Port Saint-Maur was an important shipping location in 1858. The Loire can also be explored in La Ménitré through boat trips and a canoe trip; on land, routes lead through the polder landscape and over bridges. This offers a choice of different activities without requiring them to be combined into a single outing.

Loire Landscape and Routes Through the Polders

La Ménitré is included in the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape and lies in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park. These designations frame the landscape in two ways: the Loire cultural landscape on the one hand, and the regional nature park on the other. Those interested in the landscape and its routes can follow the Sentier des Ponceaux, a specific trail.

The 15-kilometre circular route explores the polder landscapes of the former Loire riverbed, the Authion and distinctive bridges. It runs through canals, crossing numerous bridges made of stone or slate. The route description thus links notable structures along the way with the landscape of the former Loire riverbed. These changing features—canals, bridges and polders—are a particularly distinctive part of the circular route.

Shipping, Boat Trips and a Canoe Trip

The history of Port Saint-Maur recalls the importance of shipping in 1858. The port lies opposite Glanfeuil Abbey. Tourist activities in La Ménitré include boat trips on the Loire. A separate option is the La Ménitré–Les Ponts-de-Cé canoe trip: it starts at Port Saint-Maur, covers 21 kilometres and takes 4 hours and 40 minutes. Conditions and arrangements for the start may change; check both before setting off.

The canoe trip is therefore a longer water-based activity with a clearly specified duration, while the Sentier des Ponceaux offers a different way to explore on land as a 15-kilometre circular route. Those who prefer cycling can consider Authion à vélo, described as a route through the Authion Valley that offers an alternative to the Loire à vélo. The three options differ in their mode of travel and route length. No shared walking or cycling time is specified; the canoe trip has its own duration.

Mills and Architectural History

The Moulin du Goislard windmill was moved from Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire to La Ménitré. During the move, it collapsed after just a few metres and was subsequently rebuilt true to the original. Its story thus combines a change of location, a setback during transport and reconstruction. Those interested in technical and architectural history can gain a specific insight into the journey of this structure.

Another architectural highlight is Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste, a 19th-century neoclassical church. The now-disused Chapelle du Moulin de la Vierge is also part of the town’s architectural history: it was built in 1908 on the site of a former windmill. The 19th-century church and the chapel, with its history dating back to 1908, offer two different points of interest for those interested in architecture and historic buildings.

The Moulin de la Vierge opens its doors to local artists and visitors every summer. Check the dates before your visit. This seasonal event is distinct from the historical stories of the mills: here, the focus is on the summer opening for artists and visitors, whereas the Moulin du Goislard stands out above all for its relocation and reconstruction.

Local Culture and Flavours

Boule de Fort is a local sport in La Ménitré. The Fabrique des Bières d’Anjou invites visitors to discover the ingredients and production of La Piautre. The beer is brewed with organically grown malt and hops. For visits to the malt house, brewery and distillery, La Piautre offers appointments on Saturdays at 3 p.m. by advance reservation. Check reservation requirements and current availability beforehand.

For planning a trip, this offers a choice of activities to suit different interests: Loire history and water activities, a circular route through canals and polders, cycling in the Authion Valley, or architectural and local cultural history. For seasonal openings and visits that require reservations, check the relevant dates and availability before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Neuvy-en-Mauges, Le Guédeniau, Nuaillé, Distré, Mûrs-Erigné, Les Verchers-Sur-Layon, Vernantes, La Daguenière

For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.