Mayenne's historical sites include medieval castles, fortresses, religious buildings, and museums. The natural areas consist of Mont des Avaloirs, the prehistoric caves of Saulges, public gardens, and parks. Visitors can explore military and civil architecture from the 9th to the 18th century, art collections, archaeological sites, and natural landscapes typical of the region.
Laval, Mayenne, France
This 4-hectare municipal park contains a rose collection and paths lined with 100-year-old lime trees. The gardens feature rare plant species, a French formal section and an orangery used for exhibitions.
Sainte-Suzanne, Mayenne, France
This 11th-century castle features a central keep and fortified stone walls. From its position, the fortress looks down upon the old houses and streets of the medieval town.
Lassay-les-Châteaux, Mayenne, France
Built in the 15th century, this castle maintains its original defensive structures with eight circular towers, an entrance fortification and an operational drawbridge.
Cossé-le-Vivien, Mayenne, France
The former residence of the artist now exhibits his large sculptures and paintings. His works display influences from different cultures and global artistic traditions.
Laval, Mayenne, France
A fortress from the 11th century positioned on a rocky promontory above the Mayenne river, featuring strong defensive walls and watchtowers.
Saulges, Mayenne, France
Geological formations in limestone contain prehistoric art within their chambers, including animal drawings and engravings from Paleolithic period inhabitants.
Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, Mayenne, France
Former religious building from the 17th century now serves as an educational center for music and dance studies, maintaining its original architectural elements.
Pré-en-Pail-Saint-Samson, Mayenne, France
Highest point in western France at 417 meters, includes an observation tower measuring 16 meters that provides visibility over the regional landscape.
Saint-Sulpice, Mayenne, France
A 17th-century manor house surrounded by geometric gardens located along the Mayenne River.
Sainte-Suzanne, Mayenne, France
A natural hill offering views of the medieval village of Sainte-Suzanne, the ramparts, and the surrounding countryside of Mayenne.
Laval, Mayenne, France
The main square in the medieval center of Laval, bordered by the 16th-century Château-Neuf and the entrance of the 12th-century Old Castle.
Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, Mayenne, France
A municipal green space by the Mayenne with flower beds, century-old trees, and walking paths for strolling.
Craon, Mayenne, France
An 18th-century residence featuring ornate enfilade parlors, a 100-hectare park, and geometrical gardens inspired by Le Nôtre.
Chémeré-le-Roi, Mayenne, France
This 16th-century water mill still operates to produce flour. Visitors can observe the traditional mechanisms across its four floors.
Évron, Mayenne, France
A religious monument built in the 11th century on a Benedictine abbey, its construction continued until the 16th century with architectural additions of Romanesque, Gothic, and classical styles.
Jublains, Mayenne, France
Set of constructions dating back to the Gallo-Roman period, including fortifications, baths, and a 3rd-century temple.
Mayenne, France
A 15th-century lordly residence converted into a guesthouse, surrounded by a wooded two-hectare park.
Château-Gontier, Mayenne, France
Animal park and rehabilitation center established in 1974, housing over 1500 animals from 150 different species.
Mayenne, France
A 15th-century structure with moats filled with water, offering guest rooms and a schedule of classical music concerts.
Mayenne, France
A 17th-century monument with French-style gardens serving as an exhibition venue for contemporary artists.
Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, Mayenne, France
A 16th-century religious building with a vaulted nave and medieval stained glass, located in the heart of the city.
Pontmain, Mayenne, France
A neo-Gothic monument built between 1873 and 1877 on the site of a Marian apparition, featuring stained glass and a crypt.
Mayenne, Mayenne, France
A 9th-century medieval fortress presenting archaeological collections and ancient gaming pieces in its restored rooms.
Laval, Mayenne, France
Built in the 11th century to connect both banks of the Mayenne River, this 70-meter stone bridge provides a view of the Château de Laval.
Laval, Mayenne, France
Housed in the Old Castle since 1967, the museum exhibits over 500 works by self-taught painters from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Laval, Mayenne, France
Built in 1925 in an Art Deco style, characterized by blue and gold mosaic decorations on the façade.
Laval, Mayenne, France
A 11th-century religious monument rebuilt in the 16th century, notable for its 72-meter bell tower combining Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Mayenne, France
Mechanical recreation center offering mini-tank driving on a special course and outdoor lasertag games. The site features a picnic area.
Laval, Mayenne, France
Permanent and temporary collections offer interactive experiences in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. The museum organizes educational workshops for school groups.
Mayenne, France
A 3.5-hectare flower park containing local and exotic plants, a traditional vegetable garden, and a corn maze. Paths allow for exploration of different themed areas.
Sainte-Suzanne, Mayenne, France
This historic mill produces handmade paper using traditional 18th-century methods. Visitors can watch the manufacturing process and period machines in operation.
