There are 16 locks in Anjou so you can sail on the Maine, Old Maine, Sarthe, Loir, Oudon and, of course, the Mayenne! This calm river brings pleasure sailors an utterly charming boat trip from Montreuil-Juigné to La Membrolle-sur-Longuenée and beyond.
The locks aren't just for boats!
The two nearest locks to Angers are in Montreuil-Juigné and within very easy reach. If you're a skilled sailor, you can easily visit them in your own boat or a permit-free rental. A bike ride or walk along the Maine and Mayenne's beautiful towpaths are just as wonderful. The route is actually part of the Vélo Francette bike path… A golden opportunity to skirt around île Saint-Aubin then the lovely village of Cantenay-Épinard. If you're feeling peckish along the way, we recommend the guinguette in Le Port de l’Île or La Cabane du chat qui pêche.
A breath of fresh air
Whether you're on or next to the river, this is a great opportunity to get a breath of fresh air and soak up nature with a spot of birdwatching to the sound of croaking frogs. Welcome to the Anjou Lower Valleys, a sprawling area of floodable-meadows bursting with biodiversity, listed as a Natura 2000 site and part of the Ramsar Convention. As you sail, walk or cycle along, you're bound to run into migratory birds like herons or you may even be lucky enough to spot the protected corn crake. Bring your binoculars!
How do you go through a lock?
As you get close to Montreuil-Juigné, you reach a first lock: Montreuil-Belfroy. Locks are designed for boats to go up or down on a waterway and are ingenious systems with two gates, one upstream and one downstream. When you go back up the river, you just have to sail through the downstream gate, drop anchor, open the hatch and raise the water level until the boat is at the same level as the river upstream. Open the upstream gate and Bob's your uncle! Just do the same backwards when you go back down! Lock staff are on hand in Maine-et-Loire from April to October: 9.30am-7pm. Sailing is permitted from 9am to 8pm. NB: before you go through a lock on your own, make sure you go through one beforehand with the help of a professional and that there are two of you (one on board and one on the riverbank) to complete the manoeuvre.
The lock keeper's role
Lock keepers are here to help pleasure sailors sail through the locks with peace of mind. Sound your horn to let them know you're on your way. Aside from sailing, they can be very helpful if you need help with directions, places to visit or good restaurants! If you're cycling and on the Vélo Francette bike path, there are sometimes repair kits in the lock keeper's houses.
A break at montreuil-juigné lock
The first lock brings you close to the village. If you fancy a little riverside break in a leafy setting then head over to La Rainette (bar open in high season) near the campsite. Venture a little further for a trip to Guyonnière Park with a playground, orienteering course and pretty château. Then it's time to continue your journey! A few miles away, go back up the Mayenne, pass the Port-Albert guinguette on your right and you'll reach the little Sautré lock a stone's throw from the Vauléard orchards.
La roussière lock keeper's house
Now it's time to set sail for La Roussière lock in Longuenée-en-Anjou! Before the late 19th century, this site was a hotbed for river freight, primarily raw materials for the huge flour mill that stood here. Nowadays it's a haven of peace with beautiful views of a stunning residence overlooking the water and fantastic old buildings. Lock keeper's houses are often very easy on the eye and well worth a look: La Roussière's is no exception. Expecially since it's home to Le Bistrot de l’Écluse where you can stop for a delicious break before you get back on your way. Just follow your stomach!