River cruises France, Daon

(1h20 navigation between Daon and Chenillé-Changé, approximately 6 km et 2 locks)

A picturesque small village in the middle of Mayenne, Daon is a true haven of peace with less than 500 inhabitants.
The quiet, winding Mayenne river invites you to dwadle along it. Here, there is no time to get bored as a surprise awaits you behind every curve and every tree: castles, pretty mills, small villages, churches, and many different types of birds...
With its rich and incomparable architecture, the Mayenne will transport you through all the periods of its history.
Fishermen to your lines! Along the river you can fish for carp, catfish and many more!
Extend your trip to Laval, a true city in the heart of the countryside. A cultural and architectural delight, this city will delight both adults and children alike! A journey to the heart of nature...

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To see: floral locks, the viaduct of Laval, old city of Laval, the boat lavoir St Julien of Laval, the city of the lion of Angers (visit the hippodrome, etc), the abbey of the Port Salut (and its shop of monastic products), close to Segré discover the field of Small Couère (reconstruction of a village of the beginning of the century with its classroom, grocer and shoe-maker – Agricultural museum, collection of 40 old vehicles – animals – little scenic train).

To taste: the white buttered zandar, the pommeau (local aperitif), the cider, pancakes, and potted mince of the Mans.

To know: 85 kms of towpath were restored all the way to the town of Mayenne, which offer several beautiful walks and/or bike rides.

Most Important: locks: they are one of the largest if not the greatest attraction of Mayenne. Each one has its charm and its characteristic: lock grocer, lock restoring, lock exposure photographs and even… lock bakery with explanations on how bread used to be produced etc. Without forgetting the small taverns which offer good local dishes for low prices!

Navigation on the Mayenne

A wild river of over 103km long, the Mayenne will delight all those who search adventure and those who love nature. You can meander along this calm, roaming, green river and enjoy the passing scenery.
Got a question about the area? Ask the lock keepers, it's their stories and knowledge which will bring the Mayenne to life for you. They'll be more than happy to help and advise you.
If the lockkeeper isn't there... you'll have to open the lock yourselves! Don't worry, this is a rather simple operation that you can achieve by working calmly with the help of your crew or people along the towpath. And it will be an excellent memory of your cruise!

Navigation on the Oudon

While flowing over 80km, the River Oudon is however only navigable from Port Segréto to Mayenne, a length of about 18km which possesses 3 locks.
This makes it one of the smallest, navigable rivers in France. We also recommend stoking up on supplies such as food and water, as there is no access to provisions from Segré to the Lion of Angers. .
Indeed, the River Oudon will take you into a wild landscape, in the middle of nature…

Navigation on the Sarthe

132km long, the Sarthe is a broad river which flows through a green countryside. Quiet, this river is punctuated by beautiful, flowered locks which are operated by hand by the local lock keepers who live there. These lock keepers will be able to advise you on the best activities and sights in the regions. On this river you will come across small accessible villages, castles, churches... This tranquil river will astonish you with its hidden treasures.

carte Discover the maps of information and tourist attractions of your route from Daon

River cruise Mayenne

cruise Mayenne

Canalousmayenne

A few images of the Mayenne onboard a Tarpon, how serene! Not forgetting those magnificent little villages alongside the Mayenne River.

The castle of Plessis-Mace, near Pruille
The town of Lion d'Angers
The abbey of Port-Salut, in Entrammes
The "Domaine de la Petite Couere", near Segre (a reconstitution of a village from the beginning of the 20th century)
The tow path along the Mayenne river from Daon to Angers
The flowers by the locks
Laval : its old town, its viaduct, its "wash-house" boat
Angers, its gardens, and leisure park Terra Botanica

Discover all our tourist information from Daon. Thanks to the rent of a licence free houseboat you can stroll on the canal of the Mayenne.Explore big cities as Laval, Le Mans and Angers without forgetting the castle of Angers, a place of inescapable visit.

To know the tourist information from Daon, you can open the interactive map in Google Maps by clicking the map below.

River cruise routes mayonnaise

Suggestions of routes from Daon

Week-end

Daon or Chenillé - Le Lion d'Angers - Segré - Daon or Chenillé : 70 km, 14 locks, 12 hours
Daon or Chenillé - Entrammes - Daon or Chenillé: 80 km, 24 locks, 13 hours

Mini week

Daon or Chenillé - Entrammes - Le Lion d'Angers - Segré - Daon or Chenillé : 150 km, 38 locks, 22 hours
Daon or Chenillé - Lion d'Angers - Segré - Lion d'Angers - Daon or Chenillé - Chateau Gontier - Daon or Chenillé : 150 km, 22 locks, 17 hours.
Daon or Chenillé - Lion d'Angers - Montreuil Juigné - Angers - Cantenay Epinard (by Ecouflant, So round the island St Aubin by the old Maine) - Lion d'Angers - Daon or Chenillé : 91 km, 16 locks, 16 hours

One week

Daon or Chenillé - Angers - Solesmes - Daon or Chenillé : 198 km, 30 locks, 34 hours
Daon or Chenillé - Laval - Angers - Le Lion d'Angers - Segré - Daon or Chenillé : 170 km, 48 locks, 31 hours