Published by Lyn on 25 August 2016
Gerry and Janet stayed at La Maison du Canal on a recent Nantes-Brest Canal cycling holiday. Here's their review.
Recommended for this bike route:
The Nantes-Brest Canal guidebook
La Maison du Canal
Pont Auffret, 22110 Rostrenen (Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany)
View map
+ 33 (0)2 96 24 78 60 / info@maisoncanal.com
Official website
On our recent trip to the the Nantes-Brest Canal we had the opportunity to sample the well situated chambre d'Hotes, La Maison du Canal.
It's situated on the D790 next to the the canal in the commune of Pont Auffret, which we assume takes its name from the bridge that carried the D790 over the canal at this point. The road still crosses the canal here, but one cannot call the crossing a true bridge, as it would be impossible to pass under it with anything much bigger than a Pooh stick.
The B&B appears quite impressive from the towpath, or from the south on the road.
From the north, just turn left before the canal and you are there. Apparently it used to be 'une guinguette' – or as our host, John, somewhat proudly translated: 'a Bordello'. Now it is a lot more respectable – even about to have its own indoor swimming pool. This did mean that the usual indoor cycle park was not available during our visit, but John and Hilary both value their cycling clients and very adequate provision was made for our bikes (there was certainly plenty of space).
If one needs provisions, Rostrenen is only 4km north with all the necessary commerce and a good choice of restaurants. We can recommend the 'La Grotte' Pizza restaurant. Hilary can also provide evening meals – you just need to let her know 24 hours in advance so she can get in fresh provisions.
5 things we liked
1. Has to be the position – it is only a few steps from the canal. Our room had a very good view of the canal.
2. All the rooms are generous in size, and contain at least one single bed in addition to a double – making them ideal for groups of friends. (Hmmm ... perhaps that Bordello story is true?)
3. Good continental breakfast choices: everything was fresh and plentiful, and it should be mentioned that the dining area is available at other times for 'self-service' coffee and teas with convenient access to outside seating.
4. Hosts, John and Hilary, and not to forget Henry, their little dog, who seemed happy to tolerate our Harris.
5. We think that the new swimming pool would be our next like!
In conclusion, this is a good stopover for anyone, families, groups or singles travelling the Nantes-Brest Canal: cyclists, walkers, pilgrims ...
La Maison du Canal
Pont Auffret, 22110 Rostrenen (Côtes-d'Armor, Brittany)
+ 33 (0)2 96 24 78 60 / info@maisoncanal.com
Official website
