What a pleasure it is to take control of your own boat and set off on an adventure on the vast network of French waterways ! A simple navigation, without a licence, which allows the whole family to enjoy a holiday like no other. Today, direction the Mayenne, one of the most beautiful waterways in France, easily accessible 2 hours from Paris or 1 hour from Nantes.
Freedom for all
No need for a permit to set off with your family to explore France's extensive network of waterways. Boats less than 15 metres long and not exceeding 12 km/h are accessible to all and, above all, do not require any special training beforehand. Easy and not stressful... And it's a holiday on a very reasonable budget, as you sleep on board and enjoy barbecues on the deck before a little nap in the sun. In order not to spoil anything, bicycles can be taken on board for everyone, as the waterways are usually accompanied by very pleasant cycle paths. And, of course, between two visits, we take the opportunity to swim or try more original sports such as Stand up paddle. In short, no time to get bored and an original idea for a holiday, with family or friends, that goes off the beaten track?
Along the Mayenne river, between Angers and Mayenne
Leaving Angers to the north, you first take the direction of Grez-Neuville, an important place for inland waterway transport. Then, on a path lined with mills and castles, you quickly come across the buildings of the national stud farm of the Lion of Angers, the other horse town after Saumur, before dropping anchor at Chenillé-Changé. This charming village benefits from a very pretty location on the Mayenne. Its watermill, the oldest part of which dates from the 12th century, dominates the port. And from its past, the village has preserved its old houses, its 11th century Romanesque church and its 15th century castle. Formerly devoted to the loading of stone, the flowery and lively port now welcomes pleasure boats. A pleasant stopover in perspective. We then head for Château-Gontier, where the old stones could tell many stories! They haven't moved for centuries and you will wander delightfully through the narrow streets of the city before taking a dip in the swimming pool next to the halt. It will then be time to head back to Laval. The Prefecture of Mayenne is a very pleasant city which counts many celebrities among its children : Alfred Jarry or Customs officer Rousseau for example. Right in the heart of the city, in the green setting of Boston Square, the river stop is perfectly equipped, and doubled by a leisure centre, with pedal boats, canoes, boats or bicycles for hire. There is also a guinguette on the waterfront. Belle Epoque atmosphere and relaxation on the program! As you leave Laval, the landscapes become wilder. On the way to Mayenne, a stop in Montgiroux may be a good idea. Especially for hikers and walkers, who will be able to enjoy themselves on foot, by bike or even on horseback. It will then be time to end his journey in Mayenne, a city with a rich history. In the 10th century, a Carolingian fort was built here to counter Breton and Norman invasions. William the Conqueror finally manages to "take" Mayenne by bringing in a little boy who sets fire to the city. Then, in the 17th century, Mazarin bought the town from the Duke of Mayenne and modernized it. The fountains and mansions of this period can still be seen today. After having belonged to the Grimaldis of Monaco, the end of the old regime saw Mayenne grow and rival Laval to become the capital of the department under the Third Empire. The canalization of the Mayenne to the Loire was then undertaken, which helped to open up the city. Ending his journey in Mayenne is therefore an opportunity to go back up the course of history as well!
Along the Sarthe, between Angers and Le Mans
From Angers, you take the right branch of the river Sarthe, leaving the Mayenne on your left. After a stop at Ecouflant, we pass not far from the château du Plessis-Bourré, then we soon arrive in Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe. Here, you should take a look at the 12th century church and its Angevin vaults. The Motte tower, meanwhile, is a vestige of the feudal castle built in 1331. Inland waterway enthusiasts, run to the river house, near the beautiful Geoffroi-Plantagenêt bridge. Then, past Brissarthe, where you will find a nautical stopover, many shops and a 12th century church, you dock at Sablé. Nestled in a meander of the Sarthe, where the Erve and Vaige rivers meet, Sablé is a former trading port and today the largest marina in the Sarthe. This departure point for river cruises is well laid out and the surroundings are very pleasant for a few walks. You will then quickly arrive at the lock of Solesmes, near the famous abbey of Saint-Pierre, and, shortly afterwards, at that of Juigné, to discover the village and its houses of the 15th - 16th centuries. Then comes Malicorne, after a visit to the Ignières mill, long owned by Marcel Pagnol and the setting for the filming of "La belle meunière". Malicorne is a very pretty little town, famous for its earthenware. Some shopping later, we start the end of our journey towards the port of La Suze-sur-Sarthe, a picturesque little town with its terraces on Sundays, its market and its small producers. Enough to end your holidays in beauty, with the desire to taste it again very quickly!
Smart info
When? As soon as the fine weather arrives, you can also make the most of your cruise outdoors.
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