Blue secret

Self-guided adventure on Brittany’s wild rivers by packraft

Blue secret

Information about the adventure

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1/2 day : 9am or 2pm

45 €

level 2/4

La Gacilly

1 to 8 people maximum

Hike Out, Paddle Back

This self-guided adventure begins at the port of La Gacilly. You’ll set off on foot with all your gear in your backpack (packraft, paddle, life jacket…). After about an hour’s walk through the Gacilly heathlands, you’ll reach the launch point. There, you will inflate your packraft and begin paddling back to La Gacilly down the Aff River.

It’s a beautiful escape into Brittany’s very own “jungle”, the perfect local adventure for a half a day escape into nature and calm. A simple, accessible route at your own pace, with no guide and no logistics to worry about, just you and the wilderness.

  • Beginner-friendly: No kayaking experience needed. All equipment is provided, and you'll receive a full briefing and support to get ready.

  • No logistical stress: The route is planned for you. Just follow the map and enjoy the ride.

  • Freedom + safety: You go at your own pace, but you are supported beforehand (briefing, GPS tracks, advice, assistance if needed).

  • Go with whoever you want—no need to join or follow a group of strangers.

Pack weight : 7kg

Hiking distance: 4.5 km

Elevation gain: 60 m up and down

Distance paddled: 5 km on the water.

Total activity time: 3 hours.

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Unpredictable weather? You can cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before.
Featured on TF1, M6, and in the press The micro-adventure everyone’s talking about!
We're available throughout your adventure, if you need help or advice.
Roadbook + GPS: Set off freely, but never blindly.

Préparez votre aventure en liberté : téléchargez le guide complet

Votre guide de préparation : tout ce qu'il faut savoir pour partir en aventure en liberté

💡 Vous voulez anticiper votre aventure dans les moindres détails ?

Accès, matériel fourni, ce que vous devez prévoir, comment ça se passe sur place…

📘 Téléchargez notre guide pratique, il vous donne une vision complète avant de partir.

Features of the self-guided adventure

  • Price includes / does not include

    The price includes:

    • The provision of the road book with the full detailed itinerary

    • All navigation equipment (packraft, paddle, life jacket, dry bag)

    The price does not include:

    • The round-trip shuttle from Redon train station to the meeting point.

    All extras must be added at the time of payment.

  • Gear to bring

    For navigation / hiking:

    • Swimsuit

    • Lace-up sports shoes with good soles (they will get wet)

    • Sunglasses, cap, and sunscreen

    • Shorts and a T-shirt for the hiking section

    • 1 bottle of water per person (1.5 L/person)

    • Hiking poles (optional)


    Provided by Blue Secret:

    • The road book with the detailed itinerary

    • All navigation equipment

    • One dry bag for every two people

  • Adventure level: Level 2 – Active and dynamic experience

    Level 2 / Active: I venture off the beaten path

    You have energy and generally enjoy sports.
    You are capable of enduring physical activity for 5 to 6 hours per day.
    You have a desire to visit unusual places, far from tourist trails and clichés, all set in an extraordinary natural environment.
    The idea of embarking on an outdoor adventure while maintaining a certain level of comfort appeals to you? Choose Level 2.

  • Technical prerequisites: Level 1 - "I am a beginner"

    Level 1: I am a beginner!

    I can paddle on a straight line, turn, stop, and generally control my kayak or packraft.

  • Minimum age for this activity

    The minimum age for this adventure is 10 years old. Please note that regardless of age, participants must know how to swim and have the required physical and/or technical level.

    If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to call us.

  • Group size

    Group size: 1 to 8 people. You choose who you want to go with. Whether alone, with family, or friends, you can book as many packrafts as you want (maximum 8).

  • Self-guided route

    There is no guide for this adventure, you set off alone with your equipment and your roadbook. Don’t worry, the route is well marked and involves no technical difficulties. Assistance is available if you need help.

  • I unfortunately need to cancel my adventure. How does the cancellation process work?

    You can change the date of your activity or cancel up to 72 hours before the start of the activity. To do so, please send us an email at info@blue-secret.com or contact us by phone, providing your name, the date, and the activity concerned. In case of cancellation, we will refund you minus a 5-euro fee per person. However, if this deadline is not respected, the full amount of the service will be charged.
    We remain, of course, available for any questions.

  • What happens if Blue Secret has to cancel my adventure?

    If, for various reasons (bad weather or low water levels), Blue Secret has to cancel the adventure, you have three options:

    • Reschedule the departure date if possible.

    • Receive a voucher* valid for 12 months on all our adventures. Don’t worry, if you can’t use it, we will fully refund you!

    • Get a full refund.

Please note that participant name can be changed be at any time and free of charge, provided the new participant meets all the physical and technical prerequisites of the adventure.
*Vouchers are transferable. The chosen person may use them, but only if they also fulfill all the physical and technical requirements of the adventure.

  • Our local partners

    To discover the region, feel free to visit the tourism websites of La Gacilly and Redon.

    For your stay before or after the adventure, you can stay at Camping Rives Nature, located in La Gacilly (the meeting point). This place offers several types of accommodation to suit your preferences.

