Maison à pans de bois - Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
Despite losing its château, this delightful town on the edge of the Mayenne has an abundant heritage. Stroll around the narrow, cobbled streets and admire the elegant half-timbered houses which have have withstood all the ravages of time.
There are treasures to discover in the town – the magnificent Ursuline convent among them. The outstanding restoration work has made the convent a bright and welcoming place. Its chapel offers a sumptuous setting for the exhibitions of artists in residence. The buildings also regularly plays host to an eclectic and varied program of concerts and theatre.
Imagine living here and having so much culture on your doorstep! And yet it really isn’t so far from home.
Couvent des Ursulines - Château-Gontier sur Mayenne
Couvent des Ursulines - Château-Gontier sur MayenneHoused in a magnificent mansion, this museum exhibits a number of unique artists. And if you need to convince children, remember that Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne is home to the largest calf fair on the continent. Picturesque and rustic, but also a vital part of the agricultural year – people come from afar to take part.
Musée d'art et d'histoire - Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
Musée d'art et d'histoire - Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
Musée d'art et d'histoire - Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
Fleurs - Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
Jardin - Château-Gontier-sur-MayenneChâteau-Gontier-sur-Mayenne is famous for its for its public gardens:
– the “Medieval Garden of the Source“, located at the foot of the ancient ramparts, was inspired by the walled gardens of the Middle Ages
– the “Garden of Scents” near the Mayenne river is a burst of fragrant flowers and healing herbs (lavender, mint, oregano, thyme) with over 80 for visitors to inhale and marvel at.
– the Jardin des Essais (“experimental garden”) is large, labelled sampler, presenting all the varieties used for the flowering of the city’s flower baskets and flower beds
– the Jardin du Bout du Monde (“Garden at the end of the world”) is a flower-filled park overlooking the banks of the Mayenne. Century-old trees, perennial flowers all year round, and don’t be surprised if you come across some mischievous goats along your way…
A refuge as time passes!
Logo Les Plus Beaux Detours De France“Plus Beaux Détours de France“
The town of Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne is featured in the guide Plus Beaux Detours de France (most beautiful detours, or routes, in France), an honour bestowed on a select number of medium-sized towns, each with a remarkable heritage and quality of life, with hospitality facilities open all year round.
Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne also sports the “Villes et Villages Fleuris” award thanks to its remarkable flower displays.
Christophe C.
Mosaïculture - Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
