Mayenne Holiday Guide
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An idyllic destination for those seeking peace and quiet
The Mayenne, for all its rural and agricultural persona, does have some lovely heritage towns and historic monuments to visit, so you won't feel completely buried in the countryside unless you choose to be. Try to catch some of the local markets held in the towns on most days, as the department is noted for its fresh produce.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Mayenne
1. Enjoy the flowers
The department of Mayenne has an impressive 174 towns and villages listed as "Flower towns", so you can devote an entire holiday to touring these and enjoying the brilliant and fragrant floral displays and gardens.
2. Take a river cruise
Navigating the calm waters of the Mayenne River in a boat is a deeply pleasurable and relaxing way to spend a holiday, or even a day. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the countryside and get a real taste for the simple life of this lovely, tranquil region.
3. Go fishing
The department is a paradise for fishermen, with well stocked rivers and carp lakes found all over the department. Check out the need for permits before you go, or ask at the Office of Tourism in your local town for details. It is also possible to book dedicated fishing holidays in properties with privately owned lakes.
4. Cycle
It may not excite serious cyclists whose idea of a cycling holiday involves climbing a mountain every hour, but the Mayenne is an ideal cycling destination for the less ambitious, or those with children in tow. The gentle, rolling countryside and safe, quiet lanes are perfect for holidays on two wheels.
5. The caves at Saulges
Safe enough for families, the caves at Saulges are nevertheless fascinating to visit. See inside Margot's Cave and the Rochefort Cave, with traces of prehistoric existence. The more active in the party can try a little rock climbing too.
Top 5 towns and cities in Mayenne
1. Laval
The capital city of the Mayenne is Laval. One of the lesser known departmental capitals of France, this should not be seen as any reflection on its worth, as the city is massively rich in history and heritage. The mediaeval old town and castle are iconic sights of Laval, but there is a wealth of other stuff to do too. Take a river cruise, enjoy one of many museums and other cultural venues and stroll in beautiful botanical gardens.
2. Evron
Evron is an attractive town with a superb abbey church as its centrepiece, and one where you can find one of the best markets around. The area around the town is famed for its excellent beef, and there is nowhere better to buy this than fresh from the producers on the market stalls on Thursday mornings.
3. Sainte Suzanne
Sainte Suzanne is the proud holder of numerous titles, among them "One of the most beautiful villages in France", "Little City of Character", "Green station" and "Country of Art and History". These accolades alone point to the fact that this is a village well worth a visit! Sainte Suzanne is indeed beautiful, and lies in gorgeous countryside. Most of the original ramparts remain, and encircle the mediaeval centre with its castle.
4. Jublains
The village of Jublains is very pleasant, authentic and pretty, with several interesting and charming features, but it is the Gallo-Roman site on the edge of the village that makes this a "must visit" place. See the amphitheatre, where performances are still held during the summer months, the foundations of the Roman baths, the Roman temple - and enjoy sound and light shows in peak season which really bring these ancient places to life.
5. Château Gontier
Set along the banks of the River Mayenne, Château Gontier glories in a fantastic chateau, as the name of the town suggests. In addition to the chateau, the town has peaceful, mediaeval streets and original buildings, a lovely atmosphere and good shops, restaurants and other facilities. One of its more unusual attractions, and one which will certainly appeal to the younger members of the family, is the animal refuge, known as The Refuge of the Ark, where abandoned and mistreated animals are cared for. Some rather unusual animals can be seen here too, so support the good cause with a small donation, and have a delightful day out into the bargain!
Food and drink in Mayenne
The Mayenne's gastronomy involves local beef and veal, which are said to be among the best in France. The fertile earth of the department produces excellent fresh vegetables of all types, and some good wines are created here too. One dish to try, if you like mussels, is the Mayenne's very special mussels recipe, "Moules Mayenne", which involves cooking the mussels in coconut milk.
How to get to Mayenne
If you like to fly to your holiday destination, take a plane to Rennes (Flybe), Nantes (Air France, Ryanair, easyJet) or Tours (Ryanair), all in neighbouring departments. Train fans can get a TGV to Le Mans, while those who prefer the ferry and car have the choice of any of the northern ferry ports as arrival points.
