Blue secret

Self-guided packraft trips along the rivers of Brittany

Blue secret

Information about the adventure

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2 days from 9:30am to 4:00pm

from 130 €

level 2/4

La Gacilly

1 to 8 people maximum

What if you took a moment to slow down, breathe, and let nature and the art it shelters inspire you?

Take two days to shift gears, reconnect with the essentials, and explore a region where wilderness and creativity meet. Along the way, art blends into the landscape: open-air exhibitions, large-scale photography, artisan workshops… Every path brings its share of surprises and quiet discoveries.

This micro-adventure offers more than just a weekend break. It’s a gentle, accessible experience for those looking to escape differently, at a slower pace, with intention, and far from the crowds.

Whether you’re drawn to nature, curious to explore in a simple way, or looking for a peaceful moment between trails, rivers, and artistic encounters, this journey invites you to rediscover Brittany at your own rhythm, by foot and by water.

👉 The itinerary in short:

A relaxed two-day loop from La Gacilly to Île-aux-Pies, passing through the quiet marshes of Glénac, takes you into a landscape where nature and culture live side by side.

The route combines easy hiking with packrafting on two rivers. It includes a cultural pause in La Gacilly, home to the International Photo Festival, known for its outdoor exhibits and ecological focus.

At the end of the day, unwind with a night in a tent at a peaceful, riverside campsite, everything you need to rest, enjoy the moment, and soak up the beauty around you.

🎒 Ideal for:

– Couples seeking a quiet, intimate moment away from the daily hustle
– Friends wanting a simple, authentic, and refreshing break
– City dwellers feeling the need to slow down and reconnect with what matters
– Nature lovers eager to try an adventure without pressure
– And anyone dreaming of a weekend blending waterway walks and cultural discoveries, between wild marshes and open-air exhibitions

Highlights of this packraft adventure:

  • Beginner-friendly: No kayaking experience needed. All equipment is provided, and you’ll receive a full briefing and support during preparation.

  • Comfort without compromise: Spend the night in a tent at a fully equipped campsite, enjoy the nature experience without the hassle of wild camping.

  • No logistical stress: The itinerary is planned for you just follow the map and enjoy. Your overnight gear will be transported by our team.

  • Freedom + safety: Move at your own pace, with full support beforehand - including a briefing, GPS tracks, tips, and assistance if needed.

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

  • A modular experience: Choose the "full nature" version for quiet contemplation, or the "culture" version for art lovers.

Pack weight : 7kg

18km hike over 2 days

Elevation gain: 215 m up and down

18 km of paddling over 2 days

Day 1: 3 hours of hiking and 2.5 hours of paddling

Day 2: 2 hours of hiking and 3 hours of paddling

Need more information?

+33 7 65 23 02 89

Set off with peace of mind - we take care of everything!

Unpredictable weather? You can cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before departure.
Seen on TF1, M6, and in the press The micro-adventure everyone’s talking about!
We’re here for you throughout the adventure, ready to help or offer advice whenever you need.
Local meal baskets (optional): Choose our ready-to-go local meals!
Roadbook + GPS: Set off freely, but never blindly.
Tent (optional): No gear? Book a tent for a hassle-free bivouac.

Get ready for your adventure with complete freedom — download the full guide now!

Your Preparation Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Set Off on a Free Adventure

💡Want to plan every detail of your adventure in advance?

Access, equipment provided, what to bring, how things work on site…

📘Download our practical guide — it gives you the full picture.

Features of the self-guided adventure

  • The price includes / does not include

    The price includes:

    • The provision of the roadbook with the full detailed itinerary

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

    • Transportation of your luggage

    • One night at the campsite

    The price does not include:

    • Round-trip shuttle from Redon train station to the meeting point

    • Meals. Optional meal baskets available for an additional fee (between €12 and €15)

    • Tent rental. You can rent a tent for an additional €20 per tent (maximum 2 people per tent)

    • Sleeping mat and sleeping bag

    All extras must be added at the time of payment.

  • Equipment required

    For navigation / hiking:

    • Swimsuit

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

    • Sunglasses, cap, and sunscreen

    • Shorts and T-shirt for the hiking part

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

    • Trekking poles (optional)

    For the night at the campsite:

    • A tent

    • Sleeping pad and sleeping bag (ideally rated for 0-5°C comfort)

    • Headlamp (one for two people is enough)

    • A small towel for the evening

    • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

    • Warm clothes for the evening: warm pants, long-sleeved top, fleece depending on the season, down jacket

    • Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket, beanie, neck warmer, socks, dry shoes

    Provided by Blue Secret:

    • The roadbook with the detailed itinerary

    • All navigation equipment

    • One dry bag for 2 people

  • For meals

    You are completely free to organize your meals as you wish!
    If you prefer simplicity, we can offer you meal baskets for the two lunches.

    For dinner, there is a restaurant right next to the campsite. Just remember to book your table in advance.

    In the morning, you can order bread and pastries the day before (before 6:30 PM) directly from the campsite. Tea and coffee are also available on site.

  • Adventure level: Level 2 / Dynamic

    What is Level 2 / Dynamic?

