The one trip that I had planned for certain before leaving Yorkshire for Brittany was this trip up the Odet towards Quimper from Benodet - except that I thought it would be the other way round! Either way, it was spectacular - calm open stretches by the sea, tree- lined narrows, and then chateaux and other sites gliding by. If you go, you will find out who said it was France's most beautiful river - and he could be right!
Loved touring through Brittany. Afootinfrance arranged for us to take the boat trip up the Odet River.....it was beautiful !
A brilliant example of how to make a river interesting! Build pretty bridges over it and cover the railings in flowers! Well worth a wander especially if it leads you to where you want to go!
classic continental style of city build within boundaries of the river. Looked good with nice paths alongside but really quite standard.
We went on a two hour trip up the river and found that there was very little to see. The River Fal in Cornwall is very much more attractive
We spent a day at quimper after spending the night at rennes last year. We were sorry we had not picked to stay here instead. Rennes is lovely but this place is superb! The river and cathedral were beautiful. It was freezing cold but the beauty of the area made you forget the cold. The lay out of the streets and bridges along the river were just beautiful. I have earmarked this place for another visit in the future .....
A stroll down the Odet is lovely, but the medieval garden, right next to the river, is quite stunning and and worth the walk. It is so well designed and signed, and very peaceful. The church next door, Locmarie, is also worth a peek...it is the oldest in town, very simple on the inside, and had Gregorian chants playing, adding to the feeling of being in the 1100s instead of today.
Quite pricey - but a lovely, relaxing couple of hours with a good commentary pointing out many interesting places and features along the way.
I started from the confluence, which is how Quimper got its name, and followed the Odet closely crossing to the east bank by one of the pretty footbridges. Locmaria with its pretty square and ancient church followed. I continued to hug the river past cows in fields and onto a short section of road under the modern road bridge. Another footpath was reached and again I was right on the banks of the river. Unfortunately the path became difficult for there were several trees down and eventually I had to give up. It didn't matter though for it was a very pleasant excursion. Hopefully the trees will be cleared and I shall be back to see more.
Take the time to go on the river for a few hours. It is easy to get there by bus, and it was a glorious way to spend a few hours. The homes along the river are worth the whole trip.