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

The arrival in Cheffes by the bridge offers a splendid view on the Sarthe. In front of us is the Val Saint Sulpice. Upstream from the village, this valley led to the old common meadows of the parish. Today we find the Halte Fluviale, the chapel of Notre Dame de Saint Sulpice as well as the dam with a lock basin Continuing into the center of the village, we find the church with its twisted bell tower, also dedicated to Notre-Dame, which has beautiful vestiges of quality Romanesque architecture. Carved in the keystone, a coat of arms bears the emblematic goose of Cheffes. The spire, placed on an older tufa tower, dates back to the 17th century and is a rare example of the spiral bell towers estimated to be about a hundred in Europe. Its originality also lies in its octagonal shape rarely used in Anjou. Further on, on the way back to the old port, you can stop at the "cul de bateau" where the history of the bargemen is told. In August and September, the passenger boat "La Gogane" docks at the port for commented cruises. A river halt allows passing boats to spend the night. And a base for renting electric boats and pedal boats will delight young and old for an experience along the Sarthe. A restaurant is available on site at the P'tit Cheffes restaurant, as well as a bakery and a mini-market 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, in front of the campsite and at the lock, at the level of the river stop. Finally, you can appreciate Blandine's ceramic work at the Atelier du Détour, rue Traversière near the church.