Cheffes on the Sarthe: River Landscapes and Heritage

Cheffes lies in the heart of the Basses Vallées Angevines, on the right bank of the Sarthe. Visitors choosing the town for a stay will find a clear focus here: river landscapes, waterside paths and buildings that tell the story of the area. Cheffes can be explored both on walks and through its river and religious architecture.

Walks, Hiking and Cycling

The banks of the Sarthe in Cheffes are easily accessible on foot and are ideal for walks. A short addition to the L’Oie Rouge circular trail is the Sentier d’interprétation de Cheffes: the section from the chapel to the Croix Mahé is marked with information panels. It combines a walk with information about the places along this promenade.

Another option is the “Au fil de la Sarthe” hiking trail. It is mostly flat, family-friendly and runs mainly along paths; it is also suitable for mountain bikes. There are also fishing spots along the banks of the Sarthe, specially equipped for families and people with reduced mobility. Actual use may depend on local conditions.

If you prefer to get around by bike, the Boucle vélo des mariniers offers another way to explore the area. The 14-kilometre circular route between Cheffes and Juvardeil starts and ends in Cheffes. It is rated as easy; the stated duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. In addition to the walking and hiking trails, this provides a clearly defined cycling route with its own distance and time information.

Lock, Mill and Historic Buildings

The Écluse de Cheffes is the 20th lock from Le Mans and the last lock on the Sarthe before Angers. The Moulin de Cheffes, a large 19th-century building, spans the river and is considered a testament to industrial architecture. It was initially used as a flour mill. At the former port, the so-called “cul de bateau” tells the story of the mariniers.

The Notre Dame de Cheffes church also features striking architectural details: the choir, transept and apse date from the second half of the 12th century and are protected as historic monuments. There is also a slightly twisted slate spire. The Chapelle Notre Dame de Saint Sulpice was restored in 1882 in the Renaissance style; an 11th-century arch is visible on the river side. The chapel’s historical context also includes the year 1716: at that time, it was mentioned as a pilgrimage site associated with miracles. This describes its significance at the time, not a pilgrimage today.

River Activities and Craftsmanship

From the Base nautique de Cheffes, you can explore the Sarthe seasonally in electric boats that do not require a licence or in pedal boats. In August and September, the passenger boat “La Gogane” also calls at Cheffes for guided cruises. Check the sailing dates when planning your trip, as the service is seasonal.

The Halte fluviale de Cheffes has 27 moorings with water and electricity connections. Five moorings are reserved for visiting boaters. Another local destination is the Atelier du Détour near the church, where visitors can discover Blandine’s ceramic works. As the craftswoman’s availability may vary, it is advisable to check in advance before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Trélazé, Chemillé-Melay, Nueil-Sur-Layon, Les Rosiers-Sur-Loire, Chalonnes-sur-Loire, Baugé En Anjou, Mazé, Saint-Georges-Sur-Loire.

For the overview of the wider region: Maine-Et-Loire.