Our waterway cruises Anjou — Pays de Loire

Hire a licence free boat on the Mayenne and Anjou

In the warm cli­mate of this for­mer Province of Anjou, Les Canalous will encour­age you to select your house­boat and train you to cap­tain it. You’ll then be able to embrace the free­dom offered by a dense net­work of water­ways, allow­ing you to dis­cov­er all the region’s treasures.

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Discover the Mayenne by boat

Anjou — Pays de Loire

Pays de la Loire, Anjou and Mayenne : the ideal setting for a successful waterway cruise

Climate and geographical setting are two essential criteria when selecting your destination to embrace the charms of waterway tourism. Why not opt for the mild climate of Anjou and the nearby Atlantic Ocean shore in Pays de la Loire, to experience a waterway cruise with your family or friends? No less than 300 kilometres of waterways await, allowing you to choose the itinerary for your houseboat holiday. Navigate the waters of the Mayenne, Sarthe or Oudon for a guaranteed immersion in the well-preserved hilly landscapes that have secured the reputation of what was once the province of Anjou.
 

Embark on a waterway journey through a series of different terroirs

Will you also take advantage of your cruise to unveil the secrets of an eventful and exciting history? Travel through the town of Laval and, from the deck of your licence-free rental boat, you’ll be able to admire its château, which dominates the entire river valley. Between Laval and Mayenne, you’ll discover the wilder aspect of this eponymous river, taking to the towpaths to immerse yourself in the region’s traditions. Launch your houseboat on the waters of the Mayenne and head south to take in a series of picturesque traditional villages that will enchant every member of your crew.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll be able to go wherever your desires lead. From Angers, the medieval town par excellence, to the abbey of Solesmes, you won’t be short of ideas for great stopping points for a waterway cruise that will quickly become unforgettable.
 

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Not to be missed

The highlights of Anjou

So many good reasons to moor up and set off to explore.

Le Lion d’Angers: a land of water and horses

Le Lion d’Angers: a land of water and horses

The river Oudon runs through the town of Lion d’Angers, separating the heart of the old centre from Isle Briand park, and making it an essential stopping point during your waterway cruise. This is where you can visit the Lion d'Angers national stud farm. There are several events organised throughout the year allowing you to immerse yourself in the equestrian world, so take the time to visit this place and admire the descendants of the horses that were once a regular feature along the region’s towpaths.
Time for some excitement during your gentle-paced cruise with the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Time for some excitement during your gentle-paced cruise with the 24 Hours of Le Mans

You’ll be enchanted by the striking contrast as the soothing rhythm of your licence-free rental boat gives way to the crazy pace of racing cars taking to the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. You’ll discover all the legends of motor racing at this venue, which is open to visitors. The 24 hours of Le Mans is a major sporting event and a highlight of the year for many. Take a tour as you ring the changes and discover something other than the medieval buildings or churches of centuries past. With a track nearly 14 kilometres long, this legendary motorsport racing circuit could be your next pit stop, so make the most of the opportunity!
Flourishing locks

Flourishing locks

The locks in Anjou will be one of the highlights of your waterway cruise. Whether on the Mayenne, Sarthe or Oudon, every lock is unique, and a lot of effort is made to make them look their very best. You’ll be surprised to see locks housing a grocery store and even photo exhibitions, which won’t prevent you, of course, from admiring their floral decoration, part of a real tradition here. It’s up to you to go with your desires and discover a unique and unforgettable place each time you negotiate one. Whether or not they are managed by a lock keeper, these jewels of the waterway heritage will be forever engraved in the memories of every crew member.

Where to hire your boat And discover the treasures of the region

Allonnes Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe Montreuil-Juigné Arnage La Suze-sur-Sarthe Écouflant Morannes Guécélard Briollay Spay Noyen-sur-Sarthe Roëzé-sur-Sarthe Neuville-sur-Sarthe Cantenay-Épinard Parcé-sur-Sarthe Sainte-Jamme-sur-Sarthe Malicorne-sur-Sarthe Saint-Jean-sur-Mayenne Angers Le Mans Laval Vitré Segré-en-Anjou Bleu Château-Gontier La Flèche Sablé-sur-Sarthe

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