around Le Mans and Laval

Your getaway begins in Eure-et-Loir, along the Loir river, with a visit to the Montigny-le-Gannelon castleThis magnificent Renaissance château, surrounded by a 15-hectare park, blends charm, history, and nature. Admire the refined interiors, from the ladies' drawing room to the lively dining room, not forgetting the orangery, beautifully restored after a fire… caused by an old iron!

Continue your journey towards Châteaudun, just 12 km away. There, discover the Jehan de Dunois' castle, companion-in-arms of Joan of Arc and enjoy the view over the Loir valley from its imposing round tower.

Heading north of Eure-et-Loir, to Thiron Gardais, to discover the Royal and Military College Restored by Stéphane Bern, this historic site houses an intimate museum about its history and a superb botanical garden, perfect for a stroll. Finish with a delicious treat in the tea room, overlooking the orangery.

Then head towards Montmirailin the Sarthe region, to visit his medieval castle Built atop a charming little town. Don't miss the view over the Perche-Gouët region… or the tea room located in the stables!

On the way to Bessé-sur-Braye Discover it! Courtanvaux CastleLocated on a 68-hectare estate encompassing woods, ponds, gardens, and landscaped parkland, the history of the women who left their mark on this place, such as the Montesquiou-Fezensac family, Maman Quiou, and Marie Bibesco, will captivate you.

In the afternoon, discover the village of TrôoUnique in its kind. No traditional town center, but paths, staircases, caves, troglodyte houses and terraces carved into the tufa rock. A complete change of scenery and a true refuge when it's hot!

Setting sails for Yvré-l'Évêque, just outside Le Mans! Discover the Royal Abbey of l'Épau and its 13 hectares of verdant parkland. A jewel of Cistercian architecture, it has retained all its original buildings. Remember to book your visit online! Right next door, enjoy the photo exhibition on the mills of the Huisne.

Then, it's time to join Le Mans. Don't miss Saint-Julien Cathedral, with its superb medieval stained glass windows and rose window, as well as its architecture blending Romanesque and Angevin Gothic styles. On the Saint-Michel SquareDiscover a surprising relic: a sandstone menhir, 4,55 m, a vestige of an ancient sacred site.

Finish with a stroll in the Plantagenet city, in the heart of the medieval quarter, to explore even more treasures of Le Mans.

Discover the dungeon and gardens of Ballon Explore the medieval fortress with its guardrooms, royal chambers and dining room, for a true journey back in time.

Then stroll through the gardens classified as "remarkable gardens," where roses, peonies, and clematis bloom along an 80-meter wall. Wander through the linden avenue, the Lions' Courtyard, and the medieval garden, before enjoying an exceptional panorama from the feudal mound overlooking the Maine-Normandie Regional Natural Park and the Saône region.

Head southwest to the "land of art and history" of Coëvrons-Mayenne to visit the Sainte-Suzanne castleIts interpretation center showcases the rich heritage of the Mayenne region. Discover the courtyard, the residence of Guillaume Fouquet de la Varenne, as well as the former sheepfold and bakery. Visits are self-guided, with activities depending on the program.

Then on to Laval, an hour from here, enjoying the charming villages along the way between Sarthe and Mayenne.

For your sixth day, here you are at Laval, in Mayenne! Visit the iconic castleFounded around 1020, with its imposing 34-meter tower and Renaissance windows in tufa stone. Formerly a prison, it has housed the Museum of Naïve and Outsider Art since 1967, dedicated to original and "out of the ordinary" creations.

In the afternoon, go for a walk in the Perrine Park and to discover the local heritage: Notre-Dame d'Avesnières basilica, bathhouses, Coudre Abbey… As an option, the Cité du Lait will appeal to the whole family with its cultural space.

And it's a little further north of Laval, with the visit to the Mayenne Museum and Castle that your stay around the castles of Le Mans and Laval comes to an end. This former Carolingian residence from the 10th century, built during the reign of Charles the Simple, is one of the oldest fortified castles in Europe, superbly preserved.

Explore its rooms and staircases to immerse yourself in 2,000 years of local historyThe museum displays rare objects discovered during recent excavations: religious and domestic items, funerary furnishings, and much more. Outside, a reconstructed medieval garden adorns the upper courtyard, faithful to historical documents from the Middle Ages.

End your journey at Lassay CastleAn impressive 8th-century fortress, preserved from wars and invasions. Its eight massive towers and drawbridge make a lasting impression from the moment you enter. Inside, discover furnished rooms that tell the story of the place, from the armory to the bedrooms.

Did you know that Lassay is also linked to Saint Fraimbault, evangelizer of Maine, whose legend is said to have inspired Chrétien de Troyes for the character of Lancelot?