The Green Way V6
Along the old railway network
Walking in the footsteps of history
Until the end of the 19th century, Brittany was an isolated region. Tenacious local politicians fought to develop the area and boost the local economy and in 1885 they managed to secure an agreement to build a railway line. From Carhaix to Saint Méen Le Grand, via Maël-Carhaix, Rostrenen, Gouarec ou Bon-Repos, the line was built in stages over 30 long years and finished in 1907.
Narrow gauge lines were built which meant that the railway was able to follow the winding valleys and the bends in the Breton landscape with ease. Heavy rail traffic- both merchandise and passengers - used the line until the 30s when road-building gradually drew passengers and merchandise away from the railways.
For some years now, the old railway line has been restored as La Voie Verte – the Green Way – enabling cyclists, pedestrians and horseback riders to discover the interior of Brittany on this out-of-the-way track.
Across the Breton countryside
From Carhaix to Saint Méen Le Grand, the V6 Green Way is incredibly peaceful and quiet, making it ideal for a family trip in the heart of unspoilt natural surroundings. Sometimes, the V6 runs along the Nantes-Brest canal. You will often come across old stations and you will perhaps wonder about the old railway when you see them.
In Gouarec, the station has been transformed and these days a vélo-rail – a kind of railway bike - and a tourist train run along the old tracks between Gouarec and Bon-Repos.
Crossroads
The Green Way follows the old railway line and runs from Vitré in Ile-et-Vilaine in the east to Camaret in Finistère in the west. Starting from Rostrenen you will cover a distance of over 111 km. Take your time; it’s worth the detour for this quiet, bucolic trip through the heart of Brittany.
