Attractions and Places To See around Mayenne - Top 20

Mayenne is rich in historical castles. You can explore the impressive Château de Mayenne, a thousand-year-old fortified castle with a museum. Another must-see is Lassey Castle, a 15th-century fortress known for its eight towers and operational drawbridges. Don't miss Bois Thibault Castle, a 15th-century site that regularly hosts animations and restoration projects. Other notable castles include Château de Laval, Château de Sainte-Suzanne, and Château de La Cour.

Yes, the Gallo-Roman city of Jublains offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's Roman past. You can visit well-preserved ruins including a fortress, temple, amphitheater, and thermal baths. The site also features the Jublains Museum, showcasing artifacts from the Roman era. The entire Jublains, Gallo-Roman town is a significant historical attraction.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint. As the highest point in western France, it offers a 360-degree vista from its observation tower. Another beautiful spot is the View of Montaigu, which provides tranquility and stunning scenery from a historic chapel site. The Mayenne Viaduct also offers a wooden terrace with impressive views of the river.

The Mayenne River is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and pedalo rides from May to September. The towpath along the river, including the Gravel path along the River Mayenne, offers 85 km of trails ideal for walking, cycling, and horseback riding, with serene views and opportunities for wildlife observation. It's also part of the Vélo Francette cycle path.

Absolutely! Many attractions in Mayenne are suitable for families. The Bois Thibault Castle often hosts animations and treasure hunts. The Gravel path along the River Mayenne is excellent for safe family cycling. The Refuge de l'Arche in Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne is an animal park and rehabilitation center housing over 1,500 rescued animals, which is a great family outing. The Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint and Château de Mayenne are also noted as family-friendly.

Mayenne offers a variety of hiking trails. For example, you can explore the 'The three château' loop from Lassay-les-Châteaux, an easy 6.4 km hike. The 'Mont des Avaloirs and the house of Maquis Courtemiche' loop from Champfrémont is a moderate 14.4 km trail. There's also a moderate 14.9 km loop 'Along the Lac de Haute Mayenne' from Ambrières-les-Vallées. You can find more options on the Hiking around Mayenne guide page.

Yes, the Gravel path along the River Mayenne is particularly well-suited for families, offering a car-free and scenic ride. For more cycling options, the 'Château de La Cour – Jublains, Gallo-Roman town' loop from Moulay is an easy 46 km route. You can discover additional routes on the Road Cycling Routes around Mayenne guide page.

Beyond castles, Mayenne offers diverse cultural experiences. The Jublains Museum, part of the Gallo-Roman city, showcases archaeological finds. In Laval, you can visit the Musée d'Art Naïf. The Robert Tatin Museum in Cossé-le-Vivien exhibits the artist's unique sculptures and paintings. The Chapel des Calvairiennes in Mayenne, a 17th-century chapel, now serves as an art and exhibition center.

The highest point in Mayenne, and indeed in western France, is Mont des Avaloirs, standing at 417 meters. It features an observation tower, the Mont des Avaloirs viewpoint, which provides a spectacular 360-degree view of the surrounding forests and peaks. It's part of the Normandy-Maine Regional Natural Park, making it a great spot for nature observation.

Consider visiting the Caves of Saulges, limestone geological formations containing prehistoric art, including Paleolithic-era animal drawings. The site also has a prehistory museum and hiking trails in the biodiverse Erve valley. The charming medieval town of Sainte-Suzanne, recognized as one of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages,' offers well-preserved ramparts and stunning views, making it a delightful hidden gem.

Visitors frequently praise the well-preserved historical sites, especially the castles like Lassey Castle, for their authenticity and architectural significance. The scenic beauty of the Mayenne River and its towpath, such as the Gravel path along the River Mayenne, is highly appreciated for its tranquility and suitability for cycling and walking. The diverse range of activities, from historical exploration to outdoor adventures, also contributes to a positive visitor experience.