Take to the seas on a Breton sailing boatA family outing on board a tall ship

Take to the seas on a Breton sailing boat

Enjoy a fabulous boat trip with your clan! Try the manoeuvres for yourself and turn back time on a traditional sailing boat over a day, afternoon or a couple of hours. Lovingly renovated or faithful replicas of watercraft from a bygone era, these five sailing boats promise adventurous jaunts. All aboard!

1. Manoeuvre a legendary fishing boat between Séné and Ile aux Moines.

Le Corbeau des Mers – Séné, a typical harbour near Vannes

It lived an extraordinary life. Built in 1931, Le Corbeau des Mers is a lobster boat famous for playing its part in the liberation of France by responding to the Appeal of 18 June, with 27 sailors from the Ile de Sein on board. Nowadays, this spectacularly restored wooden sloop parades its large brick-hued sail around the Gulf of Morbihan. In a friendly ambiance, Eric, the skipper, will tell you the colourful story of the boat and this wonderful stretch of water dotted with islands and islets, where land meets sea to the rhythm of the tides.

Boat trip on Le Corbeau des Mers

2. Relive the thrilling privateer adventure in the footsteps of Surcouf

Le Renard – at the foot of the Saint-Malo ramparts

A replica of the last ship armed in 1812 by the legendary St. Malo privateer, Robert Surcouf, this 30-metre yellow and black cutter will instantly take you back in time! Armed with cannons, it wouldn’t look out of place on Pirates of the Caribbean; its old sea dog lines are recognisable from afar when it cruises at full sail along the spectacular Emerald Coast, famous for its Belle-Epoque seaside resorts, rich maritime history and the enchanting colour of its crystalline waves. Helping the crew with the manoeuvres is an unforgettable experience!

Excursion on board Le Renard

3. Discover the Gulf of Morbihan on board an elegant English fishing boat

Unity Of Lynn – Saint-Goustan, Auray’s historic harbour

This traditional shrimp fishing boat is called a smack: you can’t help but think of it when you hear the whistling of its streamlined hull slicing through the Gulf of Morbihan’s currents like the gentle sound of a wet kiss. Built in 1906 in Lincolnshire, it is now based in Saint-Goustan’s picturesque medieval harbour and hosts groups only. On board, you’ll help hoist the sails and steer while admiring the enchanting islands in the “little sea”.

Excursion on board the Unity of Lynn

4. Admire the Pink Granite Coast from a hundred-year-old sailing boat

L’Ar Jentilez – from Perros-Guirec

Once on board at Trestraou beach, the magic begins. You’ll find yourself on a Trégor goémonier trawler which sailed in their dozens between Perros and Tréguier in the 19th century. Transporting seaweed in winter and sand in summer, they were also used for coastal fishing. Like erstwhile sailors, you can cast your trolling line and rhythmically trim the sails on the approach to Ile Rouzic, France’s largest bird sanctuary with 13,000 northern gannet couples!

Boat trip on L’Ar Jentilez

5. Discover the magic of abers on board a charming goémonier

Le Karreg Hir – Plouguerneau, on the doorstep of the Aber Wrac’h

Ambassador of the goémonier and seaweed eco-museum, this proud little sloop is a replica of a 30s workboat which was used to gather kelp, a type of seaweed long sought-after for its many uses. With its rounded black hull and pretty ochre sails, it weaves its way through the rocks in an unspoilt paradise landscape, amongst forests and meadows. During the hour-and-a-half excursion, kids will play the role of little apprentice sailors, helping to adjust the sails, while parents will join Jean-Marie in pulling up the pots. Bliss!

Le Karreg Hir