Advice

Let’s take a quick pause in your visit to share some other places worth discovering! If you’re lucky enough to stay a little longer in Laval, the town and its surroundings have plenty of surprises in store. Less than a kilometer downstream along the Mayenne quays, you can visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Avesnières.

With its bright Gothic choir and ancient frescoes, it’s both a spiritual and artistic landmark. A bit further on, in Saint-Berthevin, you’ll find unexpected heritage: a dolmen several millennia old, the ruins of the Château du Bois du Maine, and a few old churches. For something even more unusual, the Robert Tatin Museum in Cossé-le-Vivien is a true work of art in the open air.

Sculptor Robert Tatin transformed an entire property into a monumental universe, somewhere between raw art and universal imagination — an experience that always makes an impression. For a mix of nature and prehistory, head to the Saulges caves in the Erve valley. Here you walk among limestone cliffs, peaceful trails, and caverns decorated with paintings over 25,000 years old.

The Prehistory Museum completes the visit for an inspiring, educational outing. About 40 minutes away, the village of Sainte-Suzanne is well worth the trip. Perched on its rocky outcrop, it’s officially ranked among the most beautiful villages in France.

Its cobbled lanes, castle, and ramparts offer a real journey back in time, with breathtaking views over the valley. And if you enjoy stately homes, don’t miss Craon Castle, nicknamed the “little Versailles of the Mayenne,” surrounded by French- and English-style gardens. Families will love the Refuge de l’Arche in Château-Gontier, a unique animal sanctuary.

Over a thousand animals rescued from abandonment or trafficking are cared for here, from monkeys, big cats, and birds of prey to donkeys and dogs, all given a second chance. And if you want to travel even further afield, two exceptional cities lie less than an hour away. To the west, Vitré, a medieval Breton town, welcomes you with its timber-framed houses and fortified castle.

To the east, Angers will charm you with the vast castle of the Dukes of Anjou, the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, and its Loire riverbanks, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With all this, you’ll have plenty to enjoy if you decide to spend a bit more time in the region!