    Level 2 / Dynamic: I venture off the beaten path.

    You have energy and enjoy sports in general.
    You are capable of sustaining physical activity for 5 to 6 hours per day.
    You want to explore unique places, far from tourist trails and clichés, all within an exceptional natural setting.
    The idea of embarking on an outdoor adventure while maintaining a certain level of comfort appeals to you? Choose Level 2.

  • Technical prerequisite: Level 1 "I am a beginner"

    Level 1: I am a "beginner!"

    I know how to go straight, turn, stop, and generally control my kayak or packraft.

  • Minimum age for this activity

    Minimum age for this adventure is 14 years. Please note that regardless of age, participants must know how to swim and meet the required physical and/or technical level.

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

  • 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 (up to a maximum of 8).

  • The self-guided route Demander à ChatGPT

    There is no guide for this adventure; you set off alone with your equipment and your roadbook. Don’t worry, the route is clearly marked and poses no technical difficulties. Assistance is available if needed.

Cancellation Policy

  • I unfortunately have to cancel my adventure, what should I do ?

    You can reschedule or cancel your activity up to 72 hours before it begins. To do so, please email us at info@blue-secret.com or contact us by phone, specifying your name, the date, and the activity concerned. In case of cancellation, we will issue a refund minus a €5 fee per person. However, if this deadline is not met, the full amount of the service will be charged.

    Of course, we remain available for any questions you may have.

  • Unfortunately, Blue Secret has to cancel my adventure. What are the next steps?

    If, for various reasons (bad weather or poor water levels), Blue Secret is forced to cancel the adventure, you will have three options:

    • a rescheduled departure date, if possible.

    • a credit note* valid for 12 months on all our adventures. Don’t worry—if you can’t use it, we’ll give you a full refund!

    • a refund.

Please note that changing the participant’s identity can be done at any time and at no additional cost, but only if the new participant also meets all the physical and technical requirements of the adventure.
*Credit notes are not nominative. The person of your choice may use it, but only if they also meet 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 both days.
    • You can also take a bus from Redon train station (line 12). You can check the schedule on this page.
    • We can also arrange a private shuttle from Redon station (€32 per shuttle).
Adventurers have already set off
customer rating from over 150 reviews
Eco-friendly adventures
Intermediary agency
people maximum per group
Off-the-beaten-path discovery of La Gacilly

Discover the adventurein pictures

Discover a few snapshots of our roaming adventure along the rivers of Brittany, an immersive journey through marshlands, charming villages, and unspoiled nature.

La passerelle de La gacilly
La Gacilly-festival photo
marche_la_Gacilly_01
navigation_ile_aux_pies
navigation_packraft_aff_01
navigation_packraft_aff_02
navigation_packraft_marais_glenac_01
navigation_packraft_marais_glenac_02
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

A beautiful break between nature and culture. Packrafting was a first for me, and I was a bit apprehensive at first… but everything was clearly explained and very accessible, even for a beginner like me. The landscapes are stunning, the itinerary is varied without being too demanding, and the feeling of gliding on the water surrounded by nature is just magical. Special mention for La Gacilly: its flower-filled alleys, its open-air photo exhibitions… a real favourite. A gentle, refreshing, and truly enriching adventure.

Aude R.

A perfect weekend to unplug without going far. We loved the slow pace, the varied landscapes, and the atmosphere of camping by the water. The photo exhibition in La Gacilly was stunning, a truly poetic moment. A complete, gentle, and inspiring adventure that truly deserves to be experienced at least once.

Fanny C.

The mix of hiking, paddling, and artistic discovery was perfectly balanced. We came back with so many vivid memories… and the desire to do it all over again somewhere else with Blue Secret. A complete disconnect that feels so good.

Julien S.

Details of the packraft adventure

Day 1: From La Gacilly to Île aux Pies – between forest, river, and cliffs

Your adventure begins in La Gacilly, a charming Breton village known for its photo festival and artistic atmosphere. Upon arrival, our team will welcome you, hand over the equipment, and give a full briefing: route, safety, navigation techniques, everything is designed so you can set off with peace of mind.

With your packraft in your backpack, you’ll leave La Gacilly on foot, heading into the forest trails. After about 4.5 km (around 1.5 hours) of walking along scenic paths, you’ll reach the banks of the Aff river, peaceful and wild. This is where your boat comes to life: inflate your packraft, launch it onto the water, and begin a gentle paddle toward the small port of Glénac, the perfect spot for a well-deserved picnic break.

In the afternoon, you’ll continue paddling toward the highlight of the journey: the Île aux Pies, a spectacular protected natural site where cliffs, forest, and river weave together. You’ll spend the night in a small, nature-friendly campsite by the water.

Optional (highly recommended): In the late afternoon, set off on a short hike to the heights of the island. In just 20 minutes, you’ll reach a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint. Continue along the GR trail to the Saint-Méen chapel, from where you can float back down in your packraft beneath the climbing cliffs before returning peacefully to your campsite.

Hiking distance: 8.5 km

Elevation gain: 140 m up and down

Distance paddled: 9 km on the water.

