Our Favorites

• www.lamayenne.fr

For years now, the towpath has become one of the major elements of tourism in Mayenne. For the tranquillity of a rural walk; or the sensation of a more sportive hike, on horseback, or by bike, or even for the pleasure of the exploration of a natural reserve, the towpath is accessible to all, and along the whole length of the Mayenne river – 85km are in this county. It is inescapable and it is doubtless one of the most beautiful green routes of our country.

We never grow tired of it!

For us, the most beautiful lock of the Mayenne. In a single panorama, you have a concentrated version of the Mayenne! The river and its woody hills, the castle on the hill, the mill with its wheel, the towpath for beautiful walks and a small bar and restaurant run by the lock keeper, Dominique, a colourful personality, and his wife Isabelle.

• www.grottes-de-saulges.com

An exceptional natural site, this unusual geological abnormality (there is nothing similar in the West of France) contrasts with the wooded countryside and gently sloping hills surrounding it. Formed from where the river has dug a characteristic canyon into layers of limestone, it is similar to canyons South of the Massif Central. Like them, the vegetation is of moors, dry grass, box tree and junipers, very unusual for the West of France.

The Canyon at Saulges has beautiful walking trails and is a surprising natural wonder.

• www.grandboulay.fr

We particularly like this garden of multiple atmospheres: English, Japanese, exotic, Mediterranean, aquatic and more where there is a conjugated harmony of colours and scents. Set in one and a half hectares, it has rest areas that invite you to relax in its peace and serenity.

On leaving the garden, do not forget to visit the charming forge museum in the heart of the village.

• www.jardinez.com

Almost 2 hectares abounding in perennials, it is a place where rosebushes, shrubs, rare plants play and mix. Organised into several small enclosed gardens, each has a different theme (the white garden, the path of four seasons…). It is a pleasure to go through this succession of small intimate gardens where we sometimes feel as though it is one’s own garden, and where one can dream...

• www.moulin-de-thevalles.com

What pleasure it is to listen to Paul-Henri de Vitton speaking with passion his mill. From the history, the heritage and the mechanics, he is very knowledgeable. This magnificent water mill has an exceptional mechanism on 4 levels which is put to work at every visit to create a universe with an amazing sound. For centuries, watermilles created wealth in the French countryside and the mill of Thévalles is one of last surviving bastions of a period which has regrettably passed, when we knew how to use the natural and inexhaustible energy of water.

A great encounter!

• www.moulins-a-vent.net

This is a beautiful, 3-storey windmill with a stone roof which was built in 1824, and heightened at the advent Berton wings in 1870. It was classified as a historical monument in June 1989. In spite of his age Mr Lemoine, the miller, ensures that visits are fascinating. An excellent encounter !

• www.lactopole.com

This magnificent museum tells the history of the Besnier family and the starting of the milk group Lactalis. It also goes through all the processes of how milk is collected and transformed and also of the evolution of what was a traditional and rural business to the powerful industry that it is today. It is a fascinating journey of a little more than 2 hours (that one does not notice passing!) and which gives insight into why France is the country of cheese !

• www.toiles-de-mayenne.com

A visit to the founding shop of "Toiles de Mayenne", a flagship of the furnishing textile industry, is a discovery of how the quality of a product is achieved through outstanding knowledge.

After visiting the shop, we recommend a walk through this charming village nested in the greenery of the Salair woods.
Why not also take a food stop in one of the best restaurants of the department, the restaurant “La Forge” situated on the village square (see our Restaurant choice information for advice and booking).

The ‘Earth Fair’ is held each year at the beginning of September. The Fair is geared towards the ecology and climate with exhibitions and displays. During the Fair is the only time when visits to the factory and the Cistercian abbey are possible.

• www.refuge-arche.org

The Refuge is set up as a reserve and only shelters animals in difficulty: abandoned, old, sick, wounded, mistreated. Children love it! There are more than just cats, dogs or rabbits...

A very pleasant family outing.

• http://ferteclairbois.com

Not far from the medieval city of Saint-Suzanne, Gilles Raab, an artist fascinated by chivalry has replicated a 13th century castle-fort. It is a real medieval fort with a house, wooden towers, dove house, forge, chapel, cow sheds, round route, herb garden, a (now fenced) moat with a drawbridge and a dungeon where damsels and gallants roam in clothes of the period.

The ‘Sire of Clairbois’ has cavalry displays, much to the joy of the small, and the big !

• http://www.st-loup-du-gast.mairie53.fr

Starting in a charming village, an unusual stroll takes you to a wooden road on the old rail line from Laval to Caen. Using a track inspection railcar (transformed into a sort of big 4 wheel bike) you pedal as a family along 6 kilometres. This round trip guarantees smiles and laughs as you cross another track inspection railcar on this unique route! During this escapade, you will discover the typical landscape of the Mayenne overhanging the river on the viaduct at Rosserie.

A great family moment !