Laval

Travel Guide

Laval which includes heritage elements
Laval showing heritage elements and street scenes
Laval which includes heritage elements
Laval showing a river or creek and a bridge
Laval showing a square or plaza

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

Default Image

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 Musée du Vieux-Château.

Centre-ville rive gauche
Default Image

Pillerie – Bootz

When in Pillerie – Bootz, you can plan a visit to Espace Mayenne and Musée du Vieux-Château, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Pillerie – Bootz
Default Image

Hilard

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hilard and surrounding area, you can visit Espace Mayenne and Musée du Vieux-Château.

Hilard
Default Image

Saint Pierre le Potier

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

Saint Pierre le Potier
Kyriad Laval
Kyriad Laval
3 out of 5
Boulevard Des Trappistines, Laval, Mayenne
The price is ¥11,129 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
¥11,129
¥12,723 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star golf hotel in Laval. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Jardin de la Perrine and Cathedral ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (356 reviews)
All good at Kyriad Laval
"All good with friendly stafff. Had a 3 course evening meal at a reasonable price."

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

Kyriad Laval
B&B HOTEL Laval Ouest
B&B HOTEL Laval Ouest
2 out of 5
Boulevard Bertrand du Guesclin, Laval, Mayenne
The price is ¥9,338 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥9,338
¥10,580 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Laval. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Aquatis and Espace Mayenne are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (562 reviews)
Too hot for comfort
"The room was clean and the bed was large and comfortable. The air conditioning wasn’t working and the room was unbearable hot. Breakfast was reasonable."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2024

B&B HOTEL Laval Ouest
Best Western Hotel De Paris
Best Western Hotel De Paris
3 out of 5
22 Rue de la Paix, Laval, Mayenne
The price is ¥11,440 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
¥11,440
¥13,065 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Laval. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Musée du Vieux-Château and Cathedral ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (349 reviews)
Great location
"Reception extremely helpful and friendly"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Best Western Hotel De Paris
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.
 Duplex apartment near TGV station and town center completely renovated
Duplex apartment near TGV station and town center completely renovated
Laval
Book a stay at this golf apartment in Laval. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and memory foam beds. Popular attractions Musée du Vieux-Château and Cathedral ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (36 reviews)
Always a friendly welcome
"This is our third stay here, it is just perfect for our needs.Thank you Dom"

Reviewed on May 12, 2025

Duplex apartment near TGV station and town center completely renovated
Le Solférino - Balcon - Parking - Wifi
Le Solférino - Balcon - Parking - Wifi
Laval
Stay at this apartment in Laval. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Musée du Vieux-Château and Cathedral of ...
Le Solférino - Balcon - Parking - Wifi
Le Mazagran - Wifi - Terrasse - Centre
Le Mazagran - Wifi - Terrasse - Centre
Laval
Stay at this vacation home in Laval. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Musée du Vieux-Château and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Maison bien située
"Besoin d'aller à Laval pour garder les petits enfants car l'un des parents était hospitalisé. Top au niveau literie mais il manquait le lave linge et le sèche linge précisés dans l'annonce. Pas d'aspirateur non plus. Vaisselle un peu limite pour 10 personnes. Pas de grand plat pour le four ( nous ..."

Reviewed on Feb 24, 2025

Le Mazagran - Wifi - Terrasse - Centre
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
1
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Sarah

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.