There is no better way to appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the Mayenne River than on a bike, pedalling along the towpath.

Stretching for 60 miles/100 km, the path is flat and signposted with distances between points of interest, such as chateaux, villages and old watermills. Towns along the way include Mayenne, Laval, Château-Gontier, and (soon), Angers. In 2012, the trail will extend to the island of Saint-Aubin, near Angers; in 2013, it will connect to the Loire à Vélo network.