Mayenne river closing 2025 : what you need to know about the "écourues"

Why and when is the Mayenne closing due to the “écourues”. Let’s take a look !

"Écourues" ? What in a duck's name is that ?

“Écourues” is our local lingo for river closing. Rest assured : it doesn’t mean we will stop working ; on the contrary !

The écourues are an important part of the life of our rivers. All the dams are opened in order to set the river back to its natural bed (a lot shallower than what we are used to see !).

In the Rivers of Western France®, the river closing alternate between the Mayenne and Oudon, the Sarthe, and the Loir.

And, this year, you guessed it : it is the turn for the Sarthe and part of Mayenne river closing.

Mayenne and Sarthe river closing in 2025 : what for ?

The departments (counties) of Maine et Loire and Sarthe are undertaking these “écourues” for several reasons. Among others :

For example : find all the leaks and used seals in locks, hydroelectric dams, etc …

When will the closing of the Mayenne river happen in 2025 ?

The “écourues” will start in August the 21st and will be done in several phases, by area :

From the 21st of August : from La Roussière to Angers (the south path of the Mayenne below Grez Neuville).
From the 25th of August : from the lock of la Raterie to the lock des Planches on the Sarthe (the city of Le Mans)
From the 15th of September : all of the Sarthe river

The reopening of these areas will start progressively in November. The end of the whole “écourues” is scheduled for the 21st of November.

What about my cruise if the Mayenne or Sarthe river is closing in 2025 ?

If you are scheduling (or already scheduled) a cruise in late 2025, here is what you should know :

Departure from Grez Neuville

Few impact

The cruise from the 21st of August will not be able to do the little part toward Angers
For one-way cruises : make sure to reach the destination base the 20th of August at the latest

Departure from Sablé Sur Sarthe

The cruise of one week or more from the 25th of August will not be able to get past the lock of La Raterie in Le Mans
For one-way cruises : make sure to reach the destination base the 20th of August at the latest
The last cruise on the Sarthe river should end on the 14th of September at the latest

Any question ?

Anjou Navigtion’s staff has seen many “écourues” : we will help you through the logistics of your cruise if you have any doubt !

02 43 95 14 42