Information and safety
Read the information and safety instructions to help you prepare for your trip.
Our opening times
From 12 April to the beginning of August, book your adventure on the Sarthe aboard our 7-seater electric boats without a licence, departing from the Port of Le Mans.
We are open :
- In May and June: Wednesdays from 11am to 6pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 7pm . We will be open during the school holidays from 12 to 22 April and on Fridays 2, 9 and 30 May.
- In July and August, rentals will be open every day: Monday to Friday from 11am to 6pm and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11am to 7pm
- This year, exceptionally, the season will end at the beginning of August due to harvesting.
Before departure....
For all equipment hire, you will be asked to pay a deposit by cheque or credit card.
Please report to the harbour office 15 minutes before departure to receive your lifejackets and to be given an introduction to driving the boat.
- General safety instructions for electric boat hire:
It is essential to wear lifejackets throughout your trip. Comply with speed limits and be aware of other users of the water. We also recommend that you follow the signposted routes to ensure your safety. To find out more
- General safety instructions for two-seater kayak hire:
Always wear a lifejacket and make sure that all passengers know how to manoeuvre the kayak before you set off. Make sure you stay well hydrated and respect the rules of navigation on the water. To find out more- When the heat is on, don’t forget to equip yourself: a hat, sun cream and a bottle of water will be your best allies in making the most of your outing.
How do I get through a lock?
The passage time through a lock is 15 minutes with a lock keeper and 30 minutes without a lock keeper.
Between 12.30pm and 2pm every day, you will have to go through the lock yourself. Don’t panic, you’ll be given a navigation guide to get you through the lock in 7 steps.
A video explaining how to pass through a manual lock will be shown to you before you leave by boat. Watch it now (produced by the Département de la Sarthe).
What is an electric boat without a licence?
An electric boat without a licence is a type of boat powered by an electric motor, which does not require a navigation licence to operate. These boats are designed to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, particularly on calm waters. Easy to handle, they are accessible to everyone, even those with no previous sailing experience. As well as being environmentally friendly, the electric motor provides a quiet, pleasant ride, ideal for outings in the great outdoors.