Embark on a one-way cruise on the Sarthe and Mayenne and sail your canal boat through the heart of wild landscapes in the high valleys of Anjou as you explore the ‘Natura 2000’ conservation zone. You will also discover remarkable cities including Laval, Château Gonthier, Angers and Sablé-sur-Sarthe.
The rental of your Nicols boat from the base of Sablé-sur-Sarthe in Anjou is the ideal place to discover this beautiful calm and nonchalant river that is the Sarthe. Its low number of locks will seduce the novice for a first cruise in all serenity.
Sablé-sur-Sarthe: Castle park, guided tour of the ancient town centre, The museum of the flying man, art gallery of the Chateau de Villeneuve, ‘Espace Henri Royer’ with Picnic area, Playground, Mini golf, Pool and jetty.
Pincé-sur-Sarthe: Medieval garden, golf course, hiking trails
Morannes: Aquaculture farm of Anjou, St Aubin’s church, Boule du Fort (a local game)
Brissarthe: Church, hiking trails
Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe: House of the river, Boule de fort (a local game), equestrian centre
Juvardeil: Swimming pool by river, hiking trails
Tiercé/Etriche: Church, Chapelle du Moulin d’Ivray, hemp ovens
Cheffes-sur-Sarthe: Church of Notre Dame de Cheffes, Castle of Plessis Bourré, Golf course of Champigné
Heffes-sur-Sarthe:Briollay: Church (historic monument), laundry
Ecouflant: Park Anjou Adventure tree-climbing park, Parc de loisir des Sablières (water park), Interpretive village trail, sensory garden in the town hall
Angers: Château de Roi René, cathedral, museum, Terra Botanica amusement and botanical park, parks
Cantenay-Epinard: Hiking trails
Montreuil-Juigné: Pedestrian path, castle, library, church, Le Marais, nature reserve with observation point
Feneu: Church, hiking trails, Moulin de Sautré water mill, Château de Sautré
Pruillé: Château du Plessis Macé
Grez-Neuville: Aquarelle gallery, equestrian centre, St Martin’s church
Montreuil-sur-Maine: Mariale’s cave, Chauvon
Chenillé-Changé: Church, water mill, Chateau des Rues
La Jaille-Yvon : Saint Loup Church, hiking trails, outdoor activities at the Base de loisirs Anjou Sport Nature
Daon: Leisure centre (canoes, pedalos, swimming), Fountain laundry
Ménil: Notre Dame de Bonne Fortune’s chapel, the laundry where painter Degas was inspired , “Le bac de Ménil” ferry crossing, riverside beach
Château-Gontier: Zoo, “Jardin du bout de monde” - garden at Chateau Gontier, equestrian centre, Convent of Ursulines, St Jean’s church
Entrammes: Abbey of Port Salut, Roman-Gaul Baths
Laval: Racecourse ofBellevue-la-Forêt, Lactopôle dairy museum, Chateau de Laval, “Bateau-Lavoir Saint-Julien” historic floating wash-house, museum
When you’ve explored Laval, head back to Grez-Neuville where you will return your canal boat to the Nicols base. Your boating holiday may be over but you will leave full of smiles and memories from your voyage of discovery in Anjou.
A change of scenery
We enjoyed a very pleasant cruise under the sun, the change of scenery was fantastic. The Nicols team was very helpful and attentive and we left with great memories. I’m sure we will take another boating holiday to explore a different destination!
Michel, Alençon