Attractions and Places To See around Saint-Gonnery - Top 15
Attractions around Saint-Gonnery, a commune in Brittany, France, include local historical sites and access to diverse points of interest in surrounding towns. The area is bordered by the Oust River and traversed by the Rigole Alimentaire du Canal de Nantes à Brest. Visitors can explore a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites within Saint-Gonnery and its vicinity. The region offers opportunities for cycling and hiking along its waterways and through its historical landscapes.
Best attractions and places…
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Pontivy Castle
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Canal de Nantes à Brest: Pontivy to Mûr-de-Bretagne
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Rohan
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Écluse de la Forêt
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Junction Basin of the Canals
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It was Napoleon Bonaparte, then first consul, who decided on September 17, 1802 to channel the Blavet from Pontivy to Lorient. The project was titanic and lasted more than 30 years.
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The old castle is now partially open to the public. It looks very defensive.
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Here, the Blavet meets the Nantes-Brest canal. It was Napoleon Bonaparte, then first consul, who decided on September 17, 1802 to channel the Blavet from Pontivy to Lorient. The project was titanic and lasted more than 30 years.
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The Forêt lock is one of the many locks that balance the waters on the Nantes-Brest canal. It is named after the forest of Branguily forest which extends, at this location, on both sides of the canal.
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The Château de Pontivy, or Château des Rohan, was built between the middle of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century for and by the Viscounts of Rohan. Following the codes of Breton military architecture from the end of the 15th century, this castle is one of the last fortified castles to have been built in Brittany. You will notice that the facade allows adaptation to the development of fire artillery, but that particular attention is paid to comfort and decoration. The downspouts are worked, the skylights carved, and the interior of the castle is equipped with fireplaces and latrines, making it a little gem of comfort for the time. Two permanent exhibitions are housed there: one is dedicated to the sculptor Gaston Schweitzer, while the other is a more contemporary installation by Japanese artist Koki Watanabe. I personally loved the contrast offered by this rather austere facade with the charm of the half-timbered houses in the city center, which I invite you to take the time to discover.
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This curved section of the famous Nantes-Brest canal lets you discover the richness of the banks of the Blavet, which flows into the Lorient estuary in Morbihan. You can see that its bed is mainly artificial, and that its course is regulated by an ingenious system of locks. Slightly to the north of Mûr-de-Bretagne, the Guerlédan dam abruptly interrupts its course, thus giving birth to the largest artificial lake in Brittany, the Lac de Guerlédan. The gravelly surface is pleasant for both touring bikes, gravel and even road bikes. I am personally charmed by the melody of the tires on the gravel, so this portion is conducive to meditation and relaxation for me. A real moment of vacation!
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There’s a lovely campsite in Kerfourn called Ker Therese, ideal for stopping off whilst cycling the Nantes Brest Canal. #kertherese
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Charming small town on the banks of the river Oust and the Canal from Nantes to Brest which merge for part of the way. It is the home to the House of Rohan, members of which included viscounts, dukes and princes and has had a prominent role in French history. The name of the commune and it's coat of arms are identical to that of the family. Murals and historic buildings tell the story. There is also a helpful visitor center.
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The Nantes to Brest canal is a must to discover Brittany by bike
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in and around Saint-Gonnery?
Saint-Gonnery itself features the 17th-century Église Saint-Gonnery and several historical crosses, including a 1762 calvary in the cemetery and a 16th-century crossroads cross on Rue du Calvaire. Nearby, you can visit the impressive Pontivy Castle, a 15th-century fortified castle, or the thousand-year-old Château de Josselin, both offering a deep dive into Brittany's past.
Are there any natural attractions or features to see near Saint-Gonnery?
Yes, Saint-Gonnery is bordered to the east by the Oust River, and the Rigole Alimentaire du Canal de Nantes à Brest traverses the commune, offering scenic walks. The area is also close to the beautiful Lac de Guerlédan, located about 19 km away, which is Brittany's largest artificial lake. You can also find the Écluse de la Forêt, a lock on the Nantes-Brest canal, named after the Branguily forest that surrounds it.
What kind of outdoor activities are available around Saint-Gonnery?
The region offers excellent opportunities for cycling and hiking. The Canal de Nantes à Brest: Pontivy to Mûr-de-Bretagne section is ideal for bike rides and walks, allowing you to explore the Blavet's banks. You can find various hiking routes, including easy to moderate loops like the 'Ville Pérot lock – Écluse de la Forêt loop' or 'Canal de Nantes à Brest – Rohan loop'. For more options, check out the hiking guide for Saint-Gonnery.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?
Families can enjoy the outdoor leisure activities at L'Accrobrancherie, located just 1.4 km from the town center. The nearby Parc Aquarev in Loudeac (9.1 km away) is another attraction. Additionally, the canal paths, such as the Canal de Nantes à Brest: Pontivy to Mûr-de-Bretagne, are generally suitable for family bike rides and walks.
Where can I find cultural sites or towns with historical character near Saint-Gonnery?
The nearby town of Pontivy (13 km away) is renowned for its medieval old town. You can also visit the Cistercian Abbey of Our Lady of Timadeuc (10.9 km away) for a cultural experience. Further afield, Moncontour (29 km away) boasts streets of half-timbered houses, and Saint-Brieuc (43 km away) features a cathedral and a historic center with medieval architecture.
What is the best time of year to visit Saint-Gonnery for outdoor activities?
Brittany generally offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities from spring through early autumn. The summer months are ideal for enjoying the canals and lakes, while spring and autumn provide cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and cycling without the peak tourist crowds.
Are there any specific cycling routes or trails I should know about?
Absolutely. The region is excellent for cycling, including sections of 'La Vélodyssée' along the Oust River and the Canal de Nantes à Brest. The Canal de Nantes à Brest: Pontivy to Mûr-de-Bretagne offers a pleasant gravel surface suitable for touring, gravel, and even road bikes. For mountain biking, routes like the 'Écluse de la Forêt – Rohan loop' are available. Explore more options in the MTB Trails around Saint-Gonnery guide.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3966360" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Junction Basin of the Canals</a> and why is it significant?
The Junction Basin of the Canals is where the Blavet River meets the Nantes-Brest Canal. This site is historically significant because Napoleon Bonaparte initiated the channeling of the Blavet from Pontivy to Lorient in 1802, a monumental project that took over 30 years to complete and created this important waterway connection.
Can I find local markets in the towns near Saint-Gonnery?
Yes, several nearby towns host markets. You can find a market in Loudeac on Saturdays, in Pontivy all day on Mondays, and in Josselin on Saturdays. These markets are great places to experience local culture and find regional products.
What is the town of <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/540883" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohan</a> known for?
Rohan is a charming small town situated on the banks of the Oust River and the Nantes-Brest Canal. It is historically significant as the ancestral home of the House of Rohan, a prominent family in French history. The town's murals and historic buildings tell its story, and its coat of arms is identical to that of the family.
Are there any gardens or parks to visit in the vicinity?
Yes, besides Louarnig Park within Saint-Gonnery, you can explore the Jardin du Botrain, located about 15 km away. This is one of several gardens listed as tourist attractions near Saint-Gonnery, offering a peaceful natural escape.
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