Redon

Redon: an escape between heritage, nature and traditions

Nestled between land and water, Redon dans le département d’Ille et Vilaine séduit les voyageurs en quête d’authenticité. Cette ville au riche passé monastique, bâtie à la confluence de la Vilaine et de l’Oust, offre un patrimoine exceptionnel, des paysages naturels préservés et une vie locale vibrante. Située au carrefour des voies fluviales, elle est un point de départ idéal pour explorer la Bretagne sud.

A historic river site in the heart of Brittany

Confluence of the Vilaine, Oust and Canal de Nantes-Brest

Redon is distinguished by its unique location on the confluence of Brittany's main rivers. As a port city, it has long been a major commercial crossroads. Even today, the presence of boats in the marina and the lively quayside are reminders of this fluvial past. The town is a privileged stopover on the Nantes-Brest canal, allowing you to navigate without locks to the Arzal dam.

Commercial and strategic role

Since the Middle Ages, the town has been an essential transit point between Rennes and the sea. Salt granaries and shipowners' houses bear witness to this prosperous era. Redon was also a strategic location for defense and trade in southern Brittany.

Redon le port
Redon le port

History and heritage

Monastic foundation in the IXᵉ century

The story of Redon began in 832 with the founding of Saint-Sauveur Abbey by Saint Conwoïon. This Benedictine monastery, located on a ford, quickly became a spiritual and intellectual center of renown throughout Brittany.

Saint-Sauveur Abbey and historic center

The abbey church, a masterpiece combining Romanesque and Gothic styles, fascinates visitors with its massive tower and peaceful cloister. The surrounding historic center is home to timber-framed housescobbled streets and the famous Richelieu Tower, a vestige of medieval fortifications.

City of Art and History

Classée « Ville d’Art et d’Histoire », Redon is promoting its heritage through a number of urban itineraries and exhibitions. The Convent des Calvairiennes, now a cultural center, enriches this heritage offering.

Nature & freshwater leisure

The Vilaine, Aff and Canut marshes

The marshes that surround the city form a Natura 2000 zone abritant une biodiversité remarquable. Ces paysages, changeant au rythme des saisons, se découvrent à pied, en vélo ou en bateau. Le marais de Gannedel est une réserve ornithologique de 500 ha où l’on peut observer plus de 100 espèces d’oiseaux.

Île-aux-Pies, a listed natural site

Just a few kilometers away, Île-aux-Pies is a paradise for nature lovers. Classified as a natural site, it offers activities such as rock climbing (60+ routes), canoeing and hiking trails for all levels.

Hiking and biking

Le GR 38 prend son départ à Redonleading all the way to Douarnenez. The Vélodyssée (EV1) also passes through the town, offering cyclists a great experience along the canals.

Local life and events

Festivals and markets

Every autumn, Redon comes alive with the Teillouse Fair and the Bogue d'Or festival, celebrating chestnuts and Breton traditions. These events attract thousands of visitors.

Cultural festivals

In summer, the Musicales de Redon bring a variety of concerts to the city. The guinguettes and entertainment on the Croix-des-Marins bring a festive atmosphere to the waterside.

Breton language and culture

Proud of its roots, the town promotes the Breton and Gallo languages through cultural and educational initiatives.

Practical information for visitors

Access and transport

Redon is within easy reach of the TGV/TER station, with regular services to Rennes, Nantes and Paris. Departmental roads provide quick access to Morbihan and coastal towns.

Accommodation and catering

La ville offre une large gamme d’hébergements : hôtels de charme, gîtes, chambres d’hôtes et campings. Les spécialités locales comme la terrine de châtaigne et les crêpes bretonnes se dégustent dans les restaurants et marchés.

Tourist office & resources

The tourist office, located in the town center, offers maps, brochures and guided tours to help you discover all the assets of the town. Redon.

Around Redon: regional discovery

Villages of character

The surrounding area is full of treasures, such as Saint-Jean-la-Poterie, famous for its artisan potters, and Saint-Jacut-les-Pins, renowned for its moorland landscapes and megaliths.

Nature & adventure activities

Families will love the nearby accrobranche parks and horse-riding circuits, while sports enthusiasts will love the canoe courses and steep trails of Île-aux-Pies.

