Visit the Mayenne
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Towns rich in history
What luck! In Mayenne, 400,000 years of history await you! Let yourself be carried away from prehistory to the Renaissance. The Coëvrons-Mayenne area has inherited five of the department's main heritage sites. 5 sites, 5 periods of history. Your tour begins in Saulges, where you can discover the 22 prehistoric caves currently known. And to find out more, head to the Museum of Prehistory in the heart of thevalley of the Saulges caves. Then on to Jublains, a Roman town and the largest ancient site in western France. You will then pass through Mayenne to discover its magnificent Carolingian palace, then Evron to visit the magnificent basilica. Finally, head for the beautiful medieval town of Sainte Suzanne. But the Mayenne is also home to stately homes, chapels and churches, pretty washhouses, mills... and so many waterways that characterise and make up the beauty of the Mayenne landscape. It's not for nothing that the region has been awarded the "Pays d'Art et d'Histoire" label by the French Ministry of Culture!
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La Haute Mayenne
What characterises the Haute Mayenne is undoubtedly the rivière Mayenne. If you follow the course of the water, you will discover an exceptional landscape and heritage. First up is Jublains, a Roman town and the largest ancient site in western France. A 3.5km trail will take you from the archaeological museum to the various monuments still present in the town: thermal baths, thaeacircus, fortress. After visiting Mayenne, you'll want to stop off at the chateau and its museum! The chateau museum is home to the best-preserved Carolingian palace in Europe! Let yourself be carried away by 2,000 years of history. A little further on, you won't want to miss Fontaine-Daniel, a pretty little working-class village, home of Toiles de Mayenne. You won't forget to also visit Pontmain, Lassay, the Renaudies gardens, and the magnificent jardin de la Pellerine.
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Mont des Avaloirs country
Fellow hikers, head to the heart of the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park. Discover the most beautiful hills and forests in the west of France. The highest point in Western France is in Mayenne! Head for the Mont des Avaloirs which rises to 417 m. From the beautiful vantage point, you'll have a breathtaking view of theAlpes Mancelles and in fine weather, you can even catch a glimpse of theMont Saint Michel! You'll find a natural environment that's ready and waiting for you to discover some magnificent places. Take pleasure in hiking through hills and forests and discover the site of Sainte-Anne-de-Champfrémont with its chapel, which may well surprise you with its past;But also the natural site of Trotté Saint-Pierre-des-Nids, the Corniche de Pail forest and its Espaces Naturels Sensibles. If you're more of a rambler, head to Averton to the Perles site where mountain bike trails start.
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Le pays de Laval
Laval, a town of Art and History that has dominated the Mayenne valley since the 13th century. Its medieval castle and ramparts bear witness to a rich historical past. If you take a stroll through the Vieux Laval, you can't help but admire its beautiful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. For the record, one of these houses is the birthplace of the Douanier Rousseau, set in one of the gates of the fortifications! But Laval is also a river that can be navigated along its entire length! Sail aboard a houseboat for several days with your family or friends and take breaks to discover the cluses, the little villages or even to sit down at the table of a good restaurant! Lovers of pêche, will be delighted! The Mayenne river is full of fish. You'll be able to enjoy your sport in dedicated leisure areas or close to the cluses. South of Laval, don't miss the Abbey of Notre Dame de Port du salut (and its famous cheese) and the village of Entrammes.
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The South Mayenne region
Let yourself be surprised by the south of Mayenne, where the towns and villages are home to a wealth of treasures just waiting to be discovered. Your visit begins in Château-Gontier, one of France's most beautiful détours. Discover its rich and well-preserved heritage as you wander through its streets and alleys. Continue your visit to Craon, discover its magnificent chateau, its 19th-century covered market and stroll along the river Oudon. Don't miss a visit to the Refuge animalier de l'Arche and Saint Fort where more than 1,500 abandoned, injured and endangered species are housed;es, blessésées ou maltraite;es sont recueillées et se reconstruisent grâce &eagrave; la benevolence de l'é quipe de Christian Huchedé, fondateur du refuge. Then head to the Musueacute;e Tatin à Cossé le Vivien to discover the work of Robert Tatin, painter and architect who created an exceptional architectural module. Cover the beautiful 15th century paintings restored in the church of Bouchamps les Craon, and Cossé en Champagne.
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The land of the Coëvrons |
Crédits Photos: ©P.Beltrami - Mayenne Tourisme, ©Philippe CAHAREL - MayenneTourisme, ©D.Vernier - CG 53, ©Geoffroy BELIER - Mayenne_Tourisme