Your first time in Mayenne

Day 1: A “City of Art and History,” Laval is a must-see on your holiday

Discover old Laval with its medieval half-timbered houses (Saturday mornings are best as there’s a large market), stroll along the quays bordering the river Mayenne with a view of the château, and visit the old public baths, now an exhibition space.

Visit the Museum of Naive Art in the château, which houses one of the finest collections of Naive Art in France – you’ll be amazed by the exuberance of shapes and colors.

Then, climb the château and discover the incredible view of the town from a 12th-century tower. Henri Rousseau, founder of Naive Art was born in Laval and you can see his birthplace at Porte Beucheresse, or pay your respects at his grave in the public gardens of Perrine.

Why not do some shopping in the bustling shopping streets. Find the “Mayenne flavours” – pommeau, perry, rillettes, terrines and chocolates!

In summer, you can picnic at the “beach“, take an electric boat trip and then quench your thirst at the river stop.

Fancy a completely different kind of discovery, head to the Louverné nature park, an eco-responsible site with no shortage of activities.

Finally, 15 km southwest of Laval, discover the Museum of the artist Robert Tatin. Imagine a palace populated with colossal sculptures, a fascinating exhibition where “Notre-Dame-Tout-le-Monde” sits between “the Door of the Moon” and “the Door of the Sun”. This house and its extraordinary garden were created at the end of the 1950s by the Mayenne artist Robert Tatin.

Day 2:  Escapade in the countryside at Sainte Suzanne, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, the village exudes charm and is a perfect setting to stroll in the flowery alleyways, discovering the shops of craftsmen, restaurants and shops selling local produce. Linger on the terrace of a café and take full advantage of its special atmosphere!

Treat yourself to authentic Mayenne souvenirs in one of the many shops: booksellers, jewellery designers, soap makers, antiques … so much to choose from.

Now, head for the ruins of the fortress and the château which houses the CIAP (centre for the architecture and heritage of Mayenne) to learn more about the riches of the département.

Climb up to the medieval keep and admire the amazing 360° view of the surrounding countryside and the hills of Coëvrons.

Finally, just a few miles away, take your camera to Tertre-Ganne to capture the view over the medieval town of Sainte-Suzanne surrounded by hundred-year-old trees.

A splendid spectacle is laid out before you!

You’ll want to come back!