Although going along the river can be quite nice, the really interesting bit is going to Les Glénans.We go there every year, either using the vedettes de l'Odet (for booking http://www.vedettes-odet.com/ - 02 98 57 00 58) or renting a motor boat (from Ile Tudy or Loc Tudy as it is less expensive than Benodet for ex - but you need a license). Les Vedettes also start from Loc Tudy.They propose different options, we only used the trip to St Nicolas island.The Islands are wonderful, with cristal clear turquoise waters (they are in the middle of the ocean). Of course, water is colder than on the continent. Bring your snorkeling gear.The very best way is to go there sailing (did that also) but you should be experienced (lots of rocks), but you can go (as with the motor boat) to beaches where nobody can!The Glénans is world famous for its sailing school (in fact all types of wind propelled engines).It is a paradise for sailing.If you stay on St Nicolas, there is a board walk giving you access to several beaches.One apex of your visit is the restaurant Les Viviers-Castric (02 98 50 68 90 - in season you must make a reservation as they limit the number of tables) - half our motivation to go there, for their simple but delicious grilled blue lobster. The rest of the food is basic and just OK. But the blue lobster is the best lobster you can eat (I am a cook), it is fished locally, and you could see your victims in the huge sea tank of the restaurant. The rest of the food is average, but you'll have trouble to find anywhere lobster at that price. As a starter, you won't be disappointed with the crab or the fish soup. Deserts are so-so.Finally, it is windy there, in the ocean, hence bring a sweater and rain gear as the weather changes often. If you are lucky to have a sunny day - you will be in paradise.
Great boats - including one with a glass bottom to experience an undersea view. Visibility however can vary and can be very limited. Great views along the river & estuary, including Bénodet & St.Marine - but best views are on & around the Glenan Isles. Overall it's OK, but there are better things to see nearby without the need to spend tens of euros on tickets.
A pleasant enough couple of hours afloat, but the trip is almost entirely between heavily wooded banks with just 4 or 5 chateaux peeping through the trees. Highlight of the commentary was cormorants sitting on navigation poles! Turned round before reaching Quimper. Not worth €28 pp.
The food was great, well prepared and fresh, there was a commentary of the different chateaux, and it was a pleasant way to spend a lunchtime.My only grumble would be that the dining room was somewhat airless and stuffy.
It was an amazing afternoon. I recommend you chose a time when the tide is high, much more beautiful. The staff are great. The commentary is both in French and English. It's very relaxing. Chose a sunny day too. Do not prebook unless you are sure of the weather, this cruise with rain would be wasted as the price is not on the cheap side but well worth it on a sunny day. Enjoy!
A wonderful trip to these off shore islands. Good comentary, some of it in English, much more expansive in French but they were commenting on English pirates!
Sadly we chose to go on the two hour trip on a very rainy day which meant we had to stand out in the rain to see the sights or sit in the cabin . It was also VERY expensive at 27 euros each.
Paid a lot for this and the tour was given in both English and French...however, the guide's English was impossible to understand.
I never tire of a trip on the beatiful l'Odet and each time I learn something new about the Chateau and wildlife along the banks as the tour guides become ever more proficient and adventurous in their English commentary. An excellent way, subject to tides, of visiting Quimper while leaving the car behind. Always take something warm to wear because the river can become quite cold.
Cold sea but fab day out . Restaurants on arrival are nice but save your hot chocolate for after swimming in the freezing sea. Hope the sun shines for you!