  • Getting there by public transport?
    • You can get there by car; parking is free for two days.
    • You can also take the bus from Redon train station (line 12). You can check the schedule on this page.
    • We can arrange a private shuttle from Redon train station (€32 per shuttle).
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Off-the-beaten-path discovery of La Gacilly

Discover the adventure in pictures

Discover some images from our adventure on the Aff River, around La Gacilly. An immersive adventure between charming villages and preserved nature.

They say it better than we do...

Our clients share their experience with you

Blue Secret

Nature, art, and adventure: a wonderful surprise in Brittany

Details of the packraft adventure

Packraft Adventure Around La Gacilly

Your adventure begins in La Gacilly, a Brittany village renowned for its photography festival and artistic atmosphere. Upon arrival, our team will welcome you and provide you all the necessary equipment along with a full briefing: itinerary, safety instructions, navigation tips… everything is in place to ensure you set off with confidence.

Packraft in your backpack, you’ll leave La Gacilly on foot, following a marked trail through forest paths. After about 4.5 km of hiking (allow 1h15 to 1h30), you’ll reach the banks of the Aff River, a calm, unspoiled waterway. Once there, you’ll inflate your packraft, launch into the water… and enjoy a peaceful paddle downstream  back to the port of La Gacilly.

The navigation takes around 1h15 to 1h30, following the gentle flow of the river and the rhythm of nature.
Back at the port, our team will be waiting to collect the gear and wrap up your experience.

Do you have any questions about your packraft adventure around La Gacilly?

  • Is it possible to book a private group?

    Yes, you can privatise an adventure. The minimum price will be equivalent to the cost for 6 participants.
    For a custom-made adventure, feel free to call our team, we’ll be happy to advise you!

  • Does the team speak a foreign language?

    Yes. Our logistics team speaks English, and some also speak Spanish. Anyone who speaks English or understands it well enough to follow safety instructions is welcome to join our adventures.

  • Do I have to stay with a group or other people?

    You have the freedom to go alone, with your family or with friends without the obligation to join a pre-existing group.

    During your stay, you will have the opportunity to meet othe adventure enthousiasts.

    Depending on your preferences, you can choose to share the experience with them or on your own way. 

    This flexibilty allows you to personalise your adventure according to your preferences.

  • Is there a minimum age to participate in the activities?

    The minimum age requirement for this adventure is 14 years old. All participants must be able to swim and meet the technical and physical requirements.

  • Can I choose between a single or double packraft?

    We have both single and double packrafts available. However, the choice depends on stock availability. For special requests, please feel free to contact us.

  • What are the different physical fitness levels?
    • Level 1 / Beginner: Discovering a new activity.
      No special training or physical condition is required for this level, provided you are in good health. You want to try packrafting and learn the basics of this new activity in a natural, relaxing setting without much physical effort?

       

    • Level 2 / Dynamic: I venture off the beaten path.
      You are energetic and enjoy sports in general. You can sustain physical activity for up to 5-6 hours a day. You want to explore unusual places, away from tourist spots and the usual sights, all within a natural environment.

       

    • Level 3 / Committed: I embark on an extraordinary expedition!
      Reserved for fit athletes who regularly practice endurance sports (at least twice a week). You can sustain physical activity for up to 7-8 hours a day. Used to outdoor sports but not necessarily autonomous or specialized, you enjoy camping in isolated and exceptional places (help with camp setup will be required). You seek nature and adventure to recharge in unique, hard-to-reach locations. Weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable, but that doesn't scare you. You want an intense experience that can be challenging, pushing your limits and stepping out of your comfort zone.

       

    • Level 4 / Expert: I explore little-known lands!
      Reserved for experienced athletes who train intensively (more than 3 times a week). Portages can reach up to 20 kg, and physical activity can last up to 12 hours per day. Adventurers used to outdoor expeditions, highly motivated with strong mental resilience. Progression takes place in isolated environments that can be very demanding, especially in extreme weather conditions. Geographic isolation means limited rescue options. These are ambitious projects where achieving the objective and the group’s safety depend on everyone's commitment. A spirit of solidarity is essential!

  • What are the different technical skill levels?
    • Level 1: Beginner
      I have never held a paddle before.

       

    • Level 2: Intermediate
      I can go on a straight line, turn, stop, and generally control my kayak or packraft. I have already navigated a Class 2 river (small current, waves).

       

    • Level 3: Advanced
      I navigate confidently on Class 2/3 rivers. I fully control my boat in this class of river. I can help set up group safety for technical passages.

       

    • Level 4: Expert
      I navigate Class 3/4 rivers. I know how to roll (eskimo roll), read a river, and set up safety for technical passages.

  • Is it necessary to know how to swim?

    Knowing how to swim is an absolutely mandatory prerequisite.

  • Will my shoes be suitable for water?

    Yes, the shoes will get wet. Please note that for safety reasons, wearing shoes is mandatory for all our adventures.

  • What type of shoes do I need?

    A pair of sneakers with good soles, like sports shoes, is required.

  • What happens in case of bad weather?

    Safety is our priority! Even if the weather isn’t perfect (rain, wind, clouds, etc.), the adventure will continue as long as participants’ safety is not at risk. If the weather compromises the planned route, an alternative itinerary may be set up by the guide to avoid endangering the group.
    If no alternative route can be arranged, the adventure will be canceled.

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