Vilaine en Fête

A nautical adventure along the Vilaine

Vilaine en Fête is a unique nautical and festive event in Brittany. For a week in May, a flotilla of traditional boats sails up the Vilaine river from Pénestin to Redon, traversing this iconic river of southern Brittany. The vessels stop in twelve communes along the riverbanks, each transformed into a festive port for the occasion.

Twelve stops, twelve celebrations

The boats stop successively at the ports of Pénestin (Tréhiguier port), Camoël, Arzal, La Roche-Bernard, Folleux (Nivillac), Béganne, Saint-Dolay (Cran port), Fégréac (Les Bellions), and Redon (Croix des Marins). At each stop, the communes welcome the flotilla with free entertainment: concerts, fest-noz, exhibitions, accompanying regattas, tastings of local products, and fireworks.

A living maritime and river heritage

Vilaine en Fête is above all a celebration of Breton maritime and river heritage. The participating boats are traditional vessels restored and maintained by sailing enthusiasts: sailboats, dinghies, sloops, sinagots, and other wooden hulls. The gathering keeps this naval heritage alive and passes on the know-how of traditional shipbuilding to new generations.

Competitions and encounters

Beyond the festive stops, Vilaine en Fête offers accompanying regattas, challenges between crews, and encounters between sailors. Crew competitions add a sporting dimension to the event, while shared meals and musical evenings strengthen the bonds between participants and local residents.

A unifying event for the region

Vilaine en Fête mobilizes hundreds of volunteers in the twelve participating communes. The event contributes to the tourist and cultural influence of the Vilaine valley, attracting thousands of visitors throughout the week. It is a moment of conviviality and sharing that unites the inhabitants of the Vilaine riverbanks around their river and their common heritage.