Since 2016, Cénovia has been responsible for delegating the public service at the Port of Le Mans, with the aim of developing this activity in conjunction with river tourism.
Today, this small marina welcomes :
- customers for trips in electric boats without a licence
- pleasure boats for a stopover
- residents who live in the port all year round
To find out more about electric boat hire without a licence, visit www.portdumans.com
Throughout the year, Le Mans Métropole, in collaboration with Cénovia and local associations, organises events that have become emblematic, such as the traditional "Christmas in the Port"!
A little history...
The Port of Le Mans was built in the wake of the famines of the 18th century to bring goods into the city. As soon as work was completed in 1847, river traffic on the Sarthe intensified. With the construction of the railways and the arrival of the train in Le Mans in 1854, navigation began to decline. Work was carried out to revive activity by extending the river routes accessible from the Port of Le Mans, but to no avail. Poor maintenance of the river and the First World War worsened the situation and the port was abandoned for almost 200 years.
It was at the end of the 20th century that activity in the port was revived with the construction of a harbour master's office, secure pontoons and the installation of a number of facilities. The Port of Le Mans then became a marina, marking the birth of river tourism in Le Mans. Until 2000, tourist trips were made on fly boats along the Sarthe, discovering a unique and remarkable heritage. Le Mans became the starting point for an exceptional river tour.