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Treat yourself to a getaway in the heart of Anjou. Enter your arrival and departure dates below, then book your stay at Château des Forges.
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Treat yourself to a getaway in the heart of Anjou. Enter your arrival and departure dates below, then book your stay at Château des Forges.
The lapping of the water, the whisper of the wind, the banks gliding slowly by… The Maine offers a timeless escape in the heart of Angers.
From the river, the landscape takes on a whole new look: the castle is reflected in the water, the bridges reveal their elegance, and the islands appear like well-kept secrets. A trip along the Maine is a chance to savour the gentle charm of Anjou at its simplest and most soothing, close to our hotel in Angers.
Fancy a different kind of experience, set to the gentle rhythm of the Loire and nature? The Château des Forges offers an exclusive package combining sustainable transport with the pleasure of cruising. Set off on an e-bike from the estate, cycle along the peaceful riverbanks to Bouchemaine, then let the water carry you as you head to Île Saint-Aubin by boat.
Two options are available:
Why choose this walk?
Because it offers the perfect combination of gentle adventure, exploring the landscapes of the Loire Valley, and a peaceful return journey by water. It’s also an excellent way to experience Anjou in a different light, combining light physical activity, culinary pleasure and contemplation. A genuine micro-adventure accessible to all, with no complicated logistics.
A rare experience to enjoy as a couple, with family or friends, to savour Anjou in a different way. Bookings at the château reception.
Amidst the soothing tranquillity of an Angers afternoon, the River Maine flows gently past islets, riverbanks and historic landmarks. Taking a boat trip on the River Maine in Angers means discovering the city in a different light: from the water, the city reveals itself in a new, intimate, almost secret light.
Who is it for?
For couples looking for a romantic moment, a family keen to enjoy a gentle and fun experience, or a traveller who loves nature and heritage. It’s an activity accessible to all, ideal for those wishing to discover Angers at a different pace, far from the usual tourist routes.
Why?
Because the river offers a unique perspective on the city. From the water, Angers reveals itself in a different light: the castle stands out against the sky, the ancient bridges tell a story, and the riverbanks invite you to daydream. It is also a slow, soothing and deeply rejuvenating activity.
What you’ll experience:
Taking a boat trip on the Maine in Angers is like setting off on an enchanting escape. The lapping of the water, the golden light at the end of the day, the silence punctuated by birdsong… Every moment becomes a sensory experience.
The Maine reveals a thousand different faces to those who know how to explore it. Fancy a peaceful outing? A cultural discovery? An adventure? There’s a boat trip to suit everyone. Here are three other ways to enjoy this river getaway, depending on what takes your fancy.
On board a sightseeing boat, let yourself be guided by the river’s gentle rhythm as the history of Angers unfolds. The cruises are often punctuated with anecdotes about the local heritage, wildlife and the landscapes you pass through.
Why choose this cruise?
Because it allows you to discover Angers at your own pace, whilst enjoying the commentary of a passionate guide and the comfort of a welcoming boat.
Operators:
These small, quiet boats are easy to manoeuvre, require no licence, and allow you to enjoy a trip in complete independence. Whether for an hour or half a day, they let you create your own getaway, in complete freedom.
Why choose this trip?
Because it offers complete privacy: you set your own pace, choose your own route, and create your own moment of tranquillity or celebration on the water.
Provider:
For anyone who loves outdoor activities, the Maine is perfectly suited to gentle water sports. Whether in a canoe or on a stand-up paddleboard, you glide along the water’s surface, close to the vegetation, at your own pace.
Why choose this trip?
Because it allows you to immerse yourself in the river, surrounded by nature, and to discover Angers in silence, at water level.
Organiser:
Angers Canoe and Kayak Club (CKCA): 11 km away – equipment hire and guided tours
Before setting off, here are a few simple pointers to help you make the most of your boat trip on the River Maine in Angers:
Departure points: Cale de la Savatte (city centre), marina, Lac de Maine baseBest time to visitMay to September – ideal in the afternoon or at sunsetDuration of trips45 mins to 1h 30 mins (cruise), 1h to half a day (hire or canoe)Approximate prices: €10–15 (cruise), €40–60/hour (electric boat), €10–20/hour (kayak)Booking: Strongly recommended in summer and at weekendsRecommended equipment: Comfortable clothing, hat, water, sunglasses, sun cream
Just ten minutes from the heart of Angers, the Château des Forges welcomes you to a six-hectare natural estate, with a magnificent view of Île Saint-Aubin. This elegant, fully renovated 19th-century residence combines historic charm with contemporary comfort. A heated swimming pool with panoramic views, refined guest rooms, a self-contained studio, function rooms… everything is designed to ensure a peaceful break, whether as a couple, with family or amongst friends.
An ideal starting point for a boat trip on the River Maine, the château also offers quick access to Terra Botanica or the historic centre of Angers. After a day spent on the water, there’s nothing quite like returning to this haven of serenity, where elegance, nature and the gentle charm of the Angers region come together.
Treat yourself to a moment suspended between nature and refinement at the Château des Forges, and let the River Maine reveal Angers’ secrets to you. Don’t wait any longer!
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