The Mayenne Valley
After rising at the foot of Mont des Avaloirs (the highest point in western France), the Mayenne is fed by numerous streams and rivers.
Whatever your holiday destination in Mayenne, you are never far from the Mayenne Valley …
It crosses the département from north to south and flows into the Loire south of Angers after merging with the Sarthe. It became navigable between Mayenne and Angers in the 19th century by the creation of dams and locks.
Until the mid-20th century the River Mayenne was a major economic link, when barges sailed upriver carrying wood, oil and sand from the Loire and returned downriver with cider, cereals and canvas made of linen or hemp woven in Mayenne. The barges were towed by horses and often men along the famous towpath.
It is easy to imagine how busy life was beside the water with lock keepers, sailors, different trades, waterside bars and cafés, little river ports, etc. After a short lull in activity, the Mayenne found a new lease of life thanks to river tourism and the conversion of the towpath into a hiking path.
Visit the Vallée de la Mayenne on the water, on foot along the towpath or by bike along the VéloFrancette cycle route !
Today you can sail along the river aboard a cabin cruiser, go on a river cruise, hire an electric boat for a day or simply jump into a canoe for a total change of scene.
Although the river has been adapted for navigation, the natural features of meanders, cliffs and wooded hillsides have not changed, making it a genuine nature park. The towpath is a paradise for walkers. There are no cars nor nearby roads, a wonderful way to get away from it all surrounded by unspoilt countryside.
The « VéloFrancette » cycle route which runs the length of the towpath is very popular with cycle tourists. Information boards along the way present the attractions of the valley like hillside châteaux, aquatic flora and fauna, especially fish. Here and there small restaurants and local food shops have everything you need for a gourmet pause.
Discover Mayenne with Gites de France Mayenne : Mayenne – a haven for fisherman, Mont des Avaloirs
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
La Mancellière, jusqu'à 6 personnes
in L'HUISSERIE - Mayenne
Our new accommodations
Lodging
Gîte du Soleil dans la Ruelle
in Voivres-lès-le-Mans - Sarthe