Anjou - Loire

Named after the Gallic Andegavi people who lived there, Anjou is a historical region of France. Previously a county and a province, it occupied the greater part of the department now known as Maine-et-Loire. Its capital city is Angers.

In northwest France, the Anjou is between the Loire Valley and Brittany, just 2½ hours from Paris. Here, you can cruise through green and wooded landscapes dotted with numerous riverside villages, such as the charming Chenillé-Changé on the banks of the Mayenne.
Explore Laval's dramatic castle with its underground chapel and donjon.

Take time to marvel at the Romanesque and Gothic cathedral of Angers, Saint-Maurice d'Angers, and the 9th-century Château d'Angers.

The town of Solesmes is known for having one of the most substantial Benedictine abbeys in the world. In the abbey church, you can enjoy the monks singing Gregorian Chant. Visit the Roman-Gaul Baths at Entrammes, discovered in 1987. A church built over the baths accounts for their remarkably well-preserved state.
You could also visit Le Mans, renowned for its car racing.

Those with a sweet tooth will love the Angers speciality of Quernons d'Ardoise, a caramelised praline coated in smooth blue chocolate, imitating in shape and colour the slates that cover the town's houses. Biscuit lovers will enjoy the delicious round shortbread of Sablé, often flavoured with almonds, lemon, or orange zest.

Anjou is perhaps best known for its rosé wines, which come in two distinct forms: the semi-sweet Rosé d'Anjou and the more complex Cabernet d'Anjou.

Positioned in the Loire Valley and influenced by the coast, the climate in Anjou is mild. With over 300km of rivers dedicated solely to boating for pleasure, this is an ideal destination for a cruising holiday.

With few locks, the Anjou is a perfect choice for beginners. There are three rivers for you to discover: the beautiful and sometimes wild Mayenne, the twisting Sarthe, bordered by willows and other trees, and the Oudon, the shortest navigable river in France.