A few hours from Paris, Anjou will charm you with its gentle way of life, its gastronomy, its castles, and abbeys. Discover a rich and authentic heritage.
Anjou offers 275 km of navigable rivers exclusively reserved for river tourism, all license-free:
- The Maine 11 Km, 1 lock
- The Oudon 18 Km, 3 locks
- The Sarthe 126 km, 20 locks
- The Mayenne 120 km, 45 locks
Navigation on the Sarthe and the Mayenne is easy. Excellent region for beginners.
It's no coincidence that the kings of France chose the Loire Valley (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to build sumptuous residences. Castles, manors, mills, and abbeys are abundant in this beautiful region.
You won't miss complementary activities during your cruise.
Anjou is part of the Brittany Anjou destination we offer for your next river cruise. Nearby, think of Brittany!
Must-see sights of Anjou by boat
- Want castles? In addition to mills and characterful villages, Anjou is full of castles. You'll have plenty to choose from.
- Many castles were built in this beautiful region because life was sweet here thanks to its many vineyards (Anjou wines) and agricultural products.
- River or sea fish, all kinds of meats combined with local products create countless high-quality local specialties.
- Nature in Anjou is omnipresent. Parks and gardens, arboretums, rose gardens, vegetable gardens, and nurseries often associated with castles are truly numerous.
Some stops on your cruise in Anjou
La Mayenne
The Mayenne starts near the village of La Nacelle in Orne. For a few kilometers, it forms the border between the departments of Orne and La Mayenne before entering the department that bears its name. It crosses this department from North to South and ends its course at the confluence of the Maine upstream of Angers. The navigable part has 51 locks.
Ile Saint Aubin. A small island surrounded by the Sarthe, the Mayenne, and the Vieille Maine, Ile Saint Aubin is actually a floodplain that, when not under water, welcomes hikers who like to stop at the old guinguette on the Port.
Montreuil-Juigné. A small village perched on the left bank, Montreuil-Juigné houses some monuments such as its modern church or its small castle built on the platform.
Grez-Neuville. It is a cheerful, flowery village, much appreciated by tourists for its many restaurants on the Port, where you can dine right next to your boat.
Daon. The town of Daon welcomes you and offers many leisure activities such as water skiing, pedal boating, canoeing, and many more. Moreover, magnificent castles are to be discovered.
Ménil. Do not miss the craft exhibition on the port, which presents many quality items. The village shops, a stone's throw from your boat, will offer you everything you need.
Château-Gontier. This small town offers walks in its narrow, winding streets lined with old houses. Don't miss the Bout du Monde gardens, which offer an extensive view of the valley.
Laval. The different moorings offer easy access to the city center, the nautical stop is comfortable, and the surroundings are very pleasant.
Mayenne. A town of 15,000 inhabitants, Mayenne offers several tourist sites close to the port, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica, the mansions of Place Hercé, the Château de Mayenne, and many more.
Market on Monday and Saturday mornings.
L'Oudon. This small river starts in the hills of Maine, near Rennes. It flows for a distance of 80 kilometers before joining the Mayenne at Lion-D'Angers.
Le Lion-D'angers. This welcoming small town has all the shops you will need, a few restaurants, and a hotel. Do not miss its magnificent stud farm, which will offer you horseback riding and the discovery of all activities related to the equestrian world. Market on Friday mornings.
The Sarthe
130 km - 20 locks (manual or mechanized) from Angers to Le Mans. Beautiful canalized river with green landscapes dotted with picturesque villages and remarkable castles.
Angers. City of history and culture.
Blanche de Castille Castle: Apocalypse Tapestry; Saint Aubin Abbey and Ronceray Abbey; St Maurice Cathedral, St Serge Abbey Church; Contemporary Tapestry Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Jean Lurçat Museum.
A visit to the Doutre district will enchant you: St Jean Hospital, Ronceray Abbey, Hôtel des Pénitentes, half-timbered houses...
Cheffes Sur Sarthe. A few meters away, you will see the Teildras Castle which is not open to visitors! 4 km away, you can go to the small commercial town of Tiercé for supplies.
Teildras Castle.
Brissarthe. After a short stop in Châteauneuf sur Sarthe for supplies, a stop in the small village of Brissarthe will allow you to discover a very beautiful church. A battle took place in 866 between the Bretons and the Normans in this village. Battle led by Robert the Strong.
12th-century church, Coutardière Manor and its chapel.
Morannes. Countryside village.
Grignan Manor; Rochejacquelin Castle in Daumeray; Chemiré Castle in Chemiré sur Sarthe. New Mill from 1779!, 12th-century church...
Pince. Small village perfect for children (swimming and games).
Sablé Sur Sarthe. Commercial city, heritage and history.
Sablé sur Sarthe Castle; St Pierre de Solesmes Abbey; the small biscuit factory (cookies). The Juigné bell tower. Manors...
Malicorne. River city of earthenware and green tourism.
Earthenware Museum, 18th-century Malicorne Castle.
La Suze Sur Sarthe. Before arriving in La Suze sur Sarthe, you can stop in Fercé sur Sarthe where you can see the Vaulogé Castle.
La Suze sur Sarthe, one of the last stops in a quiet small town before your arrival in Le Mans.
La Suze Castle from the 12th century.
Towards Le Mans, you can stop in the small village of Fillé, then 3.5 km away, you can go to the zoo.
Le Mans. City of art and history whose reputation is well established, known worldwide for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Queen Bérangère Museum. Automobile and Circuits Museum. Tesé Museum. The Water House at the Arche de la Nature.
Photos: Nicols, Les Canalous.