Redon: an escape between heritage, nature and traditions
Nestled between land and water, Redon in the department ofIlle et Vilaine attracts travelers in search of authenticity. This town with its rich monastic past, built at the confluence of the Vilaine and Oust rivers, offers an exceptional heritage, unspoilt natural landscapes and a vibrant local life. Situated at the crossroads of river routes and in the heart of the country, it's an ideal starting point for exploring southern Brittany.
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.
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
Classified as a "Town of Art and History", 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 home to remarkable biodiversity. These landscapes, which change with the tides, can be explored on foot, by bike or by boat. The Gannedel marsh is a 500-hectare ornithological reserve where over 100 species of birds can be observed.
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
The GR 38 starts at 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
The town offers a wide range of accommodation: charming hotels, gîtes, B&Bs and campsites. Local specialties such as chestnut terrine and Breton crêpes can be sampled in restaurants and markets.
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 on the banks of the Vilaine river and the Nantes-Brest canal, Île-aux-Pies boasts cliffs, forests and a network of waterways. hiking trails, d'climbing (over 60 routes) and picnic areas. Accessible on foot, by bike, canoe or car, the site also offers camping and 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
Just 15 km from Redon, this commune is ideal for a day out. 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
These vast marshes (≈ 500 ha) form a 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
27 km from Redon, this car museum presents a collection of restored vintage vehicles, for lovers of mechanical engineering and regional industrial history. .
7. A short trip to typical Morbihan villages
Less than 30 km away, discover picturesque villages such as La Vraie-Croix and Lizio, ranked among the ten most beautiful in Morbihan. Flower-filled lanes, Breton architectural heritage and an authentic ambience for an excursion with a change of scenery..
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 in January; frosts are rare.
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.
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.
Annual humidity: high, from 73 % in summer to 88 % in winter.
What this means for you
Best time to visit Late May to early October, with sunny days (22-24°C), ideal for boating, towpath walks and guided tours.
Summer evenings Temperatures: mild (min. ~14-16°C), perfect for terraces or river walks, with moderate humidity.
Winter in Redon Weather: mild (4-10°C), humid, sometimes rainy. Bring warm, waterproof clothing if you visit between November and March.
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 drytemperatures between 22 and 24°C, sunny days.
Winter : soft and humidrare frosts, 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.
Ouest-France Redon
Publishing Ouest-France Redon is the local version of France's largest regional daily newspaper. Published every morning, the paper covers the whole of the Redon conurbation and surrounding area, between Ille-et-Vilaine and Morbihan. It offers a wide range of information: political news, community life, economic initiatives, culture, sports and news.
Recently, the paper has highlighted local events such as the inauguration of the "Maison Madeleine" in Renac, the Redon Cycling Grand Prix, and the fire department's response to the risk of drought. During the summer months, the diary of festivities and fireworks on July 14th is also closely followed.
Ouest-France Redon - several editions
Available in print and digital versions via ouest-france.fr and the mobile app, Ouest-France Redon keeps residents and visitors connected to local life. Its approach favors a local informationwritten by local journalists.
Ouest-France Redon offers local information reliable, covering town festivals, local worksites, civic initiatives and sporting events. With a team of journalists rooted in the field, this newspaper embodies the Ouest-France group's "Justice et Liberté" motto, guaranteeing rigor, proximity and humanity..
In a nutshell, Ouest-France Redon is the essential tool for keeping in touch with local news: inaugurations, events, weather and safety alerts, cultural and sporting events.
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 (including a multi-purpose room opened in January 2018), this cinema offers a rich and varied program: mainstream films, art et essaiyoung audience sessions, thematic cycles and cultural events.
A lively, friendly place
Ciné Manivel is much more than a simple screening: it's a sharing space. The facility organizes regular cyclesand the Ghibli retrospective, as well as events tailored to different audiences (special screenings, opera, ciné-phare, children's cinemas).. There's plenty of entertainment, with programs for young audiences such as the Little Films Festival, interactive sessions and a varied weekly schedule.
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 & EssaiIt offers films in 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 25 m sports poola 5.5 m diving pita space indoor fun (54 m slides, geysers, water mushrooms, solarium, paddling pool), as well as a 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.
Rates and practical information
Adult admission~€4.60; concessions ~€3.65; free for children under 3.
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.
Odilon Redon: master of symbolism and visionary artist
Odilon Redon (1840-1916) was a French painter, engraver and draughtsman, recognized as one of the major figures of the symbolism. Odilon Redon was born in Bordeaux, but his name is reminiscent of the town of Redon. He left his mark on art history with his dreamlike, mysterious works, blending dreams, visions and mythology.
His style is characterized by compositions in which the real and the imaginary merge. In his "Blacks - lithographs and charcoal drawings - he explored dark, fantastical worlds populated by strange creatures. Later, he adopted a vibrant color palette, creating luminous canvases such as The Buddha or The Cyclops.
Odilon Redon also illustrated literary texts, notably those by Baudelaire and Mallarmé, enriching the interaction between art and literature. His works, exhibited in prestigious museums such as the Musée d'Orsay, continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike.
Today, Odilon Redon is celebrated for his role as a precursor of Surrealism and his unique approach to interiority. His work embodies the quest for beauty, mystery and the human soul.
What to do in Redon this weekend? Local activities and outings
This weekend at RedonThere's something for everyone:
Guided tour of Redon's two portsDiscover the Vilaine and Oust rivers, between river heritage and quayside architecture..
Festival Les Musicales de Redon Enjoy the last concerts of the festival (until July 13), featuring classical, jazz and world music..
Exhibition and guided toursdiscover linocuts at La Bicoque or explore the "Pergola" work on a guided tour at the tourist office.
Workshop for young audiences (archaeology or modeling)creative workshops and heritage discovery for children .
Nature walks / canoeing: set out at sunrise on Île-aux-Pies or hike through the Pays de Redon marshesperfect outdoor activity.
Concerts and themed eventsWith concerts by the "Concert Impromptu", storytelling evenings and "Milonga d'été" evenings, the cultural calendar is packed..
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?
Yes, the GR 38 and several local circuits are accessible from the center.
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.
