Set course for the Plantagenêt city, an adventure to uncover the story of Le Mans !

Sail on the Sarthe and enjoy the historical heritage of the valley. From the little typical villages of Asnières and Parcé to the legacy of the Plantagenêt family ; from the numerous castles and mills to the landmark of ceramics that is Malicorne … Take the time to enjoy a week of vacation on waters and go look at the Chimeras of Le Mans that enlightens the city every sumemr night. Are you ready ?

Year 2022 : given the écourues that will take place in 2022, his cruise will be unavailable from September till the end of the season. More informations by clicking here.

1st day :

Arrival on Monday at 2PM : boarding and training on your boat.
After 30 minutes of navigation : go through your first lock near Solesmes.

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.

The word of Bernard : do you know the secret of the scultpure that gave its name to this chapel ? By carving the wood, the artist found a node shaped like an egg. He kept it and sculpted its piece around this feature !

Juigné sur Sarthe

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. Those willing to stretch their legs or have a little refreshments, you can push the door of Terre Activ’ behind the lock, the leisure base of the village.

2nd day :

Raphaël’s advice : on your way up or back, you should try Fun Archery : an unusual team activity mixing paintball with archery !

Avoise

Navigation : 1h30

In this pretty hilly village, take a look at l‘Oeil dans le Rétro to have a drink, surrounded by old vintage caravans on the Sarthe’s banks.

Avoise is also 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.

Parcé sur Sarthe

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.

Dureil

Navigation : 1h

Nice deck settled in nature, in this tiny village hidden in the forest.

Malicorne

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 !

3rd day :

Noyen Sur Sarthe

Navigation : 50 min

Stock up in this village that hosts many shops as a bakery, butchery, general store etc … And get a handfull of serenity walking on the dedicated spaces along the river !

Fercé sur Sarthe

Navigation : 1h10

Get back in time in this tiny village : take a look at Saint Pierre’s church and its altarpiece !

La Suze sur Sarthe

Navigation : 40 min

Good starting point for cyclist willing to visit the Château de Vilaines in Louplande (8km), a XVIIth castle with a remarkable indexed garden.

And for those that want to keep their feet in water, why not enjoy the pool of the city ?

Emilie’s advice : Ben et Suzette, a few steps from the decks, we love it : crepes, pizzas, salads in a lovely surrounding !

Fille sur Sarthe

Navigation : 1h40

A must see : the island of Ile Moulins’Art !
Discover it by walking on the paths of this surprising place. A small island where strange outside exhibits are right next to a “guinguette” (typical kind river-restaurant), nautic sports and playgrounds along a restaured watermill. Push its door to visit the pedagogic exhibit on the creation of electricity and flour with waterflow (flour that you can even buy !).
Do not hesitate to ask us the schedule of the many events of the island !

Spay

Navigation : 30 min

THE stopover for family activities !
Enjoy the Domaine du Houssay, a 40ha parc with swimming areas and many activities : paddle, pedalboat, mini-golf, etc …

Do not miss the Spaycific Zoo, a small zoo rnowned for … well its spaycific species !

4th day :

Le Mans

Navigation : 1h40

Worldwide landmark for car racing with the famous 24h du Mans race, the town has an automotive heritage since the dawn of car sporting. But that is far from all !
Labeled “City of Art and History”, Le Mans is a city with a 7000 years old historical patrimony. Along the medieval steets of the old city, do not miss Saint Julien Cathedral, the roman walls, the gorgeous wood houses or the many museums you can visit.

By summer, enjoy the nights of the Chimeras where pavements and buildings’ walls are turned into huge screens !

Guillaume’s advice : use bus or overtain to get in 30 minutes at the Épau abbaye, the 24h race museum and many more … We can help you, so do not hesitate to ask us !