Eat, drink, explore
Magical Mayenne
& the country that surrounds it
If you've fallen in love with the French countryside on your visit to the Chateau, you're in for a treat. Here are the hidden gems we adore. Gathered for you to wander at your own gentle pace.
Where would you like to wander?
Medieval towns and fairytale castles, quiet valleys, riverside lunches and a glass of something local, Mayenne reveals itself slowly.
Choose a mood below, or simply scroll and let it
surprise you.
STEP BACK IN TIME
History & Ancient Sites
Long before the Chateau, Mayenne was Roman, and older still. These are the places where the centuries feel close enough to touch.
Jublains
Roman Mayenne, hiding in plain sight. Wander the bathhouse ruins and fortress walls, then lose a happy hour in the museum. The town of Noviodunum has been welcoming visitors for two thousand years.
Grottes de Saulges
A spectacular prehistoric valley with the only decorated cave in Western France, a fascinating museum, and views that beg for a picnic. Take a hike, bring a blanket, and make an afternoon of it.
Vallée de l'Erve
Old mills, tiny chapels and timeless rural landscapes around Saulges. Charming little Saint-Jean-sur-Erve is the must-see. A perfect marriage of history and nature.
Local Eateries
A little pizza spot in the heart of the valley by the river, perfect after a Saulges hike. Find out more
Right in the heart of the medieval centre. Find out more
FRESH AIR & FAR HORIZONS
The Great Outdoors
Gentle woodland strolls, breathless hilltop views and a few well-kept local secrets. All best enjoyed slowly, ideally with a picnic.
Le Mont des Avaloirs
The highest point in western France, crowned by an observation tower with views for miles. Our tip: time it for sunset, utterly unforgettable.
Montaigu Hill & Chapel
For one of the finest panoramas in all of Mayenne, climb to the hilltop chapel near Hambers. Worth every step.
Bois de l'Huisserie
Peaceful woodland made for a morning walk, run or cycle. Hire a bike, pack a picnic, and let the quiet do the rest.
Bois de Coupeau
A green valley with a breathtaking view near Laval. Shaded, family-friendly paths, picnic spots and bicycles welcome. The riverside Moulin de Coupeau serves through the sunny months.
Chammes to Sainte-Suzanne
One of the loveliest hikes in the region. For the picture of the Sainte-Suzanne fortress, make for the Tertre de Ganne on foot, or there's a car park if you'd rather save your legs.
Circuit de l'Oratoire
An 8.5km circular riverside walk near Saulges to a tiny chapel at Saint-Cénéré. One of Mayenne's most poetic, peaceful corners, tucked deep in the countryside. Walking duration 2 - 3 hours.
Local Eateries
Only open during sunny season. Find out more
A Cosy City Trip
Charming Towns & Villages
The very best way to enjoy them? Spend half a day wandering with no plan at all, the French way.
Laval
The ideal slow French-city stop. Timber-framed streets, a hilltop castle, free art museum, and waterside terraces. Markets Tuesday & Saturday mornings. Visit the Promenade Charlotte d'Aragon medieval-style walking trail.
Sainte-Suzanne
Officially one of the most beautiful villages of France, and it looks the part. Cobbled streets, ancient walls and postcard views. Made for a peaceful afternoon with a sweet treat in hand.
Chailland
Stone houses, flower-filled streets and dramatic rocky cliffs. With its old bridge, church and riverside paths, it's a glorious spot for photographs, a coffee
or a slow countryside afternoon.
Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne
A lovely riverside town of gardens and galleries. Stroll through narrow cobbled streets with timber-framed houses. Visit the art and history museum or come on Thursday morning for the market.
Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve
A tiny, very old village absolutely worth the detour. Stone houses and narrow lanes that feel frozen in a gentler century. Perfect for a quiet stroll and a photograph or two.
Musée Robert Tatin
Step into the surreal world of a visionary artist. Colourful, whimsical buildings and sculptures blending art, architecture and pure imagination. Truly unique, and rather inspiring.
Local Eateries
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Fusion tapas and cocktails right on the river. Find out more
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Homemade burgers and fries to die for in the old centre. Find out more
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Eat or stay beside the river and the Notre-Dame d'Avesnières basilica. Find out more
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Eat or stay beside the river and the Notre-Dame d'Avesnières basilica. Find out more
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Lunch (and a drink) while your bike is serviced. Wonderfully original. Find out more
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A traditional French village table. Find out more
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Located in a historic monument, the decor is truly authentic, a good spot to enjoy a friendly atmosphere. Find out more
Life at a slower pace
On & Along The Water
The Mayenne river drifts gently through the heart of the region. Walk it, cycle it,
paddle it. Or simply dine beside it and watch it go by.
