CHEFFES, À LA RENCONTRE DES GENS DE LA TERRE ET DE L’EAU

Arriving at Cheffes over the bridge offers a splendid view of the Sarthe. Opposite us is the Val Saint Sulpice. Upstream from the village, this valley used to lead to the parish's former common meadows. Today it is home to the Halte Fluviale, the chapel of Notre Dame de Saint-Sulpice and the dam with its lock basin.

Continuing into the town centre, you come to the church with its twisted bell tower, also dedicated to Notre-Dame, which boasts some fine examples of Romanesque architecture. Carved into the keystone, a coat of arms bears the goose emblematic of Cheffes. Resting on an older tufa tower, the spire is believed to date from the 17th century and is a rare example of one of the hundred or so spiral bell towers in Europe. Its originality also lies in its octagonal shape, which is rarely used in Anjou.

Further on, on the way back to the old port, you can stop off at the ship's end where the story of the bargemen is told.

In August and September, the passenger boat "La Gogane" docks at the port for guided cruises. There's also a riverside stopover where passing boats can spend the night. And a hire base for electric boats and pedalos will delight young and old for an experience along the Sarthe.

The P'tit Cheffes restaurant, a bakery and a mini-market are open from Tuesday to Sunday morning.

During the summer season, you can also eat at the Guinguette "Chez Nini" on the banks of the Sarthe, opposite the campsite and the lock at the river stop.

Finally, you can enjoy Blandine's ceramic work at the Atelier du Détour, in rue Traversière near the church.