The picturesque city of Laval features a Middle Age castle and overlooks the lush valley of the Mayenne River. The city has many 16th-century houses and includes forests and scenic hiking paths. Take a leisurely walk along the river in the city center to appreciate the charming architecture.
Visit the 11th-century Laval Castle to learn about the Middle Age counts of Laval. It has been recently restored to its original majesty and now houses the Museum of Naive Art. Go to the underground chapel, the oldest part of the structure.
Stroll through the city and capture photos of the remaining parts of the old fortified city walls. Find the impressive Porte Beucheresse entrance, with its twin towers and arched portal. Look around the Laval Cathedral and appreciate its Gothic design. The quaint town has several important churches, including Notre Dame des Cordeliers, Notre Dame Basilica of Avesnières and St. Venerand Church.
Discover the market in the city center, which runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Cross the medieval Old Bridge and watch the river flow, with the Laval Castle in the background. Take a boat trip and view the bridge from below.
Get away from the city with a trip to the Loire Valley, which has cycle paths and climbing trails. Travel to the Roman baths of nearby Entrammes, which were recently discovered after nearly 2,000 years in the wilderness.
The city’s name translates from old French as “the Valley,” in reference to the stunning region around the Mayenne River. The residents of this city are known as the Lavallois.
Laval is 175 miles (280 kilometers) southwest of Paris, which has the nearest major airport. It is split between the serene and picturesque province of Maine and department of Sarthe. Enjoy hot summers and cold winters with a fair amount of rain year-round.
Visit Laval as a stopping point for trips to the Loire Valley and enjoy its charming atmosphere and pretty churches.
