Cheffes lies in the heart of the Basses Vallées Angevines, on the right bank of the Sarthe. The river shapes the range of experiences on offer: you can explore its banks on foot, choose a cycling route or discover the town’s buildings and history. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to your own interests, without following a set itinerary.
Getting around on foot and by bike
The banks of the Sarthe in Cheffes are easily accessible on foot and are ideal for walks. There are also fishing spots specially designed for families and people with reduced mobility. Their usability may depend on local conditions; check in advance if needed.
For a bike ride, the Boucle vélo des mariniers between Cheffes and Juvardeil is a good option. The 14-kilometre loop starts and ends in Cheffes. It is rated easy and is listed as taking one hour and 30 minutes. This gives you both a route length and a specific time estimate to help plan your ride.
The Sentier de randonnée pédestre «Au fil de la Sarthe» offers a different experience: this family-friendly walking trail is mostly flat, runs largely along paths and is also suitable for mountain bikes. Those interested in the local landscape and its points of interest can take the Sentier d’interprétation, a short additional walk on the L’Oie Rouge loop. From the chapel to the Croix Mahé, it is signposted with information panels.
Buildings and history by the river
The Écluse de Cheffes is the 20th lock from Le Mans and the last lock on the Sarthe before Angers. The Moulin de Cheffes also shapes the riverside landscape: this large 19th-century building spans the Sarthe and is considered an example of industrial architecture. It was initially used as a flour mill.
At the Église Notre Dame de Cheffes, the choir, transept and apse date from the second half of the 12th century and are listed as historic monuments. Its noted architectural features also include a slightly twisted slate spire. The Chapelle Notre Dame de Saint Sulpice offers another historic landmark: it was restored in the Renaissance style in 1882, and the arch visible on the riverside dates from the 11th century. The chapel was already mentioned in 1716 as a place of pilgrimage associated with miracles.
The history of the Mariniers is also part of Cheffes’ former port. It is told at the so-called cul de bateau. This stop adds the history of river navigation to the story of the lock and mill.
Boating and further discoveries
From the Base nautique de Cheffes, visitors can explore the Sarthe in license-free electric boats or pedal boats. The service is seasonal; check whether it is available for your planned travel dates. For visitors travelling in their own boats, the Halte fluviale de Cheffes has 27 mooring spaces with water and electricity connections. Five are reserved for boaters passing through.
Near the church, you can discover Blandine’s ceramic work at the Atelier du Détour. Unique ceramic and sculptural pieces are also made entirely by hand in the workshop. As the craftswoman’s availability may vary, it is advisable to enquire before planning a visit.
Cheffes sur Art was held for the fourth time as an art trail on 25 July 2026, turning the village into an open-air gallery. No further date is currently known. Visitors planning a stay can consider this past edition as part of the town’s cultural life, but should not assume there will be a future event date.
Discover more destinations: Andrezé, Saint-Sigismond, Vezins, Faye-D'anjou, Thorigné-D'anjou, Villedieu-La-Blouère, La Chapelle-Sur-Oudon, Fontevrault-L'abbaye.
For the broader travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
