For buying and selling property in Mayenne
The Mayenne is a department in the Loire Valley, not to be confused with either the river or the town of the same name, both of which are found within the Mayenne. This is a largely agricultural area, yet it is undoubtedly one of the most unspoilt parts of the Pays-de la Loire region. Traditional farming practices have been preserved over mass production. There are a number of interesting villages dotted throughout the department which are well worth seeking out.
Laval, home to around 55,000 people (called Lavallois), is the capital of the department. This medieval town has been a centre for trade since the 6th century. It is home to an 11th century chateau, an ancient bridge and a series of ramparts and towers, all of which are still intact. Recently, a spa dating from the 3rd century which is richly decorated with statues and paintings has been found as well.
Laval's castle, now an art museum, is in the town centre with the old town built up around it. If you head towards the church you'll come across the Perrine gardens with their fantastic views over the Mayenne River. There is a replica of the 'Firecrest' boat found here, owned by one of the town's most famous inhabitants, Alaine Gerbult.
The north of the department is part of the Parc Naturel Régional de Normandie et Maine, packed with wildlife and spread over several thousand acres of deep forests and steep hills.
The town of Mayenne has its own port on the river front which has made this a place of strategic importance in conflicts over the ages, not least in World War II. Today, visitors can hire a boat to gently explore the surroundings and try to picture the scenes of battles past.
In the south of the department you'll find Chateau Gontier, a town that has grown up around its impressive fortress. Chateau Gontier is best known for the splendid 11th Century frescoes found inside the Romanesque St. Jean Baptiste church and for being host to the largest veal market in the whole of Europe every Thursday morning.
The department is fairly close to both Paris and the northern coast which makes travelling here from the UK very easy. Options include taking the Eurostar to Paris and then catching the TGV to Le Mans or travelling by ferry to Ouistrehem (Caen), Le Havre, Cherbourg or St-Malo. If you're flying in then you have a choice between Rennes, Nantes, Angers, Tours and Paris airports.
Property prices are being pushed up by Parisians seeking a second home a short distance away. However, properties in the department are largely still affordable - for the time being at least!
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In the northern area of the Pays de la Loire region of western France, you will find the department of Mayenne.
