Laval Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful region of Pays de la Loire in France, the town of Laval offers a delightful blend of history, charm, and natural beauty. Nestled on the banks of the Mayenne River, this picturesque town is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and authentic French experience.

Laval's rich history is evident in its well-preserved medieval architecture. The imposing Laval Castle, dating back to the 11th century, dominates the skyline and offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's past. Explore the castle's impressive towers, stroll through its picturesque gardens, and immerse yourself in the stories of its former inhabitants.

For a leisurely walk, head to the historic center of Laval. The cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses create a charming atmosphere that transports you back in time. Take a moment to admire the beautiful Saint-Vénérand Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that stands as a testament to the town's religious heritage.

Nature lovers will find Laval a paradise, with its stunning natural surroundings. The Mayenne River winds its way through the town, offering opportunities for scenic boat rides or peaceful walks along its banks. The Jardin de la Perrine, a beautifully landscaped park overlooking the river, is the perfect spot for a picnic or a moment of relaxation.

Laval also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Art enthusiasts can visit the Musée d'Art Naïf, which houses an impressive collection of naïve art, or explore the contemporary exhibitions at the Lactopôle, an innovative cultural space dedicated to milk and dairy products. The town's lively calendar of events includes festivals, concerts, and theater performances, ensuring there is always something to see and do.

No visit to Laval would be complete without sampling the local gastronomy. Indulge in traditional French cuisine at one of the town's charming restaurants, where you can savor regional specialties such as rillettes, fouées, and the famous Laval cheese. Pair your meal with a glass of the renowned Anjou wines, produced in the nearby vineyards.

Alternative names: Population: 50.5 thous. (2020)Area: 13.21 mi²Elevation: 171 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°4'11"N, 0°46'10"W

Location

Pays de la LoireFrance

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Laval Top Attractions

Laval Attractions - What to See and Explore

Laval offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Jardin de la Perrine, Laval Cathedral, Musée des Sciences, Tissus d'Avesnières. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Nature and wildlife • Garden • View point
Jardin de la Perrine
The Jardin botanique de la Perrine is a botanical garden located along the river Mayenne on the Allée Adrien-Bruneau, Laval, Mayenne, Pays de la Loire, France. It is open daily without charge.
Church
Laval Cathedral
Laval Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church and a national monument in Laval, France. The cathedral has been listed since 1840 as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.
Museum
Musée des Sciences
The Musée des Sciences is a municipal museum of Laval, in Mayenne. It is located in a neo-Greek building on the edge of the Perrine garden and the Place de Hercé. It has more than 120 000 items collected since the 19th century, including...

48°3'36"N • 0°45'48"W
Tissus d'Avesnières
Bridge
Historical place • Bridge
Pont Vieux
The Pont Vieux is a bridge built over the Mayenne River in Laval. It dates from the 13th century and is the oldest bridge in the city. It remained the only bridge in Laval until the construction of the Aristide-Briand Bridge in the early 19th...
Church
Chapelle Notre-Dame de Pritz
The chapel of Pritz or chapel of Priz, located in Laval is a mainly Romanesque chapel whose construction extends from the 8th century to the 12th century.
Bridge
Pont Aristide Briand
The Aristide-Briand Bridge, formerly Pont Neuf, is a bridge built over the Mayenne River in Laval. It dates from the early 19th century and is the second oldest bridge in the city after the Pont Vieux.
Fountain
Fontaine de Patience
The Patience fountain is a fountain located in Laval, in the department of Mayenne.
Cemetery • Pedestrian street • Park
Square de Boston
The Boston square is a square in downtown Laval, in the French department of Mayenne.
48°4'9"N • 0°46'32"W
Tour Rennaise
The Rennaise tower or Renaise or sometimes called tower of the Marshal is a tower located in Laval, in Mayenne. It is one of the vestiges of the ramparts of Laval, placed at the northwestern angle. It is 23 m high and 15 m in diameter.
48°4'5"N • 0°46'12"W
Tour Belot-Oissel
The Belot-Oissel tower is a tower located in Laval, in Mayenne. It is one of the remains of the ramparts of Laval.

Day trips

Laval – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Laval, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Château de Vitré (Vitré), Château de Fougères (Fougères), Château de Châteaubriant (Châteaubriant).

21 milesW
Forts and castles, Museum, Historical place
Château de Vitré, Vitré
Nestled in the picturesque town of Vitré in northwestern France, the Château de Vitré stands as a remarkable testament to medieval architecture and history. This imposing castle, with its robust stone walls and fairy-tale turrets, transports visitors back to the...
28 milesNW
Historical place, Forts and castles, History museum
Château de Fougères, Fougères
The Château de Fougères is a castle in the commune of Fougères in the Ille-et-Vilaine département of France. The castle was built on a naturally protected site, a rock emerging from a swamp surrounded by a loop of the Nançon river acting as a natural moat.
37 milesSW
Historical place, Reportedly haunted, Forts and castles
Château de Châteaubriant, Châteaubriant
The Château de Châteaubriant is a medieval castle strongly modified during the Renaissance, located in the commune of Châteaubriant in the Loire-Atlantique département of France.
28 milesNE
Historical place, Forts and castles, Gothic architecture
Château de Lassay, Lassay-les-Châteaux
The Château de Lassay is a 15th-century castle in Lassay-les-Châteaux, in the Mayenne department.
26 milesSE
Sacred and religious sites, Church, Monastery
Solesmes Abbey, Solesmes
Solesmes Abbey or St. Peter's Abbey, Solesmes is a Benedictine monastery in Solesmes, famous as the source of the restoration of Benedictine monastic life in the country under Dom Prosper Guéranger after the French Revolution.

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Best Time To Visit Laval

Learn when is the best time to travel to Laval weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May and June are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July and August. Most of it rains in January, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Laval?

The top attractions to visit in Laval are:

What is the best time to visit Laval?

May and June are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.