Cruising, fishing, walking, along a green and pleasant towpath
The valley of the river Mayenne, a veritable natural park, is not to be missed by anyone who enjoys getting out and about in unspoiled nature.
The river Mayenne
Crossing the department from one side to the other, the river Mayenne was for a long time the most important trading route for the area.
The river was already being navigated in the time of Charlemagne and it continued until the middle of the 20th century. Barges sailed upstream with wood, oil or
Loire sand and downstream carrying cider, cereals or linen and hemp fabrics.
This is why, quite naturally, men came to settle alongside the river and built the main towns of the Mayenne department: Laval, Mayenne and Château-Gontier.
After a brief period when it fell into disuse, the river Mayenne has now found a second career thanks to leisure cruising and the transformation of the towpath into a recreational path.
The towpath
The towpath is one of the most beautiful green footpaths in France . It is a totally safe 50 mile recreational path, open to all non-motorised traffic. It is probably the simplest and most authentic way of reaching the real heart of the department. There are frequent information boards with the history of navigation on the river and its flora and fauna as well as the built heritage that can be seen there.
Cruising
A cruise along the river allows you to spend a day or two enjoying this environment at a different pace. Passing through the locks provides an opportunity to meet the lock-keepers who will regale you with tales about the river.