The Chemin de Halage
A flat, scenic tow-path running right along the river. Made for family promenades, runs and gentle cycling past charming bridges and riverside cafés. Why not hire a tandem for the occasion?
Treasure Hunt on the Mayenne River
The Captain's Challenge is a nautical treasure hunt to be enjoyed in a kayak, canoe or paddle, with friends or family. The aim is to solve 6 riddles along a 5-kilometre route on the river Mayenne at Château-Gontier.
Waterside fun at La Rincerie
From April to October, this large lake becomes a playground for sailors and sailing enthusiasts. A lovely spot offering sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.
Riverside tables & guinguettes
Restaurant, bar, live music and room to dance by the water. Find out more
A bucolic little spot, perfect on a cycling day. Find out more
A drink and a river view while your bike is checked over. Find out more
Truly charming, and feels just like a holiday.Find out more
Medieval vibes & storybook towns
Medieval Castles
If it was the Chateau that first stole your heart, these will feel like coming home. Drawbridges, turrets and fairytales made of stone.
Château de Lassay
One of the most beautiful medieval castles in western France. Perfect towers, a drawbridge and a lake reflection straight from a fairytale, with a charming village gathered around it.
Château de Mayenne
A fascinating castle housing a museum of medieval life, with immersive exhibitions that bring the Middle Ages vividly to life. Wonderful for families and history lovers alike.
Château de Craon
Often called the "little Versailles of Mayenne". The English-style park, planted in 1830, offers a wealth of plant species, and numerous vantage points overlooking the château and the far reaches of the park, making for a truly romantic stroll.
Local eateries
Creative, traditional cooking before you explore the fortified centre. Find out more
Savoury galettes and sweet crêpes, the French way. Find out more
A true French gastronomic experience. Find out more
A very small yet charming Greek fast (but delicious) food restaurant to enjoy a proper kebab. Find out more
Nice pub food and drinks. Find out more
fancy a tipple
For The Wine Lovers
As wine lovers ourselves, we couldn't resist sharing our favourite addresses. From cosy cellars to a tasting afloat on the river.
Wine & cheese, afloat
Toast the Mayenne with a wine and cheese tasting on a boat drifting down the river itself. Book through the Laval Tourism centre.
Domaine du Pin
An outstanding, rather secretive domaine near Meslay-du-Maine, where every tasting feels like a discovery. Do arrange your visit in advance.
Raisins d'Être, Saint-Jean-surMayenne
Nicolas Nezan's B&B is also a cellar, so you can taste a glass at the owner's own table and if you've one too many, simply stay the night. Contact to book.
In Laval, & your own private tasting
A cosy, passion-run spot for a drink, a bite and excellent local bottles to take home. Find out more
Superb choices, including some really good Mayenne natural wines. Find out more
A young independent winemaker crafting organic, natural local wines. Email him for cellar visits and tastings. Get in touch
For the animal lovers
Animal Encounters
Two gentle, heartfelt refuges where rescued creatures are cared for. Meaningful visits for grown-ups and little ones alike.
Refuge de l'Arche
Travel back in time to discover craftsmanship from prehistoric times onwards.
great fun with the kids
With The Little Ones
From enchanted forests to splashy lakes and proper theme park adventures. Plenty to keep small explorers (and big ones) delighted, whatever the weather.
Forest of Brocéliande
A truly magical place of woodland trails and Arthurian legend - for children (or grown-ups) who still believe in Merlin. Book a storytelling guided tour.
Gué de Selle
Forest, lake, cycling and walking paths and a generous spread of outdoor and water-based activities. All wrapped in nature.
Papéa Park
A family amusement park with rides and shows for the brave and the not-so-brave a guaranteed day of squeals and giggle.
Archeo-ferme l'Etinbulle
Travel back in time to discover craftsmanship from prehistoric times onwards.
Let's go a bit further
Further Afield
From our quiet corner of France, the road leads to storybook towns, the sea, an island abbey — and all the way to Paris. Here's how far each adventure lies.
A little further from The Chateau
A dream for medieval romantics. Colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets with a touch of film-set magic. Don't miss the peaceful public garden. Find out more