The Loire forms La Daguenière’s southern boundary, while the Authion forms its northern boundary. The Loire à Vélo also passes through the town. Anyone planning a stay will therefore have clear geographical reference points and a connection to cycling; these are complemented by memories of former river trade and views of the landscape at Port Maillard. The combination of the route, the river’s history and the natural riverside setting gives the town several facets to explore.
Water, nature park and World Heritage
The two waterways mark the southern and northern boundaries of La Daguenière. The town can also be placed in its regional context by another designation: it lies at the far western edge of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park. La Daguenière is also included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The river landscape, the town’s position on the edge of the nature park and its World Heritage listing are therefore distinct aspects to consider—useful points of reference for anyone choosing a destination with both landscape and cultural heritage in mind.
Ports and river history
The six former ports preserve memories of the once-thriving river trade and now serve as renovated, pleasant places to relax. Here, you can trace the change from their former role in trade to their present-day use for recreation. River trade is therefore not just part of the town’s history, but also a point of reference for understanding the importance of the Loire to La Daguenière.
Cycling along the Loire à Vélo
The Loire à Vélo passes through La Daguenière; the Église Saint Blaise et Saint Nicolas de La Daguenière is also along the route. There is also a rest stop for cyclists in the town, with a secure area and services tailored to cycle tourists. Those including the Loire à Vélo in their travel plans can take into account the town’s connection to the route and the church as a separate landmark, without turning both into a sightseeing itinerary.
Port Maillard: views, wildlife and kitesurfing
Port Maillard is a former port used for river navigation. From there, you can enjoy views of the Loire, its sandbanks and the slopes on the opposite bank. Wildlife living along the river can also be observed at Port Maillard. During the summer breeding season, it settles on the sandbanks; seasonal restrictions on wildlife watching may apply. If you plan to observe wildlife during this period, take this possible restriction into account.
Kitesurfing is also described at Port Maillard. With southwesterly to westerly winds, the spot may be of interest to kitesurfers. Runs of 600 m are possible; the current ranges from 1 knot in the deepest areas to 4 knots in certain channels. Conditions vary, and the spot is intended for experienced users. Check the conditions and safety requirements before using the spot.
June event and landscape soils
The La Daguenière festival committee holds a flea market every June. The exact date may change; check the event details before your trip if you would like to plan your visit around it. This lets you time your stay to coincide with the flea market without assuming a specific event date.
The landscape also has an agricultural aspect: alluvial soils deposited by flooding encourage the cultivation of forage crops, cereals and horticultural crops. This adds another connection between water and the local landscape to the picture formed by river views and the former ports.
Plan a discovery walk
A free booklet for the discovery walk around La Daguenière is available from the tourist information office. Before your visit, briefly check whether it is available there, as distribution arrangements may change. Along with information about the Loire à Vélo and the recreational areas, the walk offers another practical way to include the town’s history in your own travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Pruillé, Cholet, Le Pin-En-Mauges, Noyant-La-Plaine, La Salle-De-Vihiers, Broc, Pouancé, Avrillé.
For the wider travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.
