Experience an unusual week-end, meet the horsemans and follow them along the towpath and in the renowned Haras du Lion d’Angers.

From Anjou to Mayenne, come take the time to enjoy this unusual break ! Nice stopover at the thousand years old city of Château-Gontier …

1st day :

Emilie’s advice : the Mayenne river is a real heaven for bicycles with its numerous green paths and towpath, give it a thought !

At your arrival on Friday at 4PM : boarding and training on your boat !
After going through your first lock, take a look on the Western side at the Haras de l’Isle Briand, a 17ha, open to public space dedicated to horses.

Montreuil sur Maine

Navigation : 40 min

No need to walk a hundred miles ! Stop and take a look at this astounding small scaled Marian sanctuary of Lourdes !

2nd day :

On Saturday, let’s head to Château Gontier !

Chenillé-Changé

Navigation : 1h

A must stop ! In this charming little village, climb the steps up to Notre-Dame du Sacré Cœur’s sculpture. If not for this magnificent piece of art, this spot is worth just by the nice panoramic view you can get. Go take a look at the Château des Rues, visit the Domaine des Rues or the beautiful watermill. And do not miss La Table du Meunier, we love that restaurant !

La Jaille Yvon

Navigation : 40min

La Jaille-Yvon is a good sporting stopover with Anjou Sport Nature. Adventure park, canoe, orientation run and many more !

Daon

Navigation : 1h10

Good place to fill up your stock while the youngest are resting near the nautic and leisure base ! Just before arrival, do not miss the Château de Port Joulain.

Ménil

Navigation : 30min

Knowed for its ferry crossing the river, Ménil is a charming and quiet place that you will enjoy. Do not miss in July the bread celebration and the bath race in the river. Yes, you read that right : racing in a bath is doable … Maybe crazy but doable ! Cross the river if the ferry is working and push the door of “Trait Nature” for a nice Horse-Coaching ride !

Château Gontier

Navigation : 1h20

This city, thousands of years old, is a place where life is good ! Let its patrimony and nature oriented architecture cast a spell on you. Take a look at the ancient nunnery “Couvent des Ursulines” ; stroll in the hilly streets and its many wood house ; take a walk in the “Jardin du Bout du Monde” (french for the edge of the world garden) … And do not miss the “Marché Aux Veaux” every thursday morning on the border of the Mayenne, where farmer and merchants meet to buy calfs.

Château Gontiers is also housing the Refuge de l’Arche, a parc hold by an association which specialize in sheltering and taking care of animals – both local and exotics – that lived a chaotic life and need a peacful shelter.

3rd day :

Christian’s advice :if you still have time ahead of you, go make a few miles on the Oudon river, a little river with a unique charm !

On Sunday, let’s go back to Grez Neuville (5h of navigation).

You are totally free on your journey’s way. Choose your visits and stopovers as you please.
Enjoy the towpath that will follow you all along the river.

Kevin’s advice : the Mayenne river is known for fishing, don’t forget your “holiday” fishing licence !