Canoeing on the Loire as far as La Varenne

Set off on a 26km tour of Anjou along the river, a journey of around 5 hours 15 minutes that takes you to the gateway to the Loire-Atlantique region. This section of the river reveals landscapes of character where the history of Anjou and Brittany can be seen on every bank.

A heritage of hillsides and villages

Your journey begins at the foot of the Montglonne in Saint-Florent-le-Vieil, a town steeped in history. As you make your way downstream, you will discover :
- Champtoceaux: This hilltop village offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Loire. From your canoe, you can admire the remains of its medieval citadel and ancient mills.
- Oudon: On the opposite bank, the medieval keep overlooks the river, marking the entrance to Brittany.
- La Varenne: Your arrival point, this market-gardening village heralds the transition to the Nantes region in a peaceful setting.

Highly protected wilderness
This route passes through areas of great ecological wealth, which it is essential to preserve.

- Biotope Protection Zones: As in the rest of the Loire, the sandbanks are sensitive nesting sites. From 1 April to 15 August, access and bivouacking on sandbanks not connected to the shore are strictly forbidden in order to protect the eggs of nesting birds.

- Discreet observation: Silent navigation allows you to get close to the local wildlife. Respect the tranquillity of the area by avoiding shouting and keeping your distance from bird colonies.

Safety and good practice
The Loire is a living river with its own currents and obstacles. You must wear a life jacket and be able to swim at least 25 metres.
For a successful experience, take your rubbish with you and respect private property on the islands.