Spend a week cruising on the river Mayenne
Spend a week cruising on the river Mayenne and enjoy a few adventures along the way: go horseback riding, try out water skiing or handcraft a beautiful object.
Day 1: Chenillé-Changé - Daon
The river base at Chenillé-Changé is an excellent starting point for a voyage in a self drive barge on the river Mayenne. From 3 pm onwards you can take charge of your boat before setting course in a northerly direction. The small village of Daon will be your first stop after around 1.5 hours of travel.
Day 2: Daon - Château-Gontier
Take some time to wander through the pretty market town of Daon and along the towpath of the Mayenne river.
Riding a draught horse
Treat yourself to an hour-long, beginner-friendly ride on a draught horse. The equestrian farm “Trait Nature” in Daon also offers carriage rides for up to 6 people of 1.5 hours in length.
Departing from Daon, expect to travel around 2 hours 45 minutes to reach Château-Gontier. This town has been recognised as being among the “Most Beautiful Detours of France” and offers a peaceful night’s rest.
Day 3: Château-Gontier - La Roche-Neuville
Several gems await you in Château-Gontier, such as the magnificent Ursuline convent or the “Garden of Fragrances” near the river. If you are in the mood for some leisure time you might even go water skiing on the river Mayenne!
Water skiing on the Mayenne
Learn to water ski in Château-Gontier by taking the plunge on the river Mayenne! Choose from among activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding or tubing for an unforgettable experience!
Continue your voyage on the river until you get to the lock at Neuville located at around 1.5 hours of travel from Château-Gontier. Make the most of this stop by enjoying a drink or meal on the terrace of the bar restaurant “Les Copains d’abord” (“friends first”) on the river bank.
Day 4: La Roche-Neuville - Origné - Port Rhingeard
While you are here, visit the cutlery workshop “Coutellerie du Maine-Anjou” located in the lockkeeper’s house in Neuville. Whether you want to treat yourself to a handcrafted knife or sharpen the one you already have: anything is possible! And how about making one yourself?
Become a cutler for a day
Take part in a half-day long course to learn how to sharpen or make your own knife. Antoine, founder of the “Coutellerie du Maine-Anjou” will share his secrets and methods with you in a studious and convivial atmosphere.
From Roche-Neuville, expect around 2.5 hours of travel to Origné. While you are stopping at the Benâtre lock, enjoy a meal at the lockkeeper’s house. This is where the restaurant Le Beyel is located during the summer months.
Carry on travelling for a further 2 hours until you reach the restaurant “Les Bateliers” at the river stop in Entrammes. Located in Port Rhingeard, this stop offers peaceful surroundings at the foot of the Cistercian abbey of Port-Salut.
Day 5: Port Rhingeard - Bois-Gamats - Laval
From Port Rhingeard it will take you around 2 hours to reach the river stop in Laval. The mediaeval castle is home to the Museum of Naïve and Outsider Art and offers beautiful views of the river from the top of its round keep. But before mooring, make a stop at Bois-Gamats to visit the donkey farm.
Make soap from donkey milk
Find out how donkey milk is made and then learn to make your own soap! After having taken part in a workshop organised by the donkeyfarm in Bois-Gamats, you will go home with a bar of artisanal soap made by your own fair hands.
Days 6 and 7: return to Chenillé-Changé
During your last two days it is time to head back to your starting point by travelling down-stream of the Mayenne. You can also participate in the workshops proposed in the itinerary on the return journey. You will return your keys on the day after your last night on board.
