Mayenne towpath and counter-towpath route starting from Ménil

(S/E) From the Ménil campsite on Rue du Port, take the Mayenne towpath heading north. Follow it for about 6 km until you reach a viaduct spanning the Mayenne. Pass under the viaduct.

(1) Immediately after passing under the viaduct, turn left onto the tarmac road. Follow this road for 100 metres as it curves to the right, then take a path on the left which joins the cycle path running alongside the N162. Once you reach the cycle path, turn left and continue along it, crossing the river.

(2) After 350 metres, turn 180° to head back down towards the Mayenne towpath, 200 metres further on. When you reach the river, turn left onto the towpath and follow it for 4 km. You will then arrive about fifty metres upstream of the Bavouze Dam and Lock.

(3) Follow the path branching off to the left, which joins a small tarmac road. At the junction, turn right and continue.

(4) The road curves to the left towards the hamlet known as ‘Le Tertre’, whilst a grassy track heads straight on; follow this track.

(5) Pass the hamlet of Grande Valette and carry on straight ahead along this path until you reach a junction with a small tarmac road.

(6) At the junction, turn right and pass through the hamlets of La Lubinière and then La Petite Valette. You will then reach a junction (with a wayside cross on the left and a sign for “Bac de Ménil” opposite).

(7) Turn right and continue straight on, passing through the hamlet of Le Gué to reach the Ménil ferry.

(8) Ring the bell to signal your presence so you can cross the River Mayenne using the ferry (see the timetables and telephone number listed in the ‘Practical Information’ section).

You will then cross the Mayenne to reach the Ménil campsite / Rue du Port (S/E).

Parking spaces are available on Rue Saint-Martin or Rue du Vigneau (small car park) in the immediate vicinity of the starting point on Rue du Port.

Please note that this walk is only possible during the periods when the ferry and the Ménil campsite are open, from mid-April to mid-September:
- In April, May, June and September, reception is open from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00.
- In July and August, Tuesday to Friday from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Saturday to Monday from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm (2016 opening hours are for guidance only; please check with the campsite).

For further information, call 02 43 70 24 54.

Please note that there is a charge for the ferry crossing (2016 price for information only: €1.50 per person).