Set in a calm and pleasant atmosphere, far from the beating track of the busy tourist regions, Laval is a city of
history and of art. Home to several figures in French history including Henri Julien Félix Rousseau nicknamed Douanier Rousseau the painter
who exhibited around the world; Alfred Jarry, the poet, novelist and playwright; Alain Gerbault the mariner, businessman and amateur tennis
player who died in Indonesia; Robert Tatin, the artist whose family set up a museum in Cossé-le-Vivien, the town he later adopted as his home;
and Ambroise Paré, the surgeon and anatomist. With a list as this, do not miss out on absorbing the rich history as well as the beauty of this
city.
We suggest starting your visit with a walk along the river bank and be guided to what you discover as this little known city reveals itself
to you. Cross the old bridge at the foot of the old chateau with its imposing wall to discover the old town and its old beam houses. On
Saturday mornings, farmers come to sell their own produce such as vegetables, eggs, chicken and more at the traditional market in the
Cathedral square. This is an opportunity not to be missed to discover Mayennaise produc from cheese to foie gras, and if you fancy trying
a typical local specialty, why not try a galette saucisse ?
Office of Tourism of Laval (and the surroundings) (1 allée du Vieux Saint-Louis - 02.43.49.46.46). Not satisfied with simply providing
information and brochures about local sites, the staff will also suggest and organise visits to the main sites of interest in Laval.
