Cruising in Western Loire - Cruise Map and Places to Visit

Suggested Routes

Your cruise will start and finish in Sablé sur Sarthe. A one week cruise would take you along the river Sarthe to Fillé and Cheffes. Two weeks means you can cruise along the river Sarthe until you join the river Mayenne to Laval. You can then either return to Sablé or continue as far as the old town of Le Mans.

Places to visit along the way:

Sablé

Sablé is a small town at the confluence of 3 rivers and has an elegant château overlooking the marina. There are some beautiful public gardens including a display of roses and a special garden for children. The main street is lined with medieval houses and you'll find a local art gallery and a number of restaurants. Don't forget to try some 'sablés', the delicious buttery biscuits for which the town is famous.

Solesmes

Solesmes has an impressive Benedictine abbey overlooking the river where you can hear Gregorian chant or go for dinner in one of the good restaurants nearby. On the opposite river bank is an old watermill and marble works and an 'Amusing Museum' of toys, crazy gadgets and curiosities.

Malicorne

Malicorne will appeal to those with an interest in pottery. Espace Faïence is a fascinating exhibition centre where you can see artists and ceramicists at work producing fine creations which Malicorne is well known for. There is also a medieval church and fortified château, a doll museum, watermills (once used to grind the raw pigments for the potteries) plus restaurants and a crêperie or two.

Fillé

Fillé, a charming village with houses along the river banks, is a popular place for walkers. 4k away (not too far by bicycle) you'll find the Jardin des Oiseaux, an ornithological park with peacocks, pelicans, parrots … over 200 bird species in beautiful surroundings with lakes and picnic areas.

Cheffes

Cheffes - a few kilometres away (the bikes will come in handy again) is the 15thC Château de Plessis Bourré, a graceful moated fortress complete with drawbridge. The interior is furnished in extravagant, flamboyant style, designed to impress the aristocracy of the time.

Laval

Laval entices art and history buffs. The 11thC château has a museum of Naïve Art inspired by the19thC local painter Le Douanier Rousseau. A visit to the beautiful public gardens is a must for great views over the town, river and château. The neighbouring museum tells the story of Alain Gerbault, the famous sea navigator, or you could visit the André Besnier museum (everything to do with milk, butter and cheese making) or take part in one of the organised evening walks through the floodlit old town. If strolling through a market appeals to you more, there are various ones held in the town.