A weekend on the river in Anjou
Discover the Rivers of Western France in Anjou by taking a cruise on the rivers Mayenne and Maine. From Grez-Neuville to Angers, passing the island of Saint-Aubin, this two-day itinerary by licence-free boat offers great adventures in the countryside.
Day 1: Grez-Neuville — Feneu
Starting in the village of Grez-Neuville on the river Mayenne, set off on Friday afternoon for a cruise of two days in Anjou. Don’t forget to rent bikes from the boat hire before weighing anchor! After around 1.5 hours of travel you will reach Feneu. Enjoy dinner at the inn of Port Albert during this first stopover at a fortress on the Mayenne.
Day 2: Feneu — Angers
From Feneu set course for Angers. Plan two hours of travel for the route between the Mayenne and the Maine before dropping anchor in the capital of Anjou. This will be the starting point of a 25 minute cycling trip to reach the plant-themed amusement park of Terra Botanica.
Terra Botanica
A veritable paradise of a thousand colours and smells, Terra Botanica offers a tour of the world though 500,000 plants across six centuries of history.
From the Treasure of the Perouse in the garden of legends, via the butterfly house, discover the marvellous universe of Europe’s first amusement park dedicated to the plant world and biodiversity.
Between adventure games, attractions and botanical discoveries, Terra Botanica will excite the whole family!
When you’ve returned to your mooring spot in front of the imposing fortress, take some time during the evening to amble through the old town of Angers.
Day 3: Angers - Grez-Neuville
Leave the port of Angers on the river Maine and rejoin the route towards the Mayenne. En route, make a stopover at the island of Saint-Aubin, a nature preservation area classified as Natura 2000. Because it is submerged during the winter, the island of lower Anjou valleys is only accessible between April and November.
The island of Saint-Aubin
Located just outside Angers between the rivers Mayenne, the old Maine and the Sarthe, the island of Saint-Aubin is accessible on foot and cyclist via a cable ferry located on the riverside of the Mayenne.
This 600 hectare private site made up of vast green pastures invites visitors to make extensive walks on the marked routes.
After disembarking, enjoy a first stop at the inn at the island’s port before setting out to discover this sanctuary of biodiversity.
A path lined with plane trees takes you to the House of the island of Saint-Aubin. It is home to the information centre and the explanation of the surrounding flora and fauna. This ancient renovated farmhouse is the last witness of the occupancy of this site by Benedictine monks during the Middle Ages.
On Sunday afternoon, follow the river itinerary on the river Mayenne to return to your starting point at Grez-Neuville.
