Two megalithic bridges, one Thouet crossing
Artannes-sur-Thouet sits on the Le Thouet à Vélo route, halfway between Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay.
Stone bridges older than records, and a cycling route along the river
Artannes-sur-Thouet is a small village of around 400 people in the Thouet valley, within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park. Its two megalithic bridges — flat sandstone slabs resting on monolithic piers across a the Fosse d'Artannes — are among the most unusual structures on the route. The 4.5-metre menhir of Pierre Fiche stands at the river's edge, and the 12th-century church of Saint-Pierre doubles as a venue for local concerts and exhibitions. The village is a named stop on the Le Thouet à Vélo / Vélo Francette cycling route, which runs 26 km between Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay.
Things you can do here
What people said
Louise Collenette
★★★★★
We had a lovely Kayak on the Thouet. It was very relaxing and peaceful, we saw lots of Kingfishers, herons and we think Bittens. Tim was helpful and replied to our enquires very quickly.
Visited in September 2026
Canoe rental with ThouetKayaks séverine m
★★★★★
A great outing with friends—birdwatching, little beaches to relax on, picnicking, and a spot where the kids can safely splash around in the water. Definitely worth doing again—I highly recommend it.
Translated from FR
Visited in August 2026
Canoe rental with ThouetKayaks Kellie Warne
★★★★★
A wonderful Kayaking experience with Thouet Kayaks. A peaceful and very pretty stretch of river which was perfect for our family. Great chatting with Tim the owner too about the local wildlife and impressive renovations…
Visited in August 2026
Canoe rental with ThouetKayaks 
Canoeing on the Tranquil Thouet
The river Thouet has a reputation for calmness that makes it ideal for a family trip in canoes.
Ride the Le Thouet à Vélo route to the megalithic bridges
The 26 km Saumur–Montreuil-Bellay section of the Vélo Francette follows the Thouet valley through vineyards and farmland, with Artannes-sur-Thouet — and its sandstone megalithic bridges — as a key stop. The distance and gradient put it out of reach for a lot of people. ease-see e-bikes remove that barrier: you cover the route at your own pace without needing to arrive already fit.
Explore the river banks and picnic areas on two wheels
The Thouet forms the southern edge of the commune for several kilometres, with accessible banks and designated picnic areas. Getting out here under your own steam on a standard bike takes effort some people don't have spare. An ease-see e-bike makes a riverside afternoon a realistic option rather than an aspiration.
Marion
★★★★★
Thanks again for the great service Tim! You made our dream happen!🚲🚲🚲🏰🥖🧀🍷
Visited in September 2026
