The Rivers of Western France by self drive barge

One of the most beautiful ways of getting to know the Rivers of Western France is a cruise by easily steered self drive barge. At a leisurely pace of a few kilometres per hour, calmly follow the flow of the water for a weekend, a few days or an entire week. Discover licence-free riverboating and let yourself be inspired by our suggested itineraries on the rivers Mayenne, Anjou and Sarthe. Make stopovers in the local towns and villages to explore the region with its morsels of heritage or experience unique adventures with your family.

My first stay in a self drive barge

Discover the landscapes of Anjou, Mayenne and Sarthe in a new way! What could be more enjoyable than a vacation on a river self drive barge? All aboard for a touring holiday that flows along at a gentle pace in the largest network of navigable rivers in France.

Renting a licence-free river self drive barge

Self drive barges come in various sizes ranging from accommodation for 2 to 12 people on board. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or with friends, you will be able to rent a boat that’s just right for your vacation on the Anjou, Mayenne, and Sarthe rivers. Which licence-free riverboat can I rent?  You can choose between several kinds of self drive barges with engines. Each vessel has at least one steering position, a double cabin, a fully equipped kitchen area, a shower and toilets. From the pénichette (a traditional French barge) to an electric boat, there are around 20 models available, offering varying degrees of comfort. There are vessels with a double steering position, several individual cabins, decks at the front and back, TV or even deck furniture including a barbecue! You will also be able to rent bikes and fishing gear.  After having received a brief introduction of around 30 to 45 minutes into riverboating by the rental company, taking charge of a licence-free self drive barge will be child’s play. No experience needed, only the desire to be carried along by the river and to discover along the route countless morsels picked up in the countryside along the rivers Anjou, Sarthe and Mayenne.   Selecting the starting base on the Rivers of Western France There are three possible starting bases for your touring holidays by boat on the Rivers of Western France: at Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Grez-Neuville and Chenillé-Changé.     

Stopping at a port or a river stop

During your boat trip, you will be free to stop wherever you wish. On navigable rivers you will have the option of stopping at several locations: in the open countryside, at the dock of a marina, or at the pontoon of a river stop.

Suggested routes for the Rivers of Western France

We have come up with travel itineraries for your self drive barge holiday including sightseeing and activities on land. Whether you are travelling for a weekend, a few days or a whole week, treat yourself to a break on the rivers Anjou, Sarthe or Mayenne. A basin of four navigable rivers The Rivers of Western France form a vast landscape with 283 km (176 mi) of calm waters made up of four navigable rivers: The Mayenne follows a deep valley for 122 km (76 mi) between Mayenne and Angers punctuated by 45 locks. The Oudon, with its three locks, is wilder. It runs to the small town of Segré from the Lion d’Angers for 18 km (11 mi). The Sarthe, which is framed by hedges and thickets, links Le Mans and Angers, covering a distance of 132 km (82 mi) with 20 locks. The Maine, which irrigates the town of Angers, is the shortest of the four rivers at only 11 km (7 mi) and one lock. Travelling on a river self drive barge  On top of boating on the Rivers of Western France, excursions on land will also provide memorable moments with your family or friends. Check out our suggestions for itineraries on the rivers Maine, Sarthe, Oudon or Mayenne.      