The Old Bridge

The Pont-Vieux, in Laval

The Pont-Vieux is the oldest bridge of Laval, whose three fine arches span the Mayenne. The Laval audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this historic crossing, heir to an ancient ford that was there on the great road linking Le Mans to Brittany.

The oldest bridge of the town

The three fine arches that span the Mayenne belong to the oldest bridge of Laval, that everyone here calls simply the Pont-Vieux. This crossing is part of a very long history: here, from Antiquity, was a ford on the great road that linked Le Mans to Brittany, allowing the travellers and the merchants to cross the river. This strategic passage of the Mayenne played an essential role in the birth and the development of Laval, a town born from this point of crossing and from the necessity to control this passage, as the castle that dominates the river testifies. The current stone bridge, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, succeeded the ford and greatly facilitated the exchanges, contributing to the commercial prosperity of the town, notably for the trade of cloth. Several times reworked and restored over the centuries, the Pont-Vieux has kept its old charm with its elegant arches that are reflected in the water. It offers fine views over the river, the quays and old Laval. A historic bridge and a cradle of the town, the Pont-Vieux is a fine stop of the discovery of Laval.

What to see

You admire the oldest bridge of Laval, with three fine stone arches that span the Mayenne, heir to an ancient ford that was there on the great road linking Le Mans to Brittany; this strategic passage was at the origin of the birth of the town, and the medieval bridge, several times restored, offers fine views over the river, the quays and old Laval. The Pont-Vieux is a cradle of Laval. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Pont-Vieux spans the Mayenne in the heart of Laval, reachable on foot. It is a public bridge freely accessible, that offers fine views over the river, the quays and old Laval. You cross it during a walk along the Mayenne.

What is the history of the Pont-Vieux in Laval?

It is the oldest bridge of Laval, heir to a ford that, from Antiquity, was there on the great road linking Le Mans to Brittany; this strategic passage of the Mayenne was at the origin of the birth of the town, and the current stone bridge, with three fine arches and medieval origins, facilitated the exchanges and the commercial prosperity of the town.

Where is the Pont-Vieux in Laval?

On the Mayenne, in the heart of Laval, in France.