Laval

Laval, the county town of Mayenne, sits astride the river of the same name in the heart of the Pays de la Loire region. The town is known for its medieval castle, a fortress dating from the 11th and 13th centuries overlooking the riverbanks, which now houses a well-regarded museum of naïve art. The old town, with its half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes, makes for a pleasant stroll between Notre-Dame-de-la-Trinité Cathedral and the landscaped riverside quays. Laval is also the birthplace of the painter known as Le Douanier Rousseau, celebrated locally through various works and cultural spaces. The banks of the Mayenne, dotted with old bridges and public gardens, are well suited to walking or cycling. The surrounding countryside, characterised by the lush hedgerow landscape typical of western France, invites exploration of the Mayenne countryside and its nearby villages. Laval enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with mild summers and gentle winters. The town makes a convenient base for discovering the historical and natural heritage of Mayenne, roughly halfway between Rennes and Le Mans.