About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Cruising the Mayenne from Chenillé-Changé
Chenillé-Changé lies between Laval and Angers in the Pays de la Loire. It is the starting point for cruises on the Mayenne, which the operator calls one of the least known but most beautiful rivers in France. You don't need a licence to hire a boat here. Flower-decked locks punctuate the river, and a greenway runs beside it for more than 80 km. You can combine time on the water in the middle of the countryside with plenty of cultural heritage along the way.
The Mayenne isn't the only option. South-west of Chenillé-Changé you can make a detour onto the Oudon, a small river the operator describes as full of charm. To the south-east, near Angers, the Mayenne joins the Sarthe, which runs through picturesque countryside to Le Mans.
Sights along the river
Places to visit along the way include the abbey at Port Salut, the old town of Laval, the Château du Plessis-Macé, the stud at Le Lion d'Angers and La Petite Couère. Cruises from the base can also reach Laval, Le Mans, Mayenne and Angers, where the château is a highlight.
Weekends and short breaks
The operator suggests routes for each length of hire. Distances, lock counts and hours are as the operator gives them.
For a weekend: Chenillé – Le Lion d'Angers – Segré – Chenillé: 70 km, 14 locks, 12 hours Chenillé – Entrammes – Chenillé: 80 km, 24 locks, 13 hours
For a short break: Chenillé – Entrammes – Le Lion d'Angers – Segré – Chenillé: 150 km, 38 locks, 22 hours Chenillé – Le Lion d'Angers – Segré – Le Lion d'Angers – Chenillé – Château-Gontier – Chenillé: 150 km, 22 locks, 17 hours Chenillé – Le Lion d'Angers – Montreuil-Juigné – Angers – Cantenay-Épinard – Le Lion d'Angers – Chenillé: 91 km, 16 locks, 16 hours. This route goes via Écouflant and loops round the Île Saint-Aubin on the old Maine.
A week or longer
For a week: Chenillé – Angers – Solesmes – Chenillé: 198 km, 30 locks, 34 hours Chenillé – Laval – Angers – Le Lion d'Angers – Segré – Chenillé: 170 km, 48 locks, 31 hours One way, Chenillé – La Suze-sur-Sarthe: 143 km, 23 locks, 25 hours
For two weeks: Chenillé – Mayenne – Écouflant – Malicorne – Chenillé: 402 km, 112 locks, 68 hours One way, Chenillé – Laval – Angers – La Suze-sur-Sarthe: 243 km, 57 locks, 45 hours
For three weeks or more: Chenillé – Mayenne – Angers – La Suze-sur-Sarthe – Chenillé: 504 km, 130 locks, 97 hours
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in France. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
