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A city of art and history
Classified as town of art and history, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, Laval is the principal city of the Mayenne department in north-western France. Built around its castle, in the 11th century, Laval has still many of its fortifications intact, and the great chateau, with its distinctive round tower, remains an impressive sight. The River Mayenne runs beside the town and much of the life of Laval centres on this lovely river, especially in the summer. All around the town is the gentle, pastoral landscape of the region, whose rolling fields, pretty woodland and tranquil lakes all set the tone for this peaceful, friendly capital city.
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Rich heritage
The rich heritage of Laval makes it a fascinating place for anyone who enjoys discovering the history and culture of La Belle France. Laval has a fairytale chateau, mediaeval walls and gateways, a charming old quarter and a lovely cathedral, the Cathedral of the Trinity, with its interesting wall paintings and stone carvings. Then there is the beautiful Basilica Notre Dame d’Avesnieres, notable for its magnificent steeple, and the Perrine Gardens with the replica of Alain Gerbault’s boat, “the Firecrest”.
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Festival of Naïve Art
There is a truly unusual art festival held in Laval. This, the Festival of Naïve Art, is a celebration of modern primitivism, and even if you are not an art buff you will find this a fascinating event.
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Messing about on the river…
The River Mayenne is an integral part of life in Laval. In the summer season (which tends to extend rather longer than summer in Britain usually does!), you will find that many Lavellois take to the river in boats, kayaks and canoes… it’s a great way to keep cool, and to enjoy a little healthy activity too. The riverside is also a favoured place for walkers, horse riders, cyclists and picnickers.
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Sports for all
Laval is a haven for golfers too, as there is a 27-hole course here… so you can follow that little white ball to your heart’s content. If you like your sports fast and furious you may be well advised to try the excellent go-karting track near to Laval. And if you are a keen equestrian you should take in a visit to the National Centre for Equitation at Saumur, where the internationally renowned Cadre Noir is based.
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The surrounding area
The area close to Laval is also well worth a little of your time. Both the great city of Rennes and the famous motor racing town of Le Mans are close at hand, and even the most determined “non sight-seeing” gentleman will probably enjoy a visit to the motor racing museum at Le Mans. Although Laval is inland, it is actually only a couple of hours drive from the fabulous beaches of the Vendée, and the popular island of La Rochelle, so a day at the seaside is a definite possibility.
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How to get there
To reach Laval you can fly with budget airline Ryanair to either Dinard or Tours, both at around an hour and a half’s drive away from the town. Dinard is also served by the airline Aurigny. Rennes also has an airport with flights to and from the UK with flybe and Aer Lingus. The ferry ports of Normandy (Ouistreham (Caen), Cherbourg, Le Havre) and Brittany (St Malo) are within very reasonable driving distance, and the TGV stop in the town means that rail travel is another realistic option. Paris to Laval takes only an hour and a half by TGV.
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Property prices and availability in and around Laval
Properties in Laval and the surrounding areas are still quite reasonably priced, especially when compared with many other areas of France. The region is quite unspoiled, with a rural lifestyle being the norm, even around the larger towns such as Laval. Renovation properties are available at the time of writing, with barn conversions and country style cottages being particularly sought after.
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WHERE IS LAVAL?Laval is found in inland north-western France, in the west of the Mayenne department.
Laval Property Mapnew
IN THE REGION OF PAYS DE LA LOIRE
Pays de la Loire Guide
Pays de la Loire Mapnew
IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MAYENNE
Mayenne Guide
Mayenne Mapnew
Population: 51,000
Access:
By air: Fly into Rennes, Dinard or Tours. By boat: The town is around a three hour drive from the ferry ports of St Malo, Cherbourg, Ouistreham (Caen) and Le Havre. By rail: Laval has a TGV station, so train travel is quick and easy.
Economy:
There is a typically varied big city economy. Traditionally based on fine linens, it now encompasses iron foundries, technology, food technology, production of veterinary pharmaceuticals and dairy industries.
Interesting fact:
The town was the birthplace of the famous sailor, Alain Gerbault, and in the beautiful Perrine Gardens the town have built a replica of his boat, “the Firecrest”, there in his honour.
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HOTELS IN LAVAL
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3/5