Car Hire in Mayenne

Consisting of three main towns, the area of Mayenne is located in theLoireValley, just on the outskirts ofNormandy, and is named after the river Mayenne which beautifully sweeps through the area. The villages in the Mayenne region are best known for their floral displays, and Juvigne has won the European gold medal for its floral beauty.

The region itself is quite spread out, and the best way to get around is to hire a car. With a over 230 towns and villages to visit, you won’t be short of places to go, and some of the towns in the area are among the most beautiful we’ve ever seen.

One of those towns is Laval, which is split in two by the river and has two stunning bridges, with houses along the banks, and an 11th century chateau on the river banks to visit.

Places to see when hiring a car in Mayenne

Villages of Mayenne

Famous for their floral displays and Romaneque ruins, previously mentioned Juvigne is a stunning village for flowers, while St-Leonard-des-Bois has a stunning Romanesque church and St-Ceneri-le-Gerei has a similar church complete with 12th century frescoes.

Laval

This stunning riverside town has a stunning 11th century chateau to visit, and with its medieval defences still intact makes a great place to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Also complete with restaurants, bars, cafes and shops it’s a good place to visit for the day.

The old town in particular is full of attractions, with our favourite being the cathedral, which is full of Aubusson tapestries. Also worth a visit is the floating museum, Bateau-Lavoir St-Julien which is one of the world’s last remaining floating laundries.

Joublain

If you’re interested in Roman history then this is a great site to visit. Regarded as the largest Gallo Roman site inWestern Europe, this site is open to the public and has thermal baths, a theatre, fortress and temple still intact.

Ste-Suzanne

Another beautiful village, this quiet location is on the top of the hills, and features a 10th century chateau that once repelled an attack by William the Conqueror. There is a more modern castle from the 17th century to visit as well, and a museum of local history.

Tatin Musuem

Located to the south of the area, at La Frenouse is the Tatin Musuem, a museum of works by Robert Tatin who was an artist who spent five years travellingSouth America. As a result much of his work has a strong Aztec influence, and is well worth a visit.

Chateau-Gontier

Another stunning village, Chateau-Gontier is famous for the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste which has a vaulted wooden nave, and a crypt. Also at the site is the Ursuline Convent with a theatre and an animal refuge centre.