unusual site of 11 locks in less than 1.2 miles (2km).

Locks, stock and barrels

Work started on the canal in 1804 and finished in 1832. The project was launched by Napoléon Bonaparte who wanted to be able to move supplies around Brittany without using the coast, where boats were likely to be attacked by the English. At Bazouges-sous-Hédé there are 11 locks, each of which are only about 200m apart; this ‘staircase’ of water takes boats through an 88 feet (27m)-change in level. You can find out more about the canal’s history and this feat of engineering in the Maison du Canal. A jazz festival, Jazz aux Ecluses, is held in an open-air theatre near the Maison in September.

Going green

These days, as well as taking to the water in a pleasure boat, many people enjoy walking or cycling along the towpath. Almost the whole length, from Rennes to St Malo, is a designated voie verte (green way), a maintained path that is free from motorised vehicles. Along the way, you’ll pass picturesque former lock keepers’ cottages festooned with geraniums – some are privately owned whereas others offer holiday accommodation.

Diversions

There are many worthwhile diversions along the part of the voie verte near the locks. The main sight in Hédé is its ruined castle from where you’ll enjoy extensive views over the surrounding countryside. A bit further north is the market town of Tinténiac, which boasts houses dating from the 14th century, a Byzantine church and a museum of old tools and trades such as blacksmiths and clog makers.

Further afield

However a car or a bike will allow you to travel further inland and follow the Circuit Tinténiac-Montmuran. This historical trail takes in Les Iffs with the château de Montmuran castle and Gothic church known for its magnificent stained glass windows, as well as the 16th-century Domaine de la Bourbansais stately home and zoo in Pleugueneuc.

Did you know?

There is a small estate of eco-friendly houses in Bazouges-sous-Hédé, which is recognised as a model for this style of living.