River Cruising in Anjou

The Anjou, so-called country of kings and with many historical links to the English from the time of the Plantagenets, is a delightful region which soon reveals itself to be one of France’s best kept secrets. Less well-known but no less enchanting than the Loire Chateaux country around Tours, it has a mellow beauty of gentle rolling meadows, forests and vine-covered hillsides, all irrigated by the Loire’s meandering tributaries, and a similarly rich cultural, gastronomic and architectural heritage, with many beautiful chateaux of its own.

Your browser does not have Flash Player 7. Download Flash Player 7 to view SlideShowPro.

The River Sarthe itself is a gentle tributary of the Loire to the north of the lovely regional capital Angers, and meanders through verdant countryside dotted with picturesque villages on its way to Le Mans, most famous for the 24-hour race but with some of the best preserved Roman walls in Europe and, in the old town, a magnificent Cathedral with a menhir in front of it as well as many 15/16th century houses lining its narrow cobbled streets. The region’s location and mild climate make it ideal to visit at any time between March and October, with the evolving seasons constantly and naturally renewing its visual appeal

Our base port is Sablé-sur-Sarthe, midway between Angers and Le Mans in the heart of the Anjou, with a railway station directly accessible by TGV. You will glide past many towns and villages at the water’s edge, and a great network of cycle paths enables you to explore further afield at an easy pace. Don’t miss the elegant chateau of Plessis-Bourré, the imposing Benedictine Abbey of Solesmes, Malicorne, famous for its porcelain, and the lovely older parts of Le Mans. As there are very few locks to negotiate this cruise is ideal for novices.

1 week option Sable to Spay or Chaffes and return

2 week option Sable to Laval or Le Mans and return

THE BOATS

 

The N800 sleeps up to 2 adults and has a saloon with 360° panoramic view - convertible table into a double bed - Inside steering position - Equipped kitchen: 56L fridge, 2 ring hob - 1 cabin with double beds - 1 shower room/wc - stern terrace.

The Estival Duo sleeps up to 4 people but is recommended for 2 adults and has a saloon with 360° panoramic view - convertible table into a double bed - Inside steering position - Eqipped kitchen: 220L fridge/freezer, 2 ring hob, grill - Bedroom with double bed (140 x 195) - Bathroom, wc, washbasin, shower - Rear sliding picture window - Front terrace moulded into the hull - Back terrace equipped with garden furniture - Extra side gates - Fixed stairway to flying bridge - Foldaway double steering position - Sliding sun awning - Bridge shower