Craon

Craon is a small town in the southern part of the Mayenne department, in the Pays de la Loire region, set within the preserved rural landscape of the Mayenne bocage countryside. The town is particularly known for its 18th-century château, surrounded by formal French gardens, which is open to visitors for part of the year. Craon is also home to one of the most active racecourses in western France, regularly hosting horse racing meetings that draw both local and regional crowds. The town centre retains a traditional architectural character, with old houses and quiet streets typical of small towns in the Maine region. The surrounding countryside offers gently rolling landscapes ideal for walking and cycling, alongside working farms that reflect the area's strong agricultural identity. Thanks to its location near the roads connecting Laval, Angers and Rennes, Craon makes a convenient base for exploring the heritage of the Haut-Anjou and southern Mayenne areas. The weekly market brings local life to the town and is a good opportunity to sample regional produce. Overall, Craon appeals to visitors seeking peace, nature and historical charm away from busier urban centres.