MARCH 2016 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com 53PILOTAGE
La Roche Bernard is an atmospheric
town with ancient stone buildings, a
vibrant artists’ quarter and bars and
eateries galore. But tear yourself away, if
you can. The five miles of river from here
to Foleux is bounded by rolling hills, with
even a glimpse of the grand Château de
Lehellec to port. The banks are strewn
with boulders and woodland, so winds can
be fluky at times. Drop the anchor close to
the bank – there’s plenty of depth – and
row or swim ashore. By mid-June, the
water warms up and is fresh and clear,
perfect for those who enjoy river bathing.
For a stroll, follow the well-trodden
footpaths along the banks or cut inland
through the woods.
North of Foleux, with its delightful
marina hugging both banks on a tight
bend, the river broadens as it passes
through the marais. These open marshes
are criss-crossed by dykes and managed
for hay or as rich grazing land. Expect
to see clusters of pêcheurs sitting under
umbrellas and contemplating their lines.
Fishing is a popular sport in France, either
from the bank or in tiny canoes propelled
by foot paddles. Judging by the many
herons that also line the banks, the river
must be rich in fish.If you are lucky, you may find a space
on the small pontoon at Le Rohello, three
miles above Foleux. As one guide puts it,
it truly has une ambiance romantique et
bucolique. More specifically, it has a picnic
site and a small prehistoric dolmen (burial
tomb) of three standing stones with a huge
stone cap. The sleepy village of Béganne is
about one mile away and makes a gentle
circular walk following the road, before
returning by footpaths across the fields.
The landscape from here up to Cran
Bridge is wide open, reminiscent of East
Anglia with vast skies and intense colours.
Little inlets make it possible to pull in
off the river, easing gently into soft mud
at the edge. Cran Bridge offers limited
free mooring alongside a quay. There are
bankside walks here, a small bistro and a
pretty, if crumbling, old stone manoir.
The bridge (5.8m air draught whenPHOTO: RICHARD BARTON-WOODBerth alongside the small pontoon at Le Rohello and
wander ashore to visit the small prehistoric burial tombDrop the anchor and enjoy the
peace and seclusion of the river