Ille Flottante

A lock keeper's house is reborn and the whole canal comes to life!

When a lock house is reborn on the Ille-et-Rance canal, two "toues cabanées" become our floating homes for an unusual night.
The story began with a call for projects from the Brittany region, which wanted to revive lock houses that had been neglected for too long—and which have been under its responsibility since the State transferred ownership of the canals to it in 2008. Among the first four projects launched in Ille-et-Vilaine, Catherine Saint-James' Ille Flottante opened in August 2014.

In front of the lock house of La Petite Madeleine, one of the 11 locks of the famous Hédé-Bazouges staircase near Rennes, two "toues cabanées" are now moored to accommodate vacationers, hikers, and cyclists passing through.
These traditional wooden flat-bottomed boats from the Loire, named 'La Javanaise' and 'Le Poisson Fa', were artisanally built. Two sleeping areas (4 people), dry toilets, and a shower make them fun little floating houses that delight both adults and children (of course, wearing a life jacket is mandatory for children who can't swim).

Living along the canal is a true privilege, and Ille Flottante is an idyllic stop. What a joy to pause here during a bike ride, a walk, or even on horseback! By the towpath (now a greenway) of the Ille-et-Rance canal, one can connect Saint-Malo—the city of Surcouf—to the center of Rennes. True athletes might follow the Manche-Océan canal all the way to Arzal, where the Vilaine meets the Atlantic Ocean, while others will explore the surrounding areas to visit Rennes, Saint-Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, and this beautiful natural environment. Staying aboard your "toue" to enjoy these timeless moments is just as appealing.

In 2016, two new unusual accommodations opened: the 'paddocks'. These former horse stalls located behind the lock house were converted into charming guest rooms.
Since then, a lovely 1960 mahogany-hulled sailboat, Le Diskiant, which means "crazy" in Breton, has been fully renovated and placed in the meadow to accommodate up to four people aboard.
Along the canal, the Yellow Submarine, a colorful barge, and a traditional Dutch sailboat of the Gründel type, Nieuve Sorgh, have joined the lively atmosphere that has taken over the docks of Ille Flottante.

A wind of freedom that makes life sweeter in Hédé, thanks to Catherine, who is brimming with ideas: a bike repair workshop (with small tool loans and repair kits), bike rentals, picnic baskets, and gourmet aperitifs for her residents, the sale of local products, and the "Tourism and Disability" label.

The true joy of a green weekend: Take the train to Montreuil-sur-Ille station (Rennes/Saint-Malo line) and be picked up by the Ille Flottante shuttle, which will bring us—and even our bikes!

..:: Updates ::.. the Yellow Submarine barge and Le Nieuvre Sorgh, the Dutch sailboat

><(((º> Open from March 1 to October 31 <º)))><

..:: Did you know? The Breton canal network (the Nantes-Brest canal, the Blavet, and the Manche-Océan canal from Saint-Malo to the Atlantic) covers 506 km, 313 locks, and 156 lock houses, of which fewer than 70 are still inhabited by lock keepers today ::..

From 50 EUR
Rates 2020, the night aboard the sailboat in the meadow for two people, breakfast included, sheets and towels provided.

✫ Diskiant >>, the sailboat in the meadow with its triangular cabin at the front and two individual berths. Onboard, electricity and dry toilets for the night. Access to the sanitary block (showers, toilets, WC, washing machine) and the summer kitchen; from €25 per night per person (maximum capacity 3 people), breakfast included, taken onboard or on the boat deck. Bike shelter.

✫ Paddocks >> a double room and a family room for four people. Access to the private sanitary block of the lock house (toilets, showers, sinks); from €25 per night per person (€13 per child under 15).
Sheets package for the room, €10 per stay
Breakfast, €7 per adult (€5 per child)

✫ Nieuve Sorgh >>, the Dutch Gründel-type sailboat. A traditional sailboat with a charming interior for 2 or 3 adults (front berth for two and extra berth in the living area). Equipped living area for meals and teak terrace to enjoy the fresh air. Private and exclusive bathroom at the back of the lock house for more comfort, as well as other shared sanitary facilities.
Breakfasts delivered, towels and sheets provided, €95 per night for two people (€20 per additional person). Maximum capacity 3 people.

✫ Yellow Submarine >>, the flower power barge with its room for 2 to 3 people at the back and a lounge for 3 other people at the front.
Onboard, a kitchenette and a bathroom with WC and shower.
Towels and breakfast are ready for you onboard.
Breakfasts, towels, and sheets provided, €105 per night for two people (€20 per additional person). Maximum capacity 3 people.

✫ Toue cabanée >> two sleeping areas (4 people), dry toilets, shower, fridge, sink, dishes, kettle, everything you need in this little floating house (life jacket mandatory for children who cannot swim). Terrace, barbecue loan, and heating to enjoy your toue in peace.
Understandably, pets are not allowed onboard.
From €105 per night for two people.
Additional charge per child, €7 per night (maximum two).
Optional, tent canvas for a 5th person, €10.
Two adult bikes per boat and a kayak for the site provided free of charge.

Note: All prices are provided for informational purposes only and must be confirmed directly with the establishment.
20 minutes from Rennes by car, 370km from Paris (3h30).
By bike, 42 km along the Ille et Rance canal from Rennes.