For details of the attractions in the area visit the Mayenne tourist board English website www.mayenne-tourisme.com/en/Discover

As you will discover, there is plenty to see and do in the local area. The small market towns of Gorron and Ambrieres les Vallees are close by and you will find all your provisions in the supermarkets. There is a good French market at St. Hilaire de Harcouet every Wednesday about 30 mins away and also a great street market in Fougeres on Saturdays.  

St. Fraimbault (10 mins) – A floral village which is full of flowers and flower displays. There is also a lake, with picnic and play area. There is also a tour round local farms producing Cider (Cidre) and pear cider (poire) and offering tastings (degustation).

Lassay Les Chateaux (20 mins) – A lovely village with its own town rose garden, it also has some nice cafes and an interesting castle. There is also a local tourist information office.

Jardins des Renaudies (20 minutes) – gardens (over 3000 plants), children’s play area, maze, and museum.

Mayenne (25 minutes) – large town with chateau containing museum, also large basilica. Also range of small shops and cafes.

Domfront (25 minutes) – Medieval town centre, castle and nearby abbey. (see leaflets). Also local forest for walks, picnics.

Bagnoles de L’Orne (30 minutes) – Thermal spa town, with boating lake, restaurants, local walks etc.

Parc Naturel  Regional Normandie-Maine Large regional park area. (Covers area from Ambrieres see leaflet for details). Park information centre (Maison de Parc) at Carrouges (45 minutes). There is also an interesting Chateau at Carrouges.

Jublains (35 minutes) – Roman town with baths, amphitheatre, town layout, castle and museum.

Juvigne (40 minutes) – Museum of the Agricultural revolution and floral village.

Fougeres (45 Minutes) – Largest medieval fortress in Europe and large town also good shopping.

Sainte Suzanne (45 minutes) – Castle and exhibition centre

Le Mans (90 minutes) - 15th & 16th Century town centre, magnificent cathedral. Plus Le Mans 24 hour race track and museum

Rennes (90 minutes) - Beautiful medieval town centre but also good modern shops.

Other activities

Parc des Loisirs de Vaux at Ambrieres there is a park with an outdoor pool (July & August) with tennis, boats, crazy golf, bike and kayak hire.

Walking, cycling – There are a number of walks, cycle paths around the area and we have maps showing a number of them.

Fishing - There are lots of sites for fishing including nearby Rivers, Mayenne and Varenne and the Lac du Haute Mayenne. We now have our own Freshwater Angling Consultant who can advise on good local sites for all sorts of fish and where to get permits etc. Please contact us for further details on your requirements.

Golf – There is a municipal 9 hole course at Bagnoles and a full 18 hole course at Laval.

Bird watching – There are birds to be seen, including barn owls from La Godefrere and the surrounding fields. If you want more information about places to see birds ask Graham for up to date local information.

We also have a large number of local tourist leaflets describing in more detail the attractions listed

An hour and half away is the coast and Mont St Michel with its wonderful monastery and well worthy of a day out. The Normandy beaches are also only an couple of hours from here.

Restaurants

The Coquelicot in Place de l’eglise, St. Fraimbault is very nice and is only 10 minutes away.  It also has, unusually for France,  a vegetarian option on the menu. Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 10pm and Tuesday midday only. Telephone 02.33.37.65.10

Restaurant Relais de la Varenne, 2 Rue Notre Dame, Ambrieres Les Vallees. 15 minutes serves pizzas and a French a la carte and fixed price menu. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and open from 7pm in the evening. Open Sunday for lunch and closed on Monday. Also serves takeaway pizza. Telephone

L’eveil des sens – 1 star Michelin restaurant, 429 Boulevard Paul Lintier 53100 Mayenne. Suitably expensive but worth it for a real treat. Superb French food.  Closed Sunday evening and Monday and Tuesday lunch time. Lunch 1200 to 1300 and Dinner 1930 to 2100  www.restaurantleveildessens.fr/ .               Telephone 02.43.30.42.17

La Marjolaine, , La Bas-Mont, 53100, Mayenne. This is an excellent restaurant which is on the main road from Mayenne to Laval. It can also be reached from the riverside path which runs alongside the Mayenne River, and they welcome walkers. There is a gastronomic menu but also on weekdays a “bistro” menu:  2 course for 16.90 euros or 18.90 euros for 3 courses. See their website - www.lamarjolaine.fr/. Telephone 02.43.00.48.42

The Briccius at Brece  - Only 15 minutes from here. Daily fixed price menu. 3 courses including wine, cider and coffee (Only 12.50 Euros). Good choice of food and excellent quality and value. You can also combine this with a lovely walk along the River Colmont Valley. See leaflet for more details. Telephone 02.43.00.59.04

 

The Chateau at Mayenne