Château-Gontier Viaduct route on the Mayenne

Departure from the carpool area on Route de Laval, near the viaduct.

(S/E.) Go round the roundabout to the right, via the designated crossing, and take the footpath towards Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne. Continue along the N162, crossing the wooden footbridge. You will come to a wider path.

(1) Keep going straight ahead. At the roundabout, go straight ahead, then turn right at the Parc campsite. Take the path that runs alongside the campsite to the banks of the Mayenne.

(2) Turn left, then follow the Mayenne along the towpath to the end of the marina.

(3) Continue straight ahead along Quai Pasteur. At the roundabout, go straight across to see Saint-Julien Hospital on your left. Continue straight ahead, then keep to the right and go under the Pont de l’Europe. Stay along the river until you reach a 90° left-hand bend.

(4) Turn left and head towards Bois Plaide, situated just above the Pendu lock, then take the first grassy path on the right. At the end of this path, turn left to rejoin the road and reach a Fork in the road.

(5) Take the path on the far right running alongside the N162. Cross the bridge. Take the path on the right after the bridge, and turn right twice more to reach the towpath along the river. Follow it to the left and pass in front of Les Besnardières.

(6) Continue along the towpath, then pass under the Pont de l’Europe.

(7) Keep going straight on along the Quai d’Alsace (towpath), continue straight on along the Quai de Verdun (towpath), then follow the towpath towards “Mirwault”. Pass to the right of the water treatment plant.

(8) Continue straight on, passing Mirwault as you follow the river. At La Pescherie, head straight on until you reach the viaduct.

(9) Then take the path on the right leading to the viaduct steps. Follow the steps to cross the Mayenne and reach the car-sharing area, turning right at the roundabout and passing under the bridge (S/E).

Bar and restaurant: La Capitainerie (open from April to September)
Toilets located at the marina and on the Quai d'Alsace.
Tourist Office: Les Ursulines Cultural Centre, Place André Counord.

Near the walk:

Canotika Tourisme: water sports hire (paddleboards, pedalos, Dandy boats, canoes and kayaks) and bike hire (adult, children’s, e-bikes and various equipment).
Marina.
Former Ursuline Convent (Tourist Office).
Saint-Julien Hospital.
Refuge de l'Arche.
Pendu Lock.
Medieval Garden of La Source, Fragrance Garden, Tour du Puits (the only remaining section of the town’s old ramparts)
Rue des Trois Moulins (Quai de Verdun)
Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (^{11th century}): the town’s mother church, in the Romanesque style. Don’t miss the crypt and a remarkable collection of medieval murals.
Jardin du Bout du Monde (1732): This is the oldest and largest public garden in the town.
Mirwault Lock.
Château-Gontier Viaduct.