Mayenne's Castle, Medieval castle and museum in Mayenne, France
The stone fortress stands on elevated ground above the Mayenne River, featuring thick walls, defensive towers, and a central courtyard within its fortified structure.
Built around the year 1000 CE upon Carolingian foundations, the castle served as a military stronghold before its transformation into a prison until the mid-20th century.
The museum exhibits numerous medieval artifacts, including a collection of 52 backgammon pieces from the 10th century and chess figures made of bone and ivory.
The castle museum remains open throughout the year, offering guided tours, educational workshops for children, and temporary exhibitions about medieval life and regional history.
The medieval garden within the castle grounds contains historical plants categorized by their uses: medicinal, culinary, aromatic, and decorative purposes.
Location: Mayenne
Inception: 10 century
Architectural style: medieval architecture
GPS coordinates: 48.30280,-0.61810
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:44
The Pays de la Loire region is full of lesser-known sites revealing the history and diversity of this western France region. Beyond the typical tourist routes, these sites provide an authentic insight into local heritage, craft traditions, and preserved natural landscapes. Among these destinations are castles like Brissac, the tallest in France, and the fortress of Tiffauges, associated with medieval legends. History enthusiasts will appreciate the Gallery of the Apocalypse Tapestry in Angers, a 14th-century textile work, or the Fontevraud Abbey, a remarkable monastic complex. Curious visitors will also find unusual sites such as the Passage du Gois, a tidal road connecting Noirmoutier Island to the mainland depending on the tide, and the Epinay Mill, still operational today. This selection also includes specialized botanical gardens, such as Camifolia in Chemillé, thematic museums dedicated to Jules Verne or early 20th-century rural life, as well as vineyards and manors surrounded by gardens. These locations, often frequented by locals, offer a different perspective for exploring the Pays de la Loire.
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.
Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Miracles de Mayenne
157 m
Oppidum of Moulay
3.5 km
Chapelle Saint-Léonard
1.6 km
Église Saint-Martin de Mayenne
248 m
Chapelle de Loré Notre-Dame de pitié
6.2 km
Palais de justice de Mayenne
294 m
Chapelle des Calvairiennes
477 m
Église Notre-Dame de Commer
6.9 km
Hôtel Chappedelaine
476 m
Musée du Château de Mayenne
15 m
Église Saint-Cénéry de Parigné-sur-Braye
3 km
Église Saint-Fraimbault de Saint-Fraimbault-de-Prières
6 km
Building of the Savings Bank of Mayenne
290 m
Église Saint-Baudelle de Saint-Baudelle
2.7 km
Église Saint-Martin d'Aron
4.5 km
Église Saint-Pierre d'Oisseau
7.2 km
Église Saint-Martin de Contest
5.3 km
Église Saint-Martin de Moulay
3.6 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de La Bazoge-Montpinçon
4.3 km
Chapelle du Sacré-Cœur de Mayenne
757 m
Pont Mac-Racken
301 m
Écluse de Mayenne
473 m
Théâtre de Mayenne
115 m
Viaduc de la Mayenne
375 m
Barre Ducale
431 m
Pont Notre-Dame
143 m
Écluse de Saint-Baudelle
2.9 km
Écluse de Grenoux
6.3 kmReviews
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