Mayenne

Visit Mayenne

Between Brittany, Normandy and the Loire, the Mayenne region loses out in tourist numbers to its famous neighbours - a chance to enjoy French towns, history and countryside in peace and tranquility!

Selected places to visit in Mayenne

The Mayenne department is located in northern France, in the Pays-de-la-Loire region, with Normandy immediately to the north and Brittany immediately to the west. Note, the town of Mayenne is also found in the department of the same name.

Many visitors are draw to the quiet waters of the Mayenne River, either by taking a boat trip along the river itself or by following the towpath alongside (typically on foot or bike), all options offering a chance to appreciate the scenic attractions of the department to the full

Some of the highlights to visit in the Mayenne department include:

• the abbey-church of Notre Dame l'Epine at Evron
• the historical town, castle and cathedral at Laval
• the Roman site of Jublains
• the picturesque village of Sainte-Suzanne, one of the classified 'most beautiful villages in France'
• the cave system at Saulges

The main tourist region in the Mayenne is known as the 'Coëvrons-Mayenne region of art and history' and groups together many of these popular destinations (Jublains, Mayenne, Sainte-Suzanne, Evron and Saulges) along with the natural attractions of the department, such as the Erve River, the Coevron hills and the Charnie forest, and several other small churches and villages.

See also the extensive views from the Mont-des-Avaloirs. Much of the department is quite flat so the views from here are very far reaching.

Castles, monuments and attractions in Mayenne

There are an impressive five towns in the Mayenne department that have received 4* awards - the highest award granted - as 'villes fleuri' (towns in bloom). These towns are Chateau-Gontier, Coudray, Juvigné, La Cropte and Saint-Loup du Gast. Many other towns and villages in the department also take part in the contest and have also received awards - the Mayenne takes its flowers very seriously! not unrelated there are also several impressive public parks and gardens to enjoy, such as those at Colombiers-du-Plessis (the Jardins des Renaudies).

Saulges and Saint-Suzanne are also listed as 'little cities of character' - others with this classification in the Mayenne department include Chailland, Lassay-les-Chateaux, Parné-sur-Roc, Saint-Dennis d'Anjou and Saint-Pierre-sur-Erve.

A couple of the most important castles in Mayenne can be seen at Bourgon and Mezangers.

See a list of all Mayenne communes

Page in French? See Mayenne (Francais)