The landscape of the Pays de la Loire is brimming with rivers and lakes.

The Mayenne, the Sarthe, the Erdre... in Pays de la Loire, there’s always a river along your way. Messing about by a river or lake is the perfect way to take advantage of the great outdoors and indulge in your favourite leisure activity. Float gently on the water or paddle, pedal or race along an idyllic stretch of water. For those who are not keen to take the plunge, there are scenic walks and beaches from which you can observe rather than participate.

Nantes is an estuary port and the link between the Atlantic and the Loire tributaries. Trentemoult and Couëron are the last two maritime ports you meet as you travel upstream, as well as the first bases on a magnificent river run: floating moorings and new and original stopovers are situated in the centre of the city. By boat, you reach the port on the Erdre in the heart of Nantes through a tunnel and continue along the Nantes to Brest Canal.

King François I said of the Erdre: “It’s the most beautiful river in France”. From its winding, wooded banks you can gaze upon elegant châteaux and these magnificent waterways feature charming villages on all sides. What’s the best way to enjoy it all? There are plenty of ways to take to the water. For example, take a Bateaux Nantais excursion or hire an electric boat for a ride down the river in Nantes, Sucé-sur-Erdre or Nort-sur-Erdre.
For more information: www.bateaux-nantais.fr

The Sèvre Nantaise cuts a luxuriantly green swath through the landscape. Its valley marks the border between the Vendée, Anjou and Poitou regions. The fields framed by hedgerows and deep valleys are lush havens for hikers, mountain bikers and canoers.
For more information: www.sevre-nantaise.com

The Sarthe river rises in the Alpes Mancelles in the north and continues through to the Anjou in the south. It flows through a myriad of landscapes, including steep hills covered with Alpine plant life, hedgerows, dense forests and past many peaceful country villages. Things not to miss are the Solesmes Abbey, famous for its Gregorian chants; Sablé-sur-Sarthe dominated by its château; Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, a delightful town renowned for its lovely earthenware and the Maison de la Rivière (river museum) in Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe.
For more information: www.vallee-de-la-sarthe.com

Bordered by pretty little villages, the Mayenne is one of the prettiest navigable waterways in Western France. Wilder in the north, with steep, verdant banks, it becomes gentler after Laval. Its restored towpath between Mayenne and Daon, is a real treat for walkers. The river’s tributary, the green-hued Oudon, is far less docile. Near Angers, the Basses Vallées Angevines (Lower Angers Valleys) offer many hiking trails, with a great diversity of flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes.
For more information: www.mayenne-tourisme.com

Between Maine and Anjou, the Loir (not to be confused with its ‘big sister’ La Loire) runs through picturesque countryside perfect for cycling. Valleys, wooded hillsides and vineyards co-exist in peaceful harmony. The region enjoys a particularly rich and varied architectural heritage. There are many pretty villages to visit, such as Vaas, Le Grand-Lucé and Luché-Pringé.
For more information: www.vallee-du-loir.com