Pontivy Castle – Cascade Lock loop from Saint-Thuriau

02:38

37.7km

390m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 16, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 20.1 km for 186 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

17.7 km

Pontivy Castle

Highlight • Castle

The Château de Pontivy, or Château des Rohan, was built between the middle of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century for and by the Viscounts of Rohan.

Following the codes of Breton military architecture from the end of the 15th century, this castle is one of the last fortified castles to have been built in Brittany.
You will notice that the facade allows adaptation to the development of fire artillery, but that particular attention is paid to comfort and decoration. The downspouts are worked, the skylights carved, and the interior of the castle is equipped with fireplaces and latrines, making it a little gem of comfort for the time.

Two permanent exhibitions are housed there: one is dedicated to the sculptor Gaston Schweitzer, while the other is a more contemporary installation by Japanese artist Koki Watanabe.

I personally loved the contrast offered by this rather austere facade with the charm of the half-timbered houses in the city center, which I invite you to take the time to discover.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

18.3 km

Junction Basin of the Canals

Highlight • River

Here, the Blavet meets the Nantes-Brest canal.

It was Napoleon Bonaparte, then first consul, who decided on September 17, 1802 to channel the Blavet from Pontivy to Lorient. The project was titanic and lasted more than 30 years.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

20.0 km

Cascade Lock

Highlight • Bridge

Just before arriving in Pontivy the river Blavet crashes down a wide cascade, while the canal is channelled left through a lock. Pedestrians and bikers can cross the narrow metal walkway across the barrage and the locks to shortcut to the other side.

Tip by