With 283 km of waterways in Sarthe, Mayenne and Anjou, the Rivières de l’Ouest form the largest basin of navigable rivers in France. Discover the experiences to be had on the Sarthe river or along the towpath.
Boating on the Sarthe
Live new adventures on the water during a family stay in a houseboat, an excursion with friends in an electric dayboat or a duo getaway in a canoe-kayak.
Roaming with a houseboat without a license
Go roaming on the West Rivers with a river boat! Easy to steer, the license-free houseboat offers a charming experience for holidays on the water. Sail to the rhythm of the passages of locks and discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Sarthe valley.
Departing from Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Anjou Navigation offers a fleet of boats with a capacity of 2 to 12 passengers that can be hired by the week, for a few days or for a weekend.
A day trip by electric boat
For a first experience of river navigation, opt for a rental of an electric boat without a license. Enjoy a stroll of a few hours along the Sarthe river departing from the port of Le Mans or the leisure center of La Suze-sur-Sarthe with Aventure Nautique. Walk along the weavers’ quarter of the Small City of Character of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe or prefer the canals of the medieval and Renaissance city of La Ferté-Bernard.
Unusual stay in canoe-kayak
Terre Activ’ offers atypical stays in canoe-kayak. From the Juigné-sur-Sarthe leisure centre , sail to the L’Œil dans le Rétro campsite to spend the night in a superb vintage caravan. The next day, you can do the opposite route on the water or by bike!
A commented boat cruise
Let yourself be guided along the Sarthe during a commented cruise on a boat trip or on a traditional sandpit boat.
On a boat trip with the Sablesien
Embark on the Sablésien ship for a comfortable cruise on the Sarthe. Departing from Sablé-sur-Sarthe, enjoy a lunch cruise or a day cruise with a panoramic view. You can admire the famous Abbey of Solesmes from the river and reach the upper deck to observe the passage of a lock.
In a sandpit with the Dreamer of Saint-Nicolas
Let yourself be seduced by the charm of a traditional boat trip. In Malicorne-sur-Sarthe or from the port of Le Mans, depending on the season, take a seat on the sand pit La Rêveuse de Saint-Nicolas, a replica of a 17th century flat-bottomed ship. Embark for 1 hour in the evening during an “aperitif cruise” or a whole day with a picnic in the gardens of a lock house.
Explore the Sarthe from the water’s edge
Take the time to discover the river from dry land during a tour along the Sarthe. The towpath that follows the banks promises beautiful walks or bike rides.
Characterful villages at the foot of the river
Discover the picturesque villages nestled along the Sarthe river. From Malicorne-sur-Sarthe renowned for its earthenware to Solesmes and its abbey, small towns of character such as Parcé-sur-Sarthe or Asnières-sur-Vègre are scattered along the water.
The Sarthe river by bike
To discover the valley by bike, take advantage of the cycle route “La Sarthe à vélo” which runs along the river. A 20 km stretch between Noyen-sur-Sarthe and Sablé-sur-Sarthe promises a lovely view of the Solesmes Abbey which dominates the valley. Don’t forget to taste delicious shortbread when you arrive!
From La Suze-sur-Sarthe, take La Vélobuissonnière ® and cycle to Malicorne-sur-Sarthe. The 18 km route alternates between towpath and small quiet roads in the Sarthe countryside.
Take a walk on the towpath
Several pedestrian routes promise beautiful walks along the water’s edge. Between Sablé-sur-Sarthe and Solesmes, enjoy a pleasant 3 km walk that allows you to go back and forth on each side of the river.
