All too often considered as a city of passage between the Parisian capital and the Breton coasts, Laval is nevertheless well worth a visit. Between culture and history, nature and dynamism, Laval is undoubtedly a choice detour for those who dream of an authentic vacation far from the classic tourist routes. Museums, parks, gardens, restaurants, hiking trails, here, everyone will find something to suit their needs! So get out your sneakers, because Laval is teeming with sites not to be missed!
Laval is a pretty palindrome in the Pays-de-la-Loire region and is located in the Mayenne department of which it is the capital. Birthplace of the Douanier Rousseau, Laval knows how to conquer the hearts of young and old alike thanks to a charming heritage that you will have plenty of time to discover during your stay. Cut in two by the Mayenne River, Laval reveals an older part on the right bank, a bank dominated by the imposing 11th century Vieux-Château, easily identifiable thanks to its master tower built by King Philippe Auguste in the 13th century. Extended to the north by a Renaissance gallery called "Château-Neuf", they formed at the time a single large building overhanging the river. You can cross the river thanks to the 13th century bridge which spans it and which, thanks to its beautiful arches, is one of the most beautiful postcards of the city. The Mayenne River is THE star of Laval: bordered by a towpath and by the Vélo Francette, it is a perfect place to stroll for those who are looking for a bucolic and refreshing setting! On the river, you can also discover the Saint-Julien washboat: built in 1904, it is the last remaining one from that time! In the 20th century, Laval had nearly twenty washboats on its river; with its charcoal ovens, its wringer and its vats where the laundry was washed, it is now classified as a movable object of the Historic Monuments! Still in the theme of cleanliness, the municipal bath-showers are to be seen! Art-Deco style, they are easily spotted thanks to the frieze of water lilies sculpted on the front of the building, and are a real breath of elegance thanks to magnificent mosaics in a shade of blue... We love it!
Climb also on the heights of the right bank to discover the historical center where the Grande-Rue, the house of the Grand-Veneur, the hotel of Clermont or the rue de la Trinité will give you a nice overview of the local architecture made of old half-timbered houses. The large Porte Beucheresse (birthplace of the painter Henri Rousseau and vestige of the medieval wall), the splendid Jardin de la Perrine, the Sainte-Trinité cathedral, the houses of character of the left bank, the Museum of Naïve Art and Singular Arts (MANAS), the basilica of Avesnières and the high spire, the "Cité du Lait", but also the river trips on the Mayenne will give you a nice overview of the unsuspected charm of Laval which, in one way or another, is really worth the detour!
