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Motorhoming in Mayenne
Motorhoming in Mayenne
Mayenne is perhaps one of the least known of the five departments of the Pays de la Loire. This department, a keen participant in France’s category ‘town of flowers’ offers some interesting towns and plenty of châteaux to visit and perhaps takes its charm from the fact that it is less exploited than other departments. If you’re looking for a destination where there aren’t quite so many folks on the road when hiring a motorhome in England or hiring a motorhome in France, Mayenne is perhaps for you.
Laval has become since the 11th century the biggest town in Mayenne. La Porte Beucheresse is the only remaining of the five grand gateways into the city but if you follow the ‘promenade de Anne d’Allègre’ you will discover the signs of the heritage of this ancient city built on the banks of the river Mayenne. The château, which started out life in the 13th century, houses the courts in the part added during the Renaissance. The town developed around the industry of linen bleaching but it was the construction of the viaduct and the arrival of the railway in 1855 which boosted its development and created the existing link with Paris. It was during this period that the sumptuous private hotels were built at the exterior of the old town. Take a walk along the quays where you will discover much of the town’s history.
Lassay les Châteaux has managed to preserve one of its three châteaux architecturally in tact. It’s sure that this impressive fortress was dissuasive when considering an attack. Its original draw bridge was replaced by a stone bridge in 1749 and its eight towers make up part of the ramparts which protected the inner courtyard. The village of Lassay les Châteaux is equally worth a visit and following its historic route will help you to discover all of the treasures hidden along its little streets.
It was the Benedictine monks who decided in 1007 to build a château which was the foundation for the development of the town of Château Gontier. A prosperous little town developed around the château and the priory until Richelieu razed the château to the ground in 1628. The town made a comeback and had its golden age during 16th and 17th centuries. If you wander through this agreeable town today you will see all the remaining clues of this glorious period in the history of Château Gontier.
While travelling around Mayenne, use the free Aires de Service for you over night stops or just to take a break before continuing motorhoming in Loire Atlantique, motorhoming in Sarthe, motorhoming in Ille et Vilaine or motorhoming in Basse Normandie.
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