Wild basketry workshops
Discover the art of wild basketry with Christelle Brizard at Pieds Anjoués.
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Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Rent a bike to explore the famous 'Loire à Vélo' trail running right through the village.
- Parking is available near the riverbank, but arrive early during the busy summer months.
- Bring mosquito repellent for evening walks down by the water.
- Try to catch the sunset from the levees; the reflection on the Loire is memorable.
🍽 Food
🍽
Friture de la Loire
Enjoy these fried small river fish at a traditional riverside tavern or guinguette.
🍽
Sandre au Beurre Blanc
Order Zander in white butter sauce at traditional local restaurants.
🍽
Anjou Wines
Taste local Cabernet or Chenin Blanc directly from nearby vineyard cellars.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Local Wine Cellars
Buy regional Anjou wines directly from the producers in and around the village.
🛍
Sunday Riverside Market
Pick up fresh regional cheese and fruits at the market on the quays.
🧘
The Levée
Take a peaceful walk along the river embankments at sunset.
🧘
Traditional Toue Boat
Book a quiet ride on a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat on the Loire.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
5
Cordes de Loire Festival - 10th edition
Cordes de Loire presents the 10th edition of their festival from July 11th to 19th.
Guided Tour: Lady of the Loire
Explore the secrets of the river during an engaging animated visit at Loire Odyssée.
Apéro Concert La Bohalle
Enjoy a blend of music and social vibes at this relaxing apéro concert in La Bohalle.
Little Loire Naturalist
A fun-filled outdoor adventure for children to discover nature along the Loire river.
Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire, now part of the Loire-Authion municipality, is a prime example of an animated river village in the historic Anjou region. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of the 'Loire Valley,' the village is characterized by its magnificent tuffeau stone facades and slate roofs lining the quayside. Historically, Saint-Mathurin was a crucial port for the transport of slate from the nearby quarries of Trélazé. The river boatmen, known as 'Mariniers de la Loire,' shaped the culture and prosperity of the area. The imposing Saint-Mathurin church, built in the 19th century in neoclassical style, bears witness to this wealth. A special cultural highlight is 'Loire Odyssée,' a visitor center that brings the ecology, history, and navigation of France's longest river to life. Geographically, the village lies within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, offering rich flora and fauna in the surrounding 'levées' (levees). The annual floods of the Loire have shaped the lives and architecture of the inhabitants for centuries, reflected in specialized construction methods and protection devices.
- Location: Pays de la Loire, France
- Top sights: Saint-Mathurin Church · Levée de la Loire · Saint-Mathurin Station
- Nearby: Mazé (6 km)
- Population: ~16.416
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 53 | 61 | 48 | 64 | 55 | 49 | 50 | 43 | 74 | 73 | 76 |
Geography
Facts
- UNESCO World Heritage since: 2000
- Length of the quayside promenade: approx. 1.5 kilometers
- Height of the levees (Levées): up to 6 meters
- Construction period of the church: 1833 to 1835
- Population of Loire-Authion: approx. 16,400
- Distance to Angers: 20 kilometers
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire (6)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire?
The Maison de la Loire is the centerpiece, a museum dedicated to the flora, fauna, and history of France's longest river.
Is the city suitable for cyclists?
Yes, it is located directly on the "Loire à Vélo" route. There are numerous marked paths along the riverbanks for relaxed tours.
Are there boat trips available on the Loire?
Local operators offer trips in traditional flat-bottomed boats (Toues), often with tastings of regional products at sunset.
How to reach the city from Angers?
The TER train connects Angers to Saint-Mathurin in about 10 to 15 minutes. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the center.
Which culinary specialties should I try?
Try freshwater fish like pike-perch or pike with the famous Beurre Blanc sauce, a regional specialty from Anjou.
Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire: where is it located?
Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire is located in Pays de la Loire, France.
Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Mathurin Church, Levée de la Loire, Saint-Mathurin Station.
Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire: why is it worth visiting?
Saint-Mathurin-sur-Loire, now part of the Loire-Authion municipality, is a prime example of an animated river village in the historic Anjou region.
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