Mayenne Town

Mayenne is about 30 minutes drive from our village; it’s a town that is tucked quietly away between southern Normandy and the Loire valley. It offers a taste of real French countryside, an old feudal town, built on hills on both sides of the River Mayenne.

The oldest castle in Europe is well worth a visit, it was built in the 9th and 12th century, it overlooks the river and has several towers, one of which has retained its conical roof. The vaulted chambers and chapel are ornamented in the style of the 13th century. From the ramparts you will discover a spectacular view of the river Mayenne, the embankment and the East Side of the Town.

There are many historical sites to see including the Church of Notre-Dame, with its statue of Joan of Arc, which dates partly from the 12th century.

Mayenne has all the large shops, which one would expect from a major town, and lots of small roads with individually owned shops, well worth a browse in the hot Summer months.

Inhabitants are called Mayennais, and the dialect is quite difficult to understand.