The rias, the abers and rivers, the coastal or maritime rivers, there are many qualifiers to design these places between sea and river between ocean and countryside where the worlds mix. The designation of coastal river is perhaps the most generalist, evoking a river with a permanent flow that originates near the coast. The Ria, of Spanish origin, is the downstream part of a valley penetrated by the sea. In Brittany, they are also called the abers.
Most of them can be visited by sailing or motor boats. Some precautions are to be taken and we detail them in the article devoted to this subject LINK.
Some rivers and rias are very wide and easy to approach like the Vilaine, others have a strong current and are meandering like the Laïta. Some meander through oyster parks, and others go through the forest or through villages, they all have their own personalities.
South Finistère offers 4 rivers navigable from the sea
1 The Odet
This river in southern Brittany, with its wooded landscapes, is punctuated by castles and manor houses of character. The Odet, so dear to Éric Tabarly, is a veritable ball of sea and river birds. Exploring it, one discovers forgotten bodies of water surrounded by trees and bathed in sunshine. Sometimes there is a little bit of Canadian air.
2 L'Aven
From Port Manec'h, at high tide, you can reach the painter's city of Pont-Aven. Along the water and the meanders, one will appreciate the beauty of the landscapes, castles, manor houses, beautiful residences and small ports.
3 Le Bélon
Oyster farming is the main activity in Bélon, which also opens up in Port Manec'h. Its oysters have an international reputation, their particularity, the famous hazelnut taste.
4 La Laïta
On the border separating Finistère from Morbihan flows the very pretty and still mysterious Laïta. It is not so easy to reach it by razor-sharp sandbanks. At high tide, one can follow the meanders of this green ria, an ancient sea trade route.
In Morbihan, 7 rias and rivers are navigable from the sea
5 The Blavet
It flows in the roadstead of Lorient. The landscapes encountered are very varied. Moving marine cemetery in the Blavet at Kerhervy, the Devil's Rock, and the small port of Hennebont can be discovered along the meanders.
6 La Ria D'Etel
The ria d'Etel is a sheltered bay dotted with islets. From the famous "?barre of Etel?", which must be approached with caution, to the picturesque islet of Saint-Cado, the ria d'Etel is one of the most beautiful sites in the area, covered with islets and rich in historical remains.
7 The River of Crach
It opens in the port of La Trinité sur Mer. The Kerisper bridge allows you to penetrate into the tranquility of the river with its changing landscapes: manor house, peaceful cove punctuates the walk.
8 The Auray River
In the past, and until the 19th century, the port of the town of Auray received ocean-going ships. The eponymous river is absolutely calm. On each side of the river, one can observe the vegetation, the beautiful houses and the omnipresent nature.
9 The river of Pénerf
It's a way to get to Damgan. This arm of the sea in the land, offers rich landscapes, preserved salt meadows, old salt marshes, wet meadows, and marshes.
10 La Vilaine
The Vilaine is a very long, wide and peaceful river with rural charms. One crosses cows and sheep grazing imperturbably. The river is wide and upstream of the lock of Arzal, the current is not very sensitive. You can also take advantage of the stopover to visit the small characterful town of La Roche Bernard.
