About
Laval is the historic capital of Mayenne, a department in western France. It sits on the Mayenne River, and its old town and hilltop château give the city much of its character. Visitors who come for a relaxed stay will find a place that rewards slow walking.
The old town and the château
The medieval quarter is the heart of a visit. Its cobbled streets wind between older houses, and the walk up toward the château gives views over the river below. The château stands above the town, so it works well as an anchor for a day of exploring: start on the heights, then drift down toward the water.
Museums and the river
Laval's museums are a good reason to linger. The Museum of Naïve Art is one of the city's best-known stops, and it suits visitors with an interest in painting outside the academic mainstream. Between visits, the riverside paths offer an easy, unhurried break, with the Mayenne running alongside the town.
Laval is part of the Loire region, and it makes a calm base for exploring this part of France at a gentler pace than the larger cities nearby. If you enjoy old streets, a river walk and a museum or two in a single afternoon, it is a straightforward and pleasant place to spend a day or more.