The Laval region

Discover the must-see city of Laval and enrich your knowledge thanks to the rich history of this city that has been awarded the "ville d'art et d'histoire" label!

Le château de Laval et son musée d'Art Naïf et Singuliers 

The Pays de Laval is a region rich in history, with its medieval castle and ramparts, ancient residences and medieval houses. Take a stroll through its typical narrow streets, which have stretched along the banks of the Mayenne for almost a thousand years. Its many half-timbered houses conceal the birthplace of the artist Douanier Rousseau, some of whose works are admirable at Laval's Musée d'Art Naïf; what's more, Europe's finest exhibition is on display there. An emblematic artist of this museum and of the Pays de Laval, three of his paintings are on display there. 

Laval is keen to promote its Laval heritage and make it an emblematic city. Its museum of Art Naïf et des Arts Singuliers also known as MANAS is a unique venue that presents collections and temporary exhibitions.

Walk through the château de Laval, a well-preserved 11th-century mé fortress overlooking the Mayenne. The castle courtyard is freely accessible, and the lower chapel and the main tower can only be visited on guided tours. Discover the incredible architecture of the castle and its fascinating history. The castle is registered with the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques et des Sites. Since 1967, the castle has been home to the Museum of National Art and Singular Art. Both sites are located in Place de la Trémoille.

Other museums await your visit, including the Science Museum and the Public School Living Museum.

Promise yourself in Old Laval  After these two visits, a stroll through Vieux Laval is a must. Its narrow streets, atypical houses and animation will make you succumb and spend an agréable moment. Look out for Douanier Rousseau's famous birthplace among all the half-timbered houses ... Its historic centre offers an invitation à to travel back in time, à the époque of the Middle AÂge.  The recently reopened bains-douches and the bateau lavoir Saint-Julien, will arouse your curiosity. In fact, formerly bains-douches for municipal use by the town's residents, this site has now become a venue for cultural exchange and art exhibitions, with its art-deco architecture embellished by the blue of the mosaics.

Classified as a Historic Monument in 1993 thanks to the conservation of all its equipment and freshly restored, the Bateau Lavoir Saint-Julien had been built for the frequent washing of cotton linen. It has since been reopened as a site museum. Located on the other side of the Mayenne river, it now offers a renewed scenery with an interactive terminal offering a database and virtual reconstructions.

Continue your stroll and discover an unmissable religious monument in the Pays de Laval 

South of the Pays de Laval, the Abaye du Port du Salut on the banks of the Mayenne is a religious building and, since the restoration of the monastery, has been home to a community of Cistercian Trappists. You can attend monastic services in the 13th-century abbey church. Then, at the entrance to the monastery, a whole host of monastic and other products await you, including religious books, diaconal products, food and much more. Nearby, the village of Entrammes, its Gallo-Roman thermal baths and its famous cheese are just waiting for you! 

Retour à Laval à la cité du lait  La cité du lait; - Lactopôle® takes you on an authentic journey to the heart of the dairy tradition. You'll be amazed by its unique collection of more than 4,000 pieces spread over 5,000m2. Embark on an astonishing industrial adventure in the midst of this unique museum, which is regarded as an educational space for the very young, raising awareness of dairy products, their history and the heritage that is such an integral part of our county. Enjoy and learn more about the world of milk and its evolution on an interactive, multi-media and multi-sensory tour. The visit ends with a tasting!

Let yourself be lulled by the tranquility of the water's course ... 

Fancy some fresh air? Head to the banks of the Mayenne, Laval's flower gardens or the many country walks. Le jardin de la Perrine, the jardin des Cordeliers in Vieux Laval, the parc des Ondines à Changé or the bois de l'Huisserie will know how to relax you in a préserv; natural setting. On your bike, take to the towpaths on the Francette itineraries. Vélo Francette.

Petite détour à Parné-sur-Roc, this small town; de caractère 

Let yourself be charmed by its picturesque houses, colourful alleyways, flowers and medieval bridge. Parné-sur-Roc has an unsuspected industrial and cultural heritage, which you will be delighted to discover. 

Not far from Laval, Echologia, site éco-responsible 

A kingdom of co-tourism and the unusual, Echologia invites you to discover a marvellous natural world. Open-air trails and activities are organised for you to discover different biotypes and ecosystems. Explore the fascinating world of biodiversity, beekeeping and aquaponics. Continue your visit by discovering the secrets of the site's old quarries. Echologia is suitable for all ages and offers a wide range of activities: fishing, wild fish feeding, riddles, treasure hunts, farm meetings, line fishing, adventure trails, outdoor games, archery for children...... There's something for everyone! Echologia offers an exceptional natural setting for adventure and relaxation. Admire this haven of peace and get away from it all for a while!

So don't wait any longer and book one of our Gîtes de France® Mayenne for a 100% real day out in the Pays de Laval!