Total activity time: 5.5 hours.

 Day 2: From the Glénac marshes to the secret paths of the Aff

After a restful night, you’ll set off again in your packraft for a morning loop. Let yourself drift toward the Glénac marshes, true havens of biodiversity. Depending on the season, you may spot mute swans, mallard ducks, grey herons, and sometimes kingfishers, great crested grebes, or little egrets.

You’ll then paddle up the Oust before landing on a small trail. A short hike along a quiet country road takes you to another section of the Aff. After crossing a few hamlets, you’ll reinflate your packraft for one final river descent back to the port of La Gacilly.

Once there, you can leave your backpack at our base camp and take some time to wander around the village and visit the Photo Festival, one of the highlights of the Brittany summer.

Optional extension: For the more curious, a trail leads to La Chapelle-Gaceline, then on to the upper part of the Aff. A final packraft descent will gently bring you back to La Gacilly.

At the end of the day, return to base to drop off your gear and wrap up this adventure in complete serenity.

Hiking distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: 75 m up and down

Distance paddled: 9 km on the water.

Total activity time: 5 hours.

Do you have questions about your self-guided packraft adventure along the rivers of Brittany?

  • Is it possible to privatise a group?

    Yes, it is of course possible to privatize an adventure. The price will be at least equivalent to the cost for 6 participants. For a tailor-made experience, feel free to call our team,  they’ll be happy to help and advise you.

  • Does the team speak a foreign language?

    Yes. Our logistics team speaks English, and some team members also speak Spanish. Anyone who is fluent in English or has sufficient understanding to follow safety instructions is welcome to join our adventures.

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

    You are free to set off on your own, with family, or with friends—there’s no obligation to join a pre-formed group. During your trip, you may have the chance to meet other adventure enthusiasts. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to share part of the experience with them or continue independently. This flexibility allows you to tailor your adventure to your ideal level of companionship.

  • How do we handle meals?

    Meals are not included in Blue Secret’s standard offer, so you are invited to bring everything you need to prepare your own. However, for those who prefer a more comfortable option, we offer meal preparation for an additional fee.

  • Is there a minimum age to take part in the activities?

    The minimum age for this adventure is 14. Regardless of age, each participant must be able to swim and meet the required physical and/or technical level

  • Can I choose between a single or double packraft?

    We have both single and double packrafts available. However, the type of packraft you’ll receive depends on current availability. If you have a specific request, feel free to contact us.

  • What are the different physical fitness levels?
    • Level 1 – Easy
      Accessible to most people. Short walking distances (up to 5 km), flat or gently rolling terrain, and calm water navigation. No special physical preparation required.
    • Level 2 – Moderate
      Requires good general fitness. Walking distances up to 10 km per day, gentle elevation, and paddling for a few hours. Suitable for people who are active or used to outdoor activities.
    • Level 3 – Active
      Demands a higher level of fitness and endurance. Daily efforts may include 10–15 km of hiking, moderate to strong paddling, and carrying gear. Recommended for people with regular physical activity.
    • Level 4 – Sporty
      For those in excellent physical condition. Involves sustained effort over several days, significant elevation gain, longer navigation stages, and heavier loads. Good technique and endurance are needed.
    •  
  • What are the different technical skill levels?

    Level 1 – Beginner

    No previous experience required.
    You’ll learn basic techniques on-site (e.g., how to inflate and handle the packraft, basic paddling). The route is on calm, flat water, with no current or obstacles. Ideal for a first adventure.

    Level 2 – Initiated

    Some basic experience recommended (e.g., hiking or paddling occasionally).
    You should be able to control your direction and speed in calm conditions. Small currents or basic maneuvers may be encountered but remain accessible with simple instructions.

    Level 3 – Intermediate

    You already have some experience with outdoor or water sports.
    You’re comfortable handling a boat on mild moving water or navigating trails with uneven terrain. You may face slightly technical zones: currents, wind, tight navigation spaces, or moderate elevation.

    Level 4 – Advanced

    Solid technical experience required (e.g., regular kayaking, packrafting, or mountain trekking).
    You need to be fully autonomous: reading the river or terrain, adapting your technique, and managing risk. Conditions may include strong currents, wind, or off-trail segments.

    If you’re unsure of your level, we’ll be happy to help assess which adventure matches your skills and comfort zone.

  • Is swimming ability required?

    Being able to swim is an absolutely mandatory requirement.

  • Will my shoes go in the water?

    Yes, your shoes will go in the water. Please note that for safety reasons, wearing shoes is mandatory during all our adventures.

  • What kind of shoes do I need?

    You’ll need a pair of sneakers with proper soles, sports shoes are ideal.

  • What happens in case of bad weather?

    Safety is our top priority!
    Even if the weather isn’t perfect (rain, wind, clouds, etc.), the adventure will go ahead as long as participant safety is not at risk.

    If weather conditions make the original route unsafe, an alternative itinerary may be set up by the guide to ensure the group stays out of danger.

    If no safe alternative is possible, the adventure will be cancelled.

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