The Mayenne preserves in the heart of its valleys unsuspected wealth and a unique way of life. Its breathtaking nature, its rivers and lakes, its heritage have shaped the Mayennais spirit that defends the love of truth, direct contact with the land and the sincerity of relationships.
With landscapes made of hills, forest, a gentle countryside shaped by man, punctuated here and there with mansions and castles, the valleys of the Mayenne and its inhabitants welcome you for stays where you will take the time to live.
It is impossible not to succumb to the charm of the Erve Valley, classified Natura 2000 thanks to its preserved natural environment. You will be impressed by the Saulges Canyon, and fall under the charm of old stones and picturesque villages like the medieval city of Sainte Suzanne.
Local specialties
Mayenne gastronomy is rich in local products.
Start your tasty culinary adventure by strolling between the well-stocked stalls of our markets: farm cheeses, organic breads, beers and homemade jams, fresh fruits and vegetables ... Then, crack for the Mayenne pie.
Cooked with Mayenne products (apples, beef and cheese Entrammes), it is now an iconic recipe. Accompany it with the cider and perry of the talented Eric Bordelet and his traditional biodynamic method. Then, place to cheeses. Our cheeses! The "Port-Salut" of the Abbey of Port-du-Salut, the "Trappe" of the Abbey of Coudre refined by the sisters, the traditional cheese Entrammes of the Fromagerie Bio of Maine, Camembert "Bons Mayennais "... real feast! And to end on a sweet and sweet note, melt for the delights of Réauté Chocolat and Monbana.
Major events and venues
MANIFESTATIONS :
For a festive and collective sharing, place to the music. She is here in the spotlight with more than 20 festivals a year !
In May, listen to what you like between the Festival Ateliers Jazz de Meslay-Grez where Eliane Elias, Ibrahim Maaloud, Manu Katché rub shoulders with young local talent, and the Festival of 3 elephants that mix concerts and art shows in Laval. At the beginning of July, open your ears to the Hay Street Festival in Saint-Denis-de-Gastines, the festival of modern, eclectic and ethical music ... or at the Festival of Sacred Arts at Notre-Dame Basilica Thorn in Evron. To end the summer, in Laval, Le Chaînon Manquant introduces you to the young creation mixing theater, dance, circus, song, contemporary music, world music, young audience shows, plays, street arts. The most beautiful meetings are in Mayenne.
In summer, the festival Les Nuits de la Mayenne brings culture closer to the public, highlighting heritage through live entertainment.
PLACES TO VISIT :
The Mayenne Valley, a river to explore on foot, horseback, bicycle or boat
The Arche Wildlife Refuge
The park and the castle of Craon
Avaloirs Mount
The gardens of La Pellerine and Renaudies, The Garden of Pellerine, The Gardens of Renaudies
Jublains, Gallo-Roman city and its departmental archaeological museum
The Carolingian castle of Mayenne, one of the oldest castles in Europe
The Museum of Mayenne Castle, The Robert Tatin Museum in Cosse Le Vivien
Lassay-les-Châteaux, small town of character
Sainte-Suzanne, one of the Most Beautiful Village of France
The basilica of Evron, a pure jewel of medieval architecture
The caves and the canyon of Saulges
Touristic country of Laval
Laval, city of art and history
The Lactopole milk city in Laval, the largest dairy and cheese museum in the world
