Mayenne

Mayenne, a sub-prefecture town in the Pays de la Loire region, stretches along the River Mayenne, a navigable waterway that shapes the town and its landscaped quaysides. The medieval town retains a 10th-century hilltop castle overlooking the valley, along with a historic centre of narrow streets and timber-framed houses. The Basilique Notre-Dame is another notable landmark in the town centre. The river is well suited to canoeing and kayaking, as well as leisure boating, while the Vélo Francette cycle route, linking Ouistreham to La Rochelle, passes through the town and draws walkers and cyclists alike. The surrounding countryside, typical of the Mayenne bocage, features rolling pastureland, hedgerows and small woods, ideal for country walks and dairy farming. The mild, damp oceanic climate supports outdoor activities for much of the year. Mayenne still holds a lively weekly market and offers local specialities based on dairy produce and cider. The town makes a convenient base for exploring the Mayenne valley and the surrounding villages, within an unspoilt rural setting in north-western France.