Sablé-sur-Sarthe, round trip, 5 nights

Halfway between Sablé-sur-Sarthe and Pincé-sur-Sarthe, you can access the Sablé-Solesmes Golf Course directly from the river by mooring your rental boat. During a stop in Pincé-sur-Sarthe, you’ll have two walking options: explore the medieval garden at the Manoir des Souches (8 km away), or go for a hike in the Pincé-sur-Sarthe forest.

Avoise offers two gems for history lovers: the Château de Dobert and the “La Perrine de Cry” manor. Nearby, visit the medieval village of Asnières-sur-Vègre (4 km), famous for its mosaic gardens.

This charming town nestled in a bend of the Sarthe boasts architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries, including Saint-Pierre Tower and Saint-Joseph Chapel. From your boat, enjoy views of Château de Pescheseul.

Home to the Ceramics Museum and the Faïencerie artistic center, Malicorne is famed for its pottery tradition. Three historic mills and a château on the water (open in summer) complete this cultural stop.

Halfway between Sablé-sur-Sarthe and Pincé, dock your rental boat to access the Sablé-Solesmes golf course. From the port, choose between visiting the medieval garden of Manoir des Souches (8 km) or a hike in Pincé’s forest.

Heard of boule de fort? This local bowling game, akin to pétanque, is played in slippers. Visit the Boules de Fort Factory or watch a match at the Cercle de Boule de Fort,this unique local pastime has around 45,000 aficionados in the region.

After wandering through the picturesque streets of Brissarthe and admiring its 12th-century church, enjoy a family or group hike in the Bois de la Jeunerie by following the interpretation trail to discover local wildlife and plant life.

A must-visit for river tourism enthusiasts. At the Maison de la Rivière, learn all about the transformation of rivers for commercial boat navigation,from the era of gabares and chalands to today’s locks and dams. Also nearby: a local equestrian center.