Around Redon: towns and must-sees to discover

Located on the border between Ille-et-Vilaine, Morbihan and Loire-AtlantiqueRedon is an ideal starting point for exploring the the richness of its territory and neighbouring communes.


1. Île-aux-Pies (Bains-sur-Oust, Saint-Vincent-sur-Oust...)

Classified as Large natural site sur les rives de l’Oust et du canal de Nantes à Brest, l’Île‑aux‑Pies séduit par ses falaises, ses espaces forestiers, son réseau de hiking trails, d'climbing (plus de 60 voies) et ses aires de pique‑nique. Accessible à pied, vélo, canoë ou voiture, ce site propose aussi du camping et de l’accrobrancheto delight young and old alike.


2. Saint-Jean-la-Poterie

Saint-Jean-la-Poterie has been a potters' village since the Middle Ages and is a Mecca for the pottery industry. ceramic know-how Breton. The center Le Patiau retraces the history of local clay and features exhibitions, workshops and stores where you can meet craftsmen at work. A walk through flower-filled alleyways and typical workshops not to be missed..


3. Saint-Jacut-les-Pins

À seulement 15 km de Redon, cette commune est idéale pour une sortie family and heritage. Between walks on the butte des 5 moulinsdiscover a restored mill, and immerse yourself in the Saint-Just moorsdotted with megaliths, this village offers a natural and historical interlude..


4. The moors and megaliths of Saint-Just

In the heart of the moors, a few kilometers to the north, lies a megalithic site remarkable, frequented as early as the XIXᵉ century. A signposted trail, with a small museum (Maison Mégalithes et Landes), guide to dolmens and menhirs, for a prehistoric discovery in the heart of nature..


5. Gannedel marshes and Vilaine valley

Ces vastes marais (≈ 500 ha) forment une natural wetland rich in biodiversity, ideal for hiking, birdwatching and boating. On the outskirts of Redon, the valleys of the VilainetheAff and Canut offer breathtaking landscapes to discover on foot, by bike or by boat.


6. Le Manoir de l'Automobile & museum

À Lohéac, ce car museum présente une collection de véhicules anciens restaurés, pour les amateurs de mécaniques et d’histoire industrielle régionale .


7. A short trip to typical Morbihan villages

Découvrez des picturesque villages comme La Vraie‑Croix ou Lizio. Ruelles fleuries, patrimoine architectural breton et ambiance authentique pour une excursion dépaysante.

Redon weather: annual overview and climate

Temperatures

  • Average annual temperature : 12,2 °C.

  • Summer (June to September): hot season with average highs between 22–24 °C in July and August.

  • Winter (November to March): cool season, with minimum temperatures often around 3–5 °C en janvier ; les gelées sont rares.

Weather Redon Precipitation

  • Annual rainfall : 721–756 mmwell distributed throughout the year, with a peak in winter and a slightly drier summer.

  • July is the driest month, with around 22-30 mm of rain.

  • December is one of the wettest months, with almost 65-76 mm.

Weather Redon
Redon

Sunshine & clouds

  • Sunniest period : May to Octoberwith July being the brightest month (more than 10 h of sunshine per day).

  • Winter is more overcast: January receives only 4-5 h of sunshine a day.

Wind & humidity

  • Average wind: variable around 25-31 km/h depending on the season.

  • Humidité annuelle : élevée, de 73 % en été à 88 % en hiver.

What this means for you

  • Best time to visit : fin mai à début octobre, avec belles journées ensoleillées (22–24 °C), idéales pour bateau, randonnées sur les chemins de halage et visites guidées.

  • Summer evenings : températures douces (min. ~14–16 °C), parfaites pour profiter des terrasses ou balades fluviales, avec une humidité modérée.

  • Winter in Redon : doux (4–10 °C), humide, parfois pluvieux. Prévoyez des vêtements chauds et imperméables si vous visitez entre novembre et mars.

Degraded oceanic climate

Redon enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream. The summers are pleasantly warm, but not excessively so, and the winters are generally mild, with regular rainfall all year round. Showers often pass quickly, and frosts and severe winter weather are rare. The proximity of rivers moderates extremes.

In a nutshell

  • Summer : hot and dry, températures de 22 à 24 °C, journées ensoleillées.

