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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.
Close
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.
Just outside the city of Angers, Île Saint-Aubin is a 600-hectare natural area accessible only by ferry. Stay at our hotel in Angers : Le Château des Forges, just a 12-minute walk away, and set off on foot to discover this preserved territory in the heart of Maine-et-Loire.
Access & TransportOnly by chain ferry from Chemin bas d’Épinard. Pedestrians and cyclists welcome. No cars.Visiting SeasonLate April to late October/early November. Access depends on the flooding of the Mayenne river. The island is flooded and closed in winter.Ferry Schedule & FaresSchedule varies by season. The crossing is often free, but a tip for the ferryman is appreciated. Check official sources before your visit.Key ActivitiesHiking (6 km loop), cycling (loaner bikes available), picnicking, birdwatching.Dining“Le Port de l’Île” guinguette at the ferry landing. Local, casual cuisine. Open seasonally.
The history of Île Saint-Aubin is one of transformation. Before becoming the landscape of meadows we know today, this place was nothing but woods and swamps. Its destiny changed in 1978, when the “Île du Mont” was gifted to the Benedictine monks of the Saint-Aubin Abbey in Angers.
They shaped the landscape of this Anjou destination. They undertook massive deforestation and dug a network of canals to transform the island into fertile pastures, irrigated by the Maine, Sarthe, and Mayenne rivers. The nature we admire today is the result of this thousand-year-old effort in France.
After the Revolution, Île Saint-Aubin was sold and its owners formed a collective. An association authorized by an edict from Charles X in 1825 still manages the site, a unique model of collective governance. The legacy of this agricultural era persists, with the "arpent" (about 6,600 m²) still used as a unit of measurement in some cases.
Preparing for your visit is simple, but there are a few specifics to keep in mind. Access to Île Saint-Aubin is exclusively by chain ferry, an experience that marks the beginning of your escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Transport on Île Saint-Aubin is limited: cars are prohibited, and only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed on board. Seasonality is a key factor. The island is partially flooded during the winter. The ferry service generally resumes from late April to early November, but its operation depends on water levels.
Our tip: for an authentic experience, visit the island outside of peak hours. Early in the morning, the light is soft and the birdsong is constant. At the end of the day, enjoy the returning calm and the atmosphere of the guinguette to watch the sunset over the river.
The ecological richness of the nature on Île Saint-Aubin is recognized by several designations. Classified as a Natura 2000 site, it is part of the Basses Vallées Angevines, a territory listed under the Ramsar Convention for its importance as a habitat for waterbirds.
The wildlife is remarkable. The island is a stopover for some 20,000 waterbirds, such as the Eurasian wigeon or the Eurasian spoonbill. It is also the most important nesting site in the Pays de la Loire region for the corn crake, a protected species. The flooded meadows become giant spawning grounds for pike. This landscape is maintained by about twenty farmers and the grazing of 500 to 600 cattle.
Activities on Île Saint-Aubin are focused on tranquility. Walking on Île Saint-Aubin is the main activity. A flat and accessible hiking trail of about 6 km allows you to circle the island. The paths are marked, and you must stay on them as the meadows are private property.
Cycling is another ideal way to explore the paths. The island is part of the “Boucles vertes angevines” (Angers Green Loops) and is close to La Vélo Francette. The city of Angers provides free bicycles near the guinguette.
A picnic area is also available. Seasonal events on Île Saint-Aubin, such as guided tours, are organized at the Maison de l’île.
Right at the ferry landing, the Île Saint-Aubin restaurant, the "Le Port de l’Île" guinguette, is the social heart of the area. It is the go-to spot for walkers and regulars to grab a drink or have lunch. In a friendly atmosphere, the menu offers simple dishes made with local products.
The establishment operates seasonally, so it is wise to check its opening hours. It is a must-visit stop during your trip to Île Saint-Aubin.
Île Saint-Aubin is a prime example of the balance between human activity and nature. After visiting this destination near Angers, the comfort of the Château des Forges awaits to extend your stay in the Anjou region.
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