Laval -70 km (43 miles) from Rennes, Le Mans and Angers, and at 300 km (185 miles) from Paris, access by motor-way and train (with the TGV, the French High-Speed Train), Laval is an "easy to access" town, for tourism.
The Old Castle looks down upon the river Mayenne with its feudal architecture and massive dungeon. But in fact, the castle is only one of the elements of the Old City. The Old Castle was built in order to protect the city and especially travellers. Just down from the castle was the main street, called La Grande rue (The "Big Street"). This street goes down to the Mayenne with the Old Bridge. Of course, the castle was surrounded by moats.
Medieval Château de Laval (tower and building)
The town has about 55.000 inhabitants, called "Lavallois".
Historically, Laval was the land of a Baron, and became land of a Comte (Earl) in 1429.
Laval Population in 1990 53,478,
Significant remains of the town walls and of a town gate.
The town came together around the foundation of the castle in 1020 in its position in the march, the border lands between France and Brittany. It was built for Guy I of Dénéré who became a vassal of the Count of Maine at the end of the twelfth century, local troubles combined with the town's position on the road into Brittany led the lord of Laval to build a great round keep which still has its original hoarding.
At first the town was composed of scattered settlements such as the bourg cheverel and the bourg hersent. However, from the time of the new castle, it grew rapidly.
It was enclosed in ramparts from the thirteenth century. There were five gates in the walls of which the sole one remaining is the porte Beucheresse or gate of the woodcutters.
Les Fortifications
More than 1100 metres long and enclosing an area of over 9 hectares, this wall was flanked by 27 towers. Some striking remnants are still visible: the north and south ramparts, the Tour Renaise and the Porte Beucheresse.
Vieux Chateau
Built in the XIth and XIIIth centuries, then modified in the XIVth and XVth centuries and, finally, during the Renaissance, the Chateau still has its crypt and all its original defences: donjon and fortifications
Halte Fluvials - River Port
Located at the very heart of the town, the river stop invites you to enjoy nature and a holiday atmosphere - hire of boats per day, passenger boats.
Bateau Promenade
The excursion boat, the "Pays de Laval", will show you the charms of the Old Town from the River Mayenne. You can embark at the Halte Fluviale for the dinner or lunch package or simply for a pleasant and relaxing excursion.
