H2olidays

France Passion Plaisance

Maine-Anjou

The Mayenne, Sarthe and Oudon rivers offer 300 km of navigation. From Mayenne to Angers, you will cruise through rolling and wooded landscape and small quiet villages and towns with a rich historical past. Laval, with its castle towering above the Mayenne river, deserves to be discovered. On the Maine river, you can visit Angers, hometown of the powerful king René. On the Sarthe river, you can visit Le Mans, capital city of the telegraph, car racing and aviation, Solesmes and its Benedictine Abbey and also Sablé, where you shouldn't forget to taste the local shortbread biscuits.

Lined with charming small villages like Ménil or Chenillé-Changé, the Mayenne is one of the most pleasant waterway in the West part. Heading the north, the river gets wilder, between Laval and Mayenne, with steep slopes, whereas in the south, you’ll discover a Mayenne river crossing an unrelieved landscape and more villages along the way. During your cruise, stops will be numerous, in charming towns such as Laval or Châteu-Gonthier.

Between Mayenne and Daon, your holiday will be made all the more enjoyable thanks to the newly renovated cycle paths.

The Sarthe river flows into the Mayenne river close to Angers, along its way, it crosses diversified and picturesque villages. Don’t miss Solesmes Abbey, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe famous for crockery and also the wellknown town of Le Mans.

Daon -  picturesque small village in the middle of Mayenne

A picturesque small village in the middle of Mayenne, Daon is a true haven of peace with less than 500 inhabitants.
The quiet, winding Mayenne river invites you to dwadle along it. Here, there is no time to get bored as a surprise awaits you behind every curve and every tree: castles, pretty mills, small villages, churches, and many different types of birds...
With its rich and incomparable architecture, the Mayenne will transport you through all the periods of its history.
Fishermen to your lines! Along the river you can fish for carp, catfish and many more!
Extend your trip to Laval, a true city in the heart of the countryside. A cultural and architectural delight, this city will delight both adults and children alike! A journey to the heart of nature...

To see : floral locks, the viaduct of Laval, old city of Laval, the boat lavoir St Julien of Laval, the city of the lion of Angers (visit the hippodrome, etc), the abbey of the Port Salut (and its shop of monastic products), close to Segré discover the field of Small Couère (reconstruction of a village of the beginning of the century with its classroom, grocer and shoe-maker – Agricultural museum, collection of 40 old vehicle– animals– little scenic train).

To taste : the white buttered zandar, le pommeau (local aperitif), le cider, pancakes, and potted mince of the Mans.

To know : 85 kms of towpath were restored all the way to the town of Mayenne, which offer several beautiful walks and/or bike rides.

Most Important : locks: they are one of largest if not the greatest attraction of Mayenne. Each one has its charm and its characteristic: lock grocer, lock restoring, lock exposure photographs and even… lock bakery with explanation how bread used to be produced etc. Without forgetting the small taverns which offer good local dishes for low prices!

Navigation on the Mayenne :
A wild river of over 200km, the Mayenne will delight all those who search adventure and those who love nature. You can meander along this calm, roaming, green river and enjoy the passing scenery. 

Got a question about the area? Ask the lock keepers, it's their stories and knowledge which will bring the Mayenne to life for you. They'll be more than happy to help and advise you.
If the lockkeeper isn't there... you'll have to open the lock yourselves! Don't worry, this is a rather simple operation that you can achieve by working calmly with the help of your crew or people along the towpath. And it will be an excellent memory of your cruise!

Navigation on the Oudon :
While flowing over 80km, the River Oudon is however only navigable from Port Segréto to Mayenne, a length of about 18km which possesses 3 locks. 

This makes it one of the smallest, navigable rivers in France. We also recommend stoking up on supplies such as food and water, as there is no access to provisions from Segré to the Lion of Angers. .
Indeed, the River Oudon will take you into a wild landscape, in the middle of nature…

Navigation on the Sarthe :
285km long, the Sarthe is a broad river which flows through a green countryside. Quiet, this river is punctuated by beautiful, flowered locks which are operated by hand by the local lock keepers who live there. These lock keepers will be able to advise you on the best activities and sights in the regions. On this river you will come across small accessible villages, castles, churches... This tranquil river will astonish you with its hidden treasures. 

From Daon :

Week-end
Daon - Le Lion d’Angers - Segré - Daon : 70 km - 14 locks - 10 hours
Daon - Entrammes - Daon : 80 km - 18 locks - 12 hours

Mini week
Daon - Entrammes - Le Lion d’Angers - Segré - Daon : 150 km - 32 locks - 22 hours
- 48 écluses - 31 heures
Daon - Montflours - Daon : 130 km - 48 écluses - 25 heures

One week
Daon - Angers - Solesmes - Daon : 200 km - 30 locks - 30 hours
Daon - Laval - Angers - Le Lion d’Angers - Segré - Daon : 170 km - 48 locks - 31 hours
Daon - Montflours - Daon : 130 km - 48 locks - 25 hours 

Two weeks
Daon - Mayenne - Écouflant - Malicorne - Daon : 402 km - 112 locks - 68 hours 

Three weeks or more
Daon - Mayenne - Angers - Le Mans - Daon : 512 km - 130 locks - 84 hours