It is said that Francis I of France once declared the Erdre to be one of the most beautiful rivers in France. Without the slightest exaggeration, it truly lives up to that reputation.

The rowing tour begins at the club’s pontoon, where the crews gather before setting off. Upstream, the left bank is already lined with lush vegetation, while the right bank is home to a succession of converted houseboats. After passing beneath the first bridge, the river gradually widens, leaving the urban landscape behind in favour of increasingly unspoilt surroundings. As the route unfolds, openings in the trees reveal an impressive collection of elegant châteaux and the famous Nantes follies—the country houses built by wealthy shipowners and merchants during the 18th century.

After passing beneath the bridge at Sucé-sur-Erdre, the river opens into the vast Mazerolles Plain, whose broad expanse gives it the appearance of a lake. From there, the Erdre winds northwards towards Nort-sur-Erdre, through peaceful marshlands dotted with traditional fishermen’s huts.

The day ends in a large basin with a lively guinguette atmosphere. In the evening, participants gather at a local secondary school for an outdoor aperitif, followed by dinner, karaoke and dancing.

The following day, the return journey follows the same stretch of river, offering a fresh perspective on the landscapes and allowing participants to appreciate the scenery from a different angle.