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(Edit from the 3rd/12) : ATTENTION : in 2025, the administration is scheduling important work on the Sarthe river and the south part of the Mayenne. After the 8th of September, his suggested cruise will then be unavailable. More information in this article.
Start Sablé-Sur-Sarthe| Period: 1 week (Sarthe-Maine)- 30H return cruise
Admire typical villages, châteaux and gardens along the banks of the Sarthe river. A peaceful journey revealing all of this land’s beauty. A “Natura 2000” zone of the low Anjou valley will bring you many bird species to look for …
Arrival on Monday at 2PM : boarding and training on your boat.
After 30 minutes of navigation : go through your first lock near Solesmes.
Navigation : 30min
Do not miss a visit of this stunning abbaye, renowned for its altarpieces and gregorian singings that you can here regularely and everyday.
Also, enjoy during the week end the art gallery “La Galerie du Chemin“.
To enjoy a panoramic view on this abbey, get higher up to Notre Dame du Nid’s chapel ! You can reach it from the main road of Port de Juigné accross the abbey.
Navigation : 10 min
Lovely little village hangingon top of a hill along the Sarthe’s Valley. Charming walks to do around the village to enjoy the old and preserved architecture ; thanks to the inhabitants’ work.
Navigation : 1h30
In this nice little village, you will find a trail to walk around the village and along the vintage caravans of the thematic camping. Push the door of “La Guinguette” to take a drink or a meal.
Avoise is a good starting point for a walk or a bike ride toward the medieval village of Asnières Sur Vègre (4 kilometers).
In this small typical village along the Vègre, do not miss the Manoir de la Cour and its story of the valley, the wall paintings of the Saint Hilaire Church or the Mosaïque Garden on the top of the village. Wander in the old streets of yellow stones and enjoy the picnic and play areas on the banks of the Vègre river.
Navigation : 30 min
Parcé is another soothing typical village, directly on the Sarthe river this time ; allowing an easy visit of this little city built around its church.
From your boat, do not miss the view on the Château de Pecheseul.
Navigation : 1h
Nice deck settled in nature, in this tiny village hidden in the forest.
Navigation : 50 min
City of Art and History, always full of life !Get a glimpse on the castle, push the door of the old mill that is now hosting an exibit for local artists.
By the way, Malicorne is primarily famous for its art ceramics !
You can shop some at “Les Faïenceries d’Art” but most importantly do not miss the Museum ! Learn the history and process of this demanding form of art and try your talent at the Barbotine space where everyone can experience the clay molding !
Turn around, let’s go to Angers !
Navigation : 6h
Small village and a perfect place for a stop to stretch your legs after your day of navigation !
For golf lovers, you will find halfway the Golf of Sablé-Solesmes, one of the most beautiful courses of France with its 27 holes (direct access from the river) !
Navigation : 1h15
The old village of Morannes is a good place for re-stocking ! Bakery, butcher, general store are available.
Take the time to get a glimpse inside the Boule de Fort‘s society (the only sport that you play in slippers !)
If you don’t wanna cook, go grab a meal at the Port Saint Aubin’s inn, build inside an old chapel !
Navigation : 1h
In this little bucolic village of Maine-et-Loire county, let the magic of the streets and the dremay borders of the river cast a spell on you. Why not try a pétanque game under the oaks, a game as easy as it is frenchy, and pleasant too ! Do not miss a visit of the XIIth century church before leaving !
Navigation : 45min
After going through the decorated and flowered lock, why not make a stop at the marina to visit the river’s museum ? You will learn how the Sarthe managed to developp thanks to the river.
For the gourmands (like us !), you can make a little detour down to Mathez Chocolate Factory and most importantly … taste its famous truffels !
Navigation : 20min
This little village was famous during the XIXth century for the building of gabares that would be up to 30 meters long.
Enjoy the finished borders of the river, a nice place to take the time to live fully your holidays.
Navigation : 1h
Look up to the church and resolve the enigma of the twisted bell tower !
If you are willing to take a walk, we strongly advise a little detour to visit the Castle of Plessis-Bourré, one of the few castles that kept its outside beauty and furnitures (around 30 min by bike, 1h+ by foot).
Navigation : 1h
You are now in the heart of a Natura 2000 area, keep your camera and binoculars at hand !
Go take a walk inside the Jardin des Fruits Rouges to gather red edible berries. Do not miss “l’Arrêt Public”, a typical river restaurant settled inside an old Boule de Fort house, where many musicians come regulary to give shows !
Navigation : 40min
Take a walk to the Sablières. It is a resting place where pines and sand lie around a pond : the perfect place to experience “la douceur angevine” as the locals say (a peacefull and slow state of mind, as the weather and the wine of the region). Bathing, fishing, farniente on the beach, games for children and even adventure park : there is something for every crew !
Navigation : 50min
A magnificent castle, museums, many events all year long, shops and restaurants, come discover this old city that successfully mixed its historical patrimony with a young and upbeating town center. Moor in front of the castle, the perfect starting point for your visit !
Not to miss : the visit of the castle and the renowned Tapestries of the Apocalypse, the Saint Maurice cathedral, Saint Martin collegiate and the David d’Angers museum.
Another “green” option : moor near the ferry that crosses the Mayenne river to reach Saint Aubin Island (do not miss the restaurant that prepares “fouées” : a local specialty !). On the western bank you can walk up to Terra Botanica : a 40 ha parc dedicated to botanic, garden and everything around the vegetal. Everyone loves it !
Heading back to Sablé ! We will wait for you at 9AM for the key return ; we are eager to hear how was your journey !
You are totally free on your journey’s way. Choose your visits and stopovers as you please.
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Quai National
72300 Sablé-sur-Sarthe
+33 2 43 95 14 42
(abroad) : (+ 33) 243 95 14 42
contact@anjou-navigation.fr
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