  • Winter : soft and humid, rares gelées, 4–10 °C.

  • Rainfall: distributed throughout the year, drier in summer, wetter in winter.

  • Wind: moderate to strong year-round.

  • Perfect for sightseeing tours from April to October.

Redon cinema - cinema experiences in the heart of Brittany

À Redonthe cinéma associatif Ciné Manivelideally located quai Jean Bart, is the pillar of local cultural life. Equipped with seven rooms (dont une salle multifonction ouverte en janvier 2018), ce cinéma propose une programmation riche et diversifiée : mainstream films, art et essaiyoung audience sessions, thematic cycles and cultural events.

Redon cinema

A lively, friendly place

Ciné Manivel est bien plus qu’une simple projection : c’est un sharing space. The facility organizes regular cycles, comme « Jeudi, c’est Bacri » ou la rétrospective Ghibli, et des événements adaptés à différents publics (séances spéciales, opéra, ciné‑phare, petits cinémas pour enfants). Les animations sont nombreuses, avec une programmation jeune public telle que le « Little Films Festival », des séances interactives et un rythme hebdomadaire varié.

Ciné-Café: gourmet treats and screenings

A popular feature of Ciné Manivel is its Ciné-Café a convivial space offering snacks, drinks and local produce, in partnership with Breton producers. Ideal for prolonging the discussion after the show, this venue reinforces the community atmosphere and encourages exchanges between spectators.

An exceptional, award-winning venue

The cinema enjoys the Art & Essai : il propose des films en original version with subtitlesdocumentaries, heritage works and new independent releases. The quality of our programming is assured by an active association of volunteers and professionals.

Practical info

  • Address : 12 Quai Jean Bart, 35600 Redon

  • Rates Prices : variable depending on the type of session; online ticketing available

  • Program available weekly online, weekly newsletter

In conclusion, the cinema in Redon rhymes with conviviality, film diversityand local commitment. Ciné Manivel, with its Art & Essai label, is a benchmark for cinema-lovers of all ages, offering a wide range of films. rewarding experienceand community.

Redon swimming pool - sport, leisure and well-being

Visit Pays de Redon Sport-Loisirs poollocated in Redon's Parc Anger, is a municipal aquatic complex open all year round. It combines a bassin sportif de 25 ma fosse de plongée de 5,5 ma space indoor fun équipé (toboggans de 54 m, geysers, champignons d’eau, solarium, pataugeoire), ainsi qu’un summer outdoor space with water jets, counter-current swimming and solarium.

Accessible to all - children, adults, beginners and experienced swimmers - the facilities host swimming, aquagym, aquabike, baby swimming and aquaphobia sessions, as well as group classes and vacation courses.. A structure adapted to diving and triathlon sports, as well as training for local firefighters and clubs..

The company also guaranteesaccessibility for people with reduced mobilitywith adapted cabins, elevator, wheelchairs and accessible showers.

Tarifs indicatifs et informations pratiques

  • Adult admission : ~4,60 € ; tarif réduit ~3,65 € ; gratuit pour les moins de 3 ans.

  • Subscription packages available (monthly, 10 or 20 admissions, family rates).

  • Opening hours variable according to school periods and vacations; open at weekends.

  • Access easy by car (parking), bus and train via Redon.


Visit Redon swimming pool is an all-round venue combining sport, fun and relaxation, perfectly suited to all ages and abilities.

FAQ Redon

Do you need a boat to visit Redon?

No, the city can also be explored on foot or by bike, particularly along the quays and towpaths.

When is the Teillouse fair?

Every October, it celebrates chestnuts and local traditions.

Are there any marked hiking trails?

Oui, le GR 38 et plusieurs circuits locaux sont accessibles depuis le centre.

Can you visit Île-aux-Pies without doing sports?

Absolutely, flat paths allow you to admire the landscape without having to do anything.

How do I get to Redon from Paris?

By TGV, allow around 2h30 for the journey, with a change at Rennes.

Conclusion

Redon is a must-see destination for lovers of heritage, nature and tradition. With its lively quays, festivals and river landscapes, it offers a unique experience in the heart of Brittany.

To find out more about the history of this river town, go to dedicated encyclopaedia.