10 Quirky Eco Activities You Can Enjoy on France’s New ‘Western Rivers’ Network as It Launches to th
22.07.2024 - 18:47
/ breakingtravelnews.com
Eco river tourism continues to grow fast in France – and a new four-river network brand in the Atlantic Loire Valley, Les Rivières de l’Ouest (‘The Rivers of Western France’) is launching to the UK market this year. Located in France’s largest basin of navigable rivers, Les Rivières de l’Ouest unites three departments – Mayenne, Sarthe and Anjou – and four rivers – la Mayenne, la Sarthe, L’Oudon and La Maine. Why visit? To experience France’s slow and green ‘tourisme fluvestre’ – a mix of ‘fluviale’ (river-based) and ‘terrestre’ (land-based) activities…
1/ Take the ‘Dandy’ miniboat out for a spin
This one’s as original as they come: only a handful of these prototypes exist in France, four of them here at Chateau-Gontier on the River Mayenne. A great compromise between a canoe/kayak and larger electric boat, this stripy single-seater is just 85cm wide and endowed with a fully electric engine to whisk you silently up and down the river at a top speed of 12 km/h, with an average range of four hours on a single charge. Dead easy to manoeuvre with a steering wheel and sidestick throttle, you can’t capsize in one of these – even if the bow lifts pleasingly out of the water with acceleration. No licence required.
€14 (one boat) or €25 (two boats) for 30 minutes’ hire | canotika-tourisme.fr
2/ Have a go at e-foiling
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The world’s smallest personal motorised watercraft, an electric hydrofoil (e-foil) requires considerably more mastery than the Dandy. Accompanied and guided by a boat, you may take some time to find your balance – but once you do, you’ll be flying over the River Sarthe at speeds of up to 25 km/h. The foil is powered by a silent electric motor controlled by a handheld wireless remote, and has a rechargeable battery. This burgeoning sport is a unique experience and can be enjoyed in virtually any weather conditions.
Lessons €85 for 75 minutes | aventurenautique.fr
3/ Have lunch at a lockkeeper’s house
Meeting locals around a riverside table: this is Mayenne. The Atlantic Loire Valley’s northernmost department is dotted with lockkeepers’ houses that come to life during the summer, their owners often doubling as restaurateurs, grocers and gardeners. L’Écluserie is a little bistro at Benatre Lock, where hungry outdoorsy types arrive by boat, bike or canoe to enjoy a simple daily changing menu of main course and dessert for €14. There are outdoor games arranged, a water refill point, a bike rental and equipment shop, essential grocery supplies and a little fireplace for cooler days.
lebeyel.fr
4/ Learn to make an artisan knife
Craft workshops are part and parcel of ‘tourisme fluvestre’ and a crucial part of keeping these traditions alive, with a focus on local resources. Visit Antoine