Laval

Travel Guide
Laval showing heritage elements and street scenes
Meander through the charming medieval alleys of the town center before taking a boat down the river and seeing the countryside.

The picturesque city of Laval features a Middle Age castle and overlooks the lush valley of the Mayenne River. The city has many 16th-century houses and includes forests and scenic hiking paths. Take a leisurely walk along the river in the city center to appreciate the charming architecture.

Visit the 11th-century Laval Castle to learn about the Middle Age counts of Laval. It has been recently restored to its original majesty and now houses the Museum of Naive Art. Go to the underground chapel, the oldest part of the structure.

Stroll through the city and capture photos of the remaining parts of the old fortified city walls. Find the impressive Porte Beucheresse entrance, with its twin towers and arched portal. Look around the Laval Cathedral and appreciate its Gothic design. The quaint town has several important churches, including Notre Dame des Cordeliers, Notre Dame Basilica of Avesnières and St. Venerand Church.

Discover the market in the city center, which runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Cross the medieval Old Bridge and watch the river flow, with the Laval Castle in the background. Take a boat trip and view the bridge from below.

Get away from the city with a trip to the Loire Valley, which has cycle paths and climbing trails. Travel to the Roman baths of nearby Entrammes, which were recently discovered after nearly 2,000 years in the wilderness.

The city’s name translates from old French as “the Valley,” in reference to the stunning region around the Mayenne River. The residents of this city are known as the Lavallois.

Laval is 175 miles (280 kilometers) southwest of Paris, which has the nearest major airport. It is split between the serene and picturesque province of Maine and department of Sarthe. Enjoy hot summers and cold winters with a fair amount of rain year-round.

Visit Laval as a stopping point for trips to the Loire Valley and enjoy its charming atmosphere and pretty churches.

Where to stay in Laval

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Centre-ville rive gauche

5/5(1 area review)

Though Centre-ville rive gauche might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Le Jardin de la Perrine and Cathedral of the Holy Trinity.

Centre-ville rive gauche
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Pillerie – Bootz

When in Pillerie – Bootz, you can plan a visit to Laval-Changé Golf and Le Jardin de la Perrine, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pillerie – Bootz
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Saint Pierre le Potier

When in Saint Pierre le Potier, you can plan a visit to Le Jardin de la Perrine and Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Saint Pierre le Potier
B&B HOTEL Laval Ouest
B&B HOTEL Laval Ouest
2 out of 5
Boulevard Bertrand du Guesclin, Laval, Mayenne
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,040 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
NT$2,040
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this hotel in Laval. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Aquatis and Espace Mayenne are located nearby. Discover genuine ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (489 reviews)
"I was there for an event at the stadium and this was very well positioned, Also a short 10 minute walk to the city centre so this was ideal. The staff were friendly and attentive. Breakfast was simple, but tasty. The only thing I would recommend is improving the sign on feature when the staff are ..."

Reviewed on 2023/4/28

B&B HOTEL Laval Ouest
Kyriad Laval
Kyriad Laval
3 out of 5
Boulevard Des Trappistines, Laval, Mayenne
The price is NT$2,241 per night from Apr 5 to Apr 6
NT$2,241
per night
Apr 5 - Apr 6
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Laval. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Le Jardin de la Perrine and Cathedral of the Holy ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (281 reviews)
"Clean and tidy, helpful reception. The restaurant was closed during our stay but the receptionist kindly allowed us to order in pizzas and eat them at the bar area."

Reviewed on 2019/9/30

Kyriad Laval
Hôtel Inn Design Laval
Hôtel Inn Design Laval
3 out of 5
9 Rue Charles Toutain, Laval, Mayenne
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Laval. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Aquatis and Espace Mayenne are located nearby. Discover ...
7.2/10 Good! (301 reviews)
"Super receptioniste a notre arrivee le jeudi 15. Elle etait gentille a l'ecoute etc etc! En fait sa collegue du samedi et dimanche 17 et 18 Juin pareil!! Top staff!! Bravo a eux!"

Reviewed on 2023/6/18

Hôtel Inn Design Laval
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Les Apparts de Marin
Les Apparts de Marin
13 Rue Auguste Beuneux, Laval, Pays de la Loire
Stay at this apartment in Laval. Enjoy WiFi, a terrace, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Musee du Vieux-Chateau and Cathedral of the Holy Trinity ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"The accommodations are excellent and the staff is very courteous and helpful. The apartment is roomy and comfortable with enough space to accommodate a small family. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and will look to stay at this property in the future. Thank you for a wonderful visit !"

Reviewed on 2023/10/10

Les Apparts de Marin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Laval

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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5/5 - Excellent

Sarah
Mar 22, 2019

One of the best kept secrets in France! A beautiful small walkable city with the lovely Mayenne river winding through its center. Good restaurants, cafes, arts, books, cobbled streets, nice architecture, great Saturday market, many